In Memorium

Rev. Fr. Charles Antony

மண்ணில் : 01.07.1953, இறைப் பணியில் : 17.10.1982, விண்ணில் : 01.06.2020

I, as the seminary mate of the Rev. Fr. Charles Antony for ten years, feel obliged to pen these few lines to inform the presbyterium of Tuticorin diocese about late Rev. Fr. Charles Antony. I recollect those days when I met Fr. Charles Antony as a young seminarian, coming from Sri Lanka, doing his first year of formative studies in St. Peter’s Minor Seminary situated within the campus of Archbishop’s House, Madurai in 1974. I could experience his academic excellence  during the yearlong Latin course. Earlier he had the proficiency in French and German, in addition to, English. At the completion of Latin course, we were selected to go to Papal Seminary, Pune for philosophy. There were another three seminarians from Tamilnadu, one from Trichy and two from Kottar diocese with whom we developed a good rapport. The three years of philosophical studies enriched us in many ways and the then Bro. Charles Antony exhibited his talents not only in academic studies but also in reading materials. He was admired and appreciated  for his eloquence in English by the staff and students.

At the competition of philosophy, he was assigned in St. Joseph’s Charity Institute, Adaikalapuram, as a regent to look after the boarding boys. He was so kind and sympathetic towards the orphans and other needy persons. He was assisting the weak students to come up in their studies.

After Regency, we went back to Papal Seminary to do our studies in Theology. During the theological studies, he was assigned as the president of Tamil Academy. His ability to bring a dance troupe   to excel in Bharathanatyam was highly appreciated by the staff and students at the Pongal celebration in Papal Seminary. For his weekend ministry he used to go to a Tamil locality at the suburbs of Pune. As the president of Tamil Academy, he enhanced the growth of Tamil library which adds laurels to his reputation. At the end of his third year of Theology, we were ordained Deacons in Papal seminary itself by Bishop Valerian D’Souza. At the completion of the Pastoral Courses in Papal Seminary, we were ordained at the Cathedral of Tuticorin diocese on 17 October 1982 by the late Bishop S.T. Amalanather.

After the Ordination, we moved to Pune for language courses as a preparation for the forthcoming M.Th course in June 1983. At the completion of M.Th., in 1985, we came back to the diocese and Fr. Charles Antony was appointed as a Secretary to Bishop Amalanather. In 1989 he was appointed as the Youth Director of the diocese for five years. During his tenure, the first floor of Udayatharagai [ Youth Centre, Innaciarpuram] was built and the frontal portion of the structure was given on lease to a Bank. The income of the lease amount was utilised for the activities of youth centre. He put his heart and soul for the spiritual and moral growth of the youth of the diocese. He was also instrumental for the growth of YCS/YSM students and animators of our catholic schools. 

Thereafter he went for higher studies to Abroad. At the completion of Doctorate in Systematic Theology, he returned back to India teaching Theology at the diocesan Seminary in Hyderabad as a visiting professor. He was assigned as the Coordinator of diocesan commission for  one and a half years. Thereafter, he was appointed in Udangudy as the parish priest. At the completion of his term of office in Udangudy, he moved to Chennai and was the author of biblical publications, such as ‘Dinasari Thirupali’ and ‘ Daily Mass’ both in Tamil and English until he breathed his last.

God had his plans to take him to the heavenly abode at the end of his 67th year.  It was on 01.06.2020, Monday, at the age of 67, at his family residence in Aynavaram, he suffered massive heart attack in the early morning and got collapsed. Immediately a doctor was taken to his residence and was declared dead. His mortal remains were buried with due honour at the cemetery of Kilpauk Parish at 11.30 a.m. on Wednesday (03.06.2020) with a special funeral mass at his residence in Chennai. We are indebted to thank His Grace Archbishop George Antonysamy of Chennai-Mylapore for allowing  him to be buried at the parish Cemetery of Kilpauk, in response to the request letter from our Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. A. Stephen. He remained a good friend of Most Rev. Dr. Lawrence Pious, Bishop of Dharmapuri, with whom he developed good friendship since the days of Papal Seminary, Pune, till the end of his life.

Fr. Charles Antony was a man of strong will power and could achieve his own designs and plans single-handed. His publications both in Tamil and English till the end of his life are fitting examples of his intellectual calibre and acumen. He was very simple in his demeanour and appearance which he continued till his last breath. May the Lord grant him eternal rest in His heavenly abode.

Msgr. Panneerselvam N.A.
Vicar General, Tuticorin diocese