In Memorium

Rev. Fr. Xavier Mel (1907-1981)

Rev. Fr. Xavier Mel expired on 23-10-1981 at 9-45 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Hospital, Tuticorin, where he had been ad- mitted a week earlier following a heart attack. He had earlier received the anointing of the sick. He was 74 years old.

Xavier Mel was born on 10-8-1967 in the Cathedral parish. Tuticorin. He had his early studies in Tuticorin and proceeded to Ceylon for his High School studies. After com- pleting Senior Cambridge, he felt the call of God for priesthood, and Bishop Roche sent him to the Papal Seminary, Kandy, where he was ordained priest on 2-10-1932. He was an excep-
tionally bright student, and he secured his Ph. D. in the Pontifi- cal Athenaeum, Kandy.

Returning to the diocese, the young Fr. Mel was appointed secretary to the Bishop and assistant to the parish priest of the Cathedral. In 1936 he became the first parish priest of the newly erected parish of Subramaniapuram. In 1937 Fr. Mel was sent to teach in St. Teresa's High School, Vadakangulam. But again he was sent to take up pastoral duties in 1940 when he was made parish priest of Pragasapuram, a protestant centre, where his knowledge of theology and apologetics was much appreciated.

His zest for teaching brought him once again to Vadakan- gulam, this time to be Headmaster of St. Teresa's High School to succeed Fr. J. S. Lobo, and he held this office till 1950. That year, Fr. Mel went to Rome as a pilgrim of the Holy year, and visited several European countries. On his return from Europe, he was appointed to succeed Fr. Thomas Fernando as Rector of Little Flower Seminary Innasiarpuram, since the latter had become Co-adjutor Bishop of Tuticorin. When the Latin students were sent to Madurai in 1951, Fr. Mel returned to pastoral ministry and was made parish priest successively of Sokkankudi- yiruppu and Idinthakarai. In 1961 his services were once again required as Headmaster of the High School at Vadakangulam, which post he held until his retirement in 1967.

Even in retirement, he proved himself useful. He acted as minister of the Clergy House, Chaplain to the S. Heart Hospital and the Home Science College. He was taking religion classes He has served the diocese in regularly in St. Mary's College. various capacities-as consultor, examiner of the junior clergy, In whatever the presiding judge of the ecclesiastical tribunal etc. he did, or was entrusted with, he had the habit of doing every- thing thoroughly well, attending even to minute details.

He was best known for his devotion to and the work for the cause of education. He was not just an ordinary teacher who would be satisfied with reading the text book and repeat it in the class room. He was a real scholar. He acquired vast know- ledge by painstaking study and continuous reading. He repea- tedly advised his teachers to keep abreast of the latest develop. ments in their particular field and make themselves up-to-date on the subject. In this he set a very good example to others teachers. He bought books for the teachers and urged them to read. "The lamp that is not kept burning with oil cannot light another lamp" was his favourite dictum.

He was a good administrator and a strict disciplinarian. He maintained good order and discipline in the school and instilled in the minds of his students a sense of duty, responsibility and hard work. As a good educator, he never bothered about high results in examinations. He was convinced that the aim of learn- ing is not to pass the examinations, but to help in each one's vocation. He was a kind hearted priest He has educated many poor students and helped them for their higher studies.

He actively participated in any discussion, be it at the monthly recollection or the annual clergy reunion, and always enriched others with his knowledge and erudition. His vast knoledge on various subjects, especially his knowedge of the papal and other ecclesiastical documents enlightened the partici. pants, who profited from his interventions. He was not one who was satisfied with easy or ready-made solutions. He worked hard, read elaborately till he arrived at correct answers. He spared no effort to make a point to clear to himself or clarify a point to others.

He was faithful to his priestly duties and prayer life, even though he suffered much due to his chronic asthmatic condition and consequent frail health. That he was a man of God was evident to anyone who moved with him closely. came to the notice of everyone particularly during the last illness When he was taken to the hospital, his spontaneous remark was: "Now atlast the great moment has come", as though he was eagerly awaiting to meet his Divine Master. When he was asked how he felt, he replied: "I am still among the living; but soon I will be among the dead." Certainly he was not afraid of death. He told those attending on him: "Here on earth, I am not of much use to you; if I go to heaven, I will be of some use to you." He was indeed the faithful servant whose master found him awake and ready when he returned.'

On 16th October, Fr. Mel suffered a heart attack, and was immediately taken to the hospital. He seemed to respond to the treatment initially. But after three days, he suffered two more attacks. He was conscious till the end came, though his speech became inarticulate at the end. The end came peacefully at 9.45 a. m. on 23rd October Friday.

The body was soon brought to the Bishop's chapel, where it lay in state, when hundreds of his friends-priests, religious and members of the laity - came to pay their last respects to him. At 4.15 p. m the Fathers with the Bishop recited the Vesperse of the office of the dead. Then the body was carried to the Cathedral in procession, where the Bishop officiated at the con- celebrated funeral mass and gave the absolution. V. Rev. Fr. Stephen Doss presided over the burial ceremony at the cemetery, where the remains of Fr. Mel were laid to rest the same day.

"Well done, good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much, enter into the joy of your Master" (Mt. 25/23).

R. I. P.