Get off the Cross Someone Else Needs the Wood – Now in Print
After a lot of years, I finally believe that God has called me to be a priest. (Believe me, there’s been times that I’d wish that I wasn’t!) Ironically, I have become a priest and person that isn’t exactly the status quo of typical priesthood. I don’t fit, pure and simple, and I have finally accepted that. Oftentimes, I’d rather drive a tourist bus in Hawaii! (Wait! I did!!) Since I was ordained in 1987 (finally! I began in 1972!) I have found great joy and fulfillment in bringing God’s Joy and Affection to others open to it. Since 1987, though, I have ended up living an “on the edge” and a “who let the dog out” priesthood in this seemingly uncreative and seemingly stagnant officious Catholic Church that I fell expects me to be a Stepford Priest (Stepford Wife?).
After being screwed-over by some of the so-called “best” of priests, this white-boy was sent to “the Hood” wherein my whole view of God, self, church and world went from ho-hum to explosive amazement. I experienced resurrection from the tomb of thoughtless religious practice, pompous authority and its manner of passionless / impersonal communication ! I experienced my simple Self and it wasn’t bad; perhaps “unusually human” and I got both the fan and hate mail to prove it. This was written in 2004. A lot of crosses, betrayals and false friendships; a lot of resurrections and reconciliations; a lot of success and a lot of this thing called “LIFE” have passed. I also hope this writing will help to put Life in motion if you feel stuck in your ways, ideas and our irritating ability to get in our own way…and be the last to admit it!!!
I simply hope you can resonate with some of this. It helps when one discovers that they are not alone and what they think is annoying and tedious (the cross) is actually an experience communicating the realization of the want for resurrection!
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January 4th, 2010
Dear and Rev. Fr. Ken
May the Peace of Christ be with you!
I am Fr. Jesudoss Perianayagam, a Catholic priest belonging to the religious society of the Salesians of Don Bosco, of the province of Chennai, India.
My doctoral degree, which has just completed in the faculty of Social Communication in the Salesian Pontifical University, Rome, was to extensively research media education. Presently, I am dedicated to applying this knowledge toward a concerted intervention in empowering the hapless street children of India. Although at this time I am assigned to public ministry in our mission center in Rome, I am also engaged in disseminating my research findings and research-based educative proposals through journals and media. My deepest hope is to respond even more effectively to the opportunities brought about by modern technology, and use media education as a tool of empowerment for the poor and abandoned youth within India’s embrace
Hence, as directed by my religious authorities, I am approaching you to help me find a postdoctoral placement in any of the media sector, any person who is qualified in communication and technology or anyother private institution in California or in our parish, for the purpose of gaining experience and understanding of the media based youth mission in India. Going through your blog I came to know a lot about your life as a priest, with all the charism of Don Bosco, particularly for the youth I am motivated to ask you to help me to come to your parish in order to learn from you to be a meaningful priest to bring joy and happiness to the youth especially who are in need. I am sure your life and experience in communicating God’s love to the people as person will help me to grow in my priesthood and to live my life effectively and meaningfully.
May this holy season of Christmas, which beckons the grace of God upon all the earth, bring to birth the hopes and dreams of the poor and marginalized youth of Tamil Nadu and all India. Be assured of my prayers for the indwelling of peace and joy in your heart, especially during this new year of 2010, and I look forward with hope for your benevolent and generous response.
In Christ
Jesudoss Perianayagam sdb
Parrocchia S. Maria Liberatrice
Via Lorenzo Ghiberti, 2
00153 Roma
Email: jesudosan@yahoo.co.uk / jesudossp@gmail.com
Cell: 0039 – 3202754857
January 31st, 2010
Hi FATHER Ken,
We enjoyed your interview on channel 7 today, and your masses at SDFS, I was surprised to hear you say you were 75?
Keep up the good work.