Every leader would focus on achieving short term goals. But a visionary leader puts his eyes on long-term goals along with the short-term ones. Fr. GK, who is a visionary leader, knew that it is important to form the young generation in faith and spiritual ways in order to keep the community alive for posterity.
Along with the routine liturgical and spiritual activities Fr GK also started faith formation classes for children. Initially the children were gathered in houses of the faithful and catechism classes were conducted by volunteer teachers. At that time his only wish was to get a small plot to build a temporary shed where people could be gathered as well as catechism classes.
The mandate given by the MST to Fr. GK was ‘to lead the pastoral team’ of MST fathers in Pune. He commissioned his co-priests to look after others areas of Pune too. Hoping to get some financial aid, Fr. GK approached bishop Mar Joseph Pallikkaparambil of the Palai Diocese. Fr. GK begged five thousand rupees only (which was a significant sum at that time.) Instead of making a donation the bishop asked Fr GK to approach other bishops with the same request. Fr GK was hesitant as he was convinced this would not work. However, under obedience and not to offend the bishop Fr GK approached two of the bishops with disappointing results. He was more depressed about Pallikkaparambil’s response as well.
However, Bishop Joseph Pallickparambil placed this cause of the Pune Mission in the SMBC. At that time the Syro Malabar church had not become a sui juris church and did not have a curia of its own; instead it was Syro Malabar Bishop’s Conference (SMBC). He challenged the other bishops that he would contribute the same amount of money which all other bishops together would share. A few days after Bp Mankuzhikkari entrusted 5 lakhs rupees in which 3 lakhs were contributed by the diocese of Palai.
The one who wished to get just five thousand rupees to start a project is entrusted with 5 lakhs rupees. This helped him develop several centres in Pune and entrusted them to his co-priests. Fr. GK always trusted the words of Jesus, that “those who are faithful with little things, would be entrusted with grater duties”. The unexpected financial assistance helped the dreams fly high and Fr. GK searched for larger plots which will become a headquarters for the Syro Malabar Church in Pune. When the land was purchased, he not only laid foundation for a church, but started a school as well. Fr. GK is always convinced about the formative value of education and how it can shape future generation. Fr. GK focused on the holistic welfare of people right from the beginning and the kids he nurtured has become the pillars of the parish now.
