Fr James Kudiyirippil - funeral oration

 Fr James Kudiyirippil SDB - Funeral oration

06 July 2024 

It is often said that when we watch people from afar they appear nice and good; but when we start to closely interact with them or live with them, we see how flawed they are. 

I consider myself fortunate to have had both these opportunities with Fr James. I’ve seen and observed him from a distance as my headmaster, right since my early days of schooling at Don Bosco School, Mothinagar and later from close quarters, as a fellow Salesian, and as a friend, also to my whole family. But the beauty of it all was that I found Fr James the same all along: simple, hardworking and totally unassuming. 

As news of his passing away was made known, several of my school mates started posting their memories of Fr James on our class X whatsapp group. Allow me to present a few of them: 

In my fifth class itself he made me give my first speech on stage on the occasion of Fr Lens’ birthday. He made me practice day and night and I was impromptu on the stage that day. That was my first experience. 

What I am today especially in communication is because of him. He played a very important role in my life. 

I have special memories of him coach us for basketball and we made him super happy winning tournaments. 

I recall the screenings of Benhur on his VCR. 

He was such a warm person, kind-hearted although looked strict. 

He served the school with dedication and compassion for years. He led the school with a firm but fair hand, fostering a nurturing environment that encouraged learning and growth. We miss you! 

These are just a few of the expressions of only my class X batchmates. If we were to compile even just a line of what each student felt, over the years that Fr James spent at Mothinagar it would take ages to go through. 

Fr James you always took great pride in your students. Every time I met you in the presence of others, you proudly claimed me to be your student. On my part, I always was and will ever be grateful to you for your great educative role in my life, in the life of my family, in the life of every staff and student who has had the good fortune of knowing you, be it at Mothinagar, Guntupalli, Gunadala or Karunapuram. 

Random memories that are forever etched in my mind: 

 Him playing cricket with us boys during holidays in the school ground, although he was never fond of cricket. Basketball and football were his favourite, but he never forced us to join those games, rather he joined us in what we liked to play. 

 Planting saplings along the playground (which are now huge trees along the ground at Mothinagar, all planted by my friends and I, under the supervision of Fr James). 

 Him addressing the young Salesians as ‘foolish fellow’ – but none took offence because it was said out of genuine love and concern. 

 His special hair-style, always the same and never a strand out of place! 

Well, dear Fr James, you were firm but fair, strict with us for our own good and with no personal agenda, you were kind to all those in need, generous with your time and priestly help to all those approached you. 

Thank you for your inspiration and good example of hard unassuming work, of personal and professional discipline, of loving kindness like that of Don Bosco… and most of all, for being an integral part of my life and growth. You will always be remembered! Thank you dear Fr James!