Eulogy - Late Fr. Joseph Antony
Updated on:01-Dec-2015
Bishop’s House
283, Roorkee Road
Meerut Cantt. – 250 001
Date: November 21, 2015
Rev. Fr. Joseph Antony – R.I.P.
Fr. Joseph Antony had been bedridden since 2000 due to two major strokes but due to the good medical care and attention he remained rather stable. On 19th Nov., 2015 he was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital, Saket due to chest congestion. Since he became serious he was shifted on 20th Nov., 2015 to Holy Family Hospital, Delhi where he was supported by ventilator. He was administered the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. But his condition further deteriorated and on 21st Nov., 2015 12.30 a.m. he breathed his last.
Fr. Joseph Antony was born on 23rd Feb., 1936 in Secunderabad to Mr. D.M. Anthony and Mrs. Utharia Mary. He was the third among six children. In 1952 he joined St. John’s Seminary, Sardhana. He completed his Philosophical and Theological studies in St. Joseph’s Seminary, Allahabad and was ordained a priest for Meerut diocese on December 2, 1964 during the Eucharistic Congress, Bombay in the presence of Holy father Pope Paul VI.
His first appointment was in Dehra Dun Parish on 25th May 1965 as assistant to Fr. Daniel OFM Cap. After 2 years on 29th May 1967 he was sent as assistant to Josephnagar with Fr. Pius OFM Cap. Within 4 months he was appointed Priest-in-Charge of Jangethi and he took charge on 3rd Oct. 1967.
Seeing his keen interest shown in teaching catechism he was appointed as member of the Diocesan Board of Christian doctrine on 17th Oct., 1968. He was also appointed as extraordinary confessor to Jesus and Mary Convent sisters and the brothers of St. John’s Minor Seminary Sardhana on 31st Jan 1969. Once again he was transferred to Dehra Dun and then on 10th June 1976 he was appointed as Parish Priest and Manager in Jangethi. In 1982 he was again given a transfer to Siwal which did not materialize. He remained more than forty five years in Jangethi parish.
Looking at his life and mission as a priest we can say that he followed the motto of St. Paul, “I become all things to all so that I may win them for Christ”. He was a man of courage and determination. Seldom priests preferred to go to Jangethi due to the problems of the dacoits and the insecure atmosphere. But Fr. Joseph ventured into it bravely and remained and served the parish Jangethi all his life. He built up St. John’s Inter College to give a good future to the people of the area through education. He also tried to put up a hospital but the project did not materialize. He was very loving and affectionate to all especially to the poor. He never said no to anyone who approached for any help. He was very simple and kind hearted. He suffered silently and seldom complained about his ailments. He was a man with enduring capacity. He had very wide local contacts and also had a good rapport with the high officials and persons in Administration.
Because of the goodness of Fr. Joseph Antony the Lord had provided an angel like person to look after him. That is Miss. Lorenza Clement, known as Kukoo. She was more than a daughter and also in looking after him more than a mother to him. Her services cannot be thanked sufficiently. We can say that Baba lived longer because of her great care and selfless service. I thank Miss Lorenza Clement on behalf of the diocese for her great love & service to Fr. Joseph Antony.
May his soul rest in peace!
+Francis Kalist
Bishop of Meerut
