It was the month of June, 1994 we met each other in the International College San Lorenzo Rome. We had just arrived from India but did not know each other as we belonged to different provinces. After two days the Indian Capuchin group gave all the new comers a welcome dinner and there we introduced and spoke to each other. A first impression was the best impression that i Had of Fr. Philip. A man of few words and hardly mingled with others but used his free time learning new languages as he was preparing for the Biblical studies. From the College we moved to Frascati Rome, where we were learning Italian language and Philip showed extraordinary progress in learning the language. I would always go to him for clarification when some things were not grasped by me. He was ever ready to welcome me with a pure simple capuchin smile.
After the Language course we got back to College and then to University to begin our studies. From the College we had buses taking us to Universities for the classes and bring back to college. We both would be sitting together in the bus while going and returning. He spoke a little but spoke wisdom and had something new to share. I would make fun of him often and one day he said that i was the only person who made fun of him. We both would be serving food in the refectory and doing the dishes together. It was a pleasure to work with him as he would silently carry out his task without much noise.
I completed my licentiate in Franciscan Spirituality and he carried on pursuing his studies in Biblical Science. We communicated rarely after the studies and then we met each other again in erstwhile Andhra Pradesh where he was the professor. We were happy to meet and greet each other. We spent some time remembering our nice and fraternal days in the college. Staying there for about three days i got to hear very positive and good report about his teaching and person from the brothers in Vijanayalam. He was strict and very observant teacher, prepared his class with utmost care and delivered them flawlessly. He demanded hard work and efforts from the students. From then on we met every year in Andhra Pradesh. I as a Provincial Minister visited the formation house Vijanayalam to meet our friar student who were studying and once again we had the opportunity to meet twice a year.
A quite, simple and man of few words, spoke through his prayerful life. He was committed to teaching and to living his fraternal life. He spoke when it was necessary otherwise he would not join any useless conversation. He will be remembered by me for his encouragement that he offered me when i was elected as the General Councillor of the Capuchin order. He wrote to me saying that your experience would definitely would help you in animating as a General Council-or. The last time i met him was during my pastoral visitation and provincial chapter of St. Joseph Province, Kerala.
We have lost a simple humble brother who lived Capuchin Franciscan spirituality in its fullest sense. May the Lord grant him eternal life. My heartfelt condolences to his family and all the friars of St. Joseph Province,, Kottayam, Kerala.
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