In the beginning of his priestly life, for about twelve years, Fr. George Karamayil SJ was engaged in the early stages of formation such as Mission Home, Palai (Apostolic School) and Xavier Hall, Bangalore (Candidates’ House). He was very endearing to youngsters and they experienced in him a very humane yet God-centered person. In the second and last part of his priestly life, for about thirty years, Fr. George was a zealous preacher of the Word. In Kurji parish and Fatima Mata Susamachar Kendra (Charismatic Retreat Centre), Patna, in numerous parishes to which he was invited, and in personal accompaniment with hose who sought his help, Fr. George preached the Word of God relentlessly. His short stint of two years as Vice-Principal at St. Xavier’s, Jaipur and three years as Rector of St. Xavier’s, Patna were the only other ‘digressions’ in his life.

Fr. George was a genuine disciple of Jesus ‘in whom there was no guile’ (Jn 1:47). His charming smile in all situations of life reflected his innocence. In success and failure, in favourable as well as adverse environments, in relating to people of different age groups and varying cultural backgrounds, his indomitable spirit and optimism was unwavering, and his joy, contagious. He remained a simple missionary, who was never attracted to or distracted by comfort zones of life.

Like St. Paul, Fr. George was a zealous apostle who preached ‘in season and out of season’ (2 Tim 4:2). When he could not preach from the pulpit or could not preach to people in person, he preached through his mobile phone. Neither language barrier nor ill health could dampen his zeal for the ministry. Thank you Fr. George for being a shining example as a ‘Minister of the Word’. Intercede for us that we may ever grow in love and zeal for the Word of God.

Susai Raj, SJ