Fr. Amatus Kallarackal

179 Kandali Ashram where Fr. Amatus lived almost three years

180 Periyapattana Ashram. Fr. Amatus served this Ashram from 1984 to 1985 (Given below are the pictures of the simple things that Fr. Amatus was personally using towards the end of his life. These clearly prove that he was the poorest in material possessions and extremely rich in deeper relationship with the Lord in prayer and detachment to this world of affluences)

181 The specs and the plastic torch which he used for a longer time in his life The Shoulder bag, Clock and the Table bell he used

182 The personal Malayalam Bible which was his constant companion on earth.

183 The scourging whip and the thorny cecile he used to wear as a mark of penance. His prayer books are exhibited above. The first among them after the Holy Bible was the Navamalika, the autobiography of St. Theresa of Lisieux. Fr. Amatus had a childlike simplicity of mind and spirituality resembling the little way of St. Theresa of Lisieux. It is quite evident from his life and prayer life. His spiritual motto “a little better always” resembles the spiritual way of the Little Flower.

184 The stone he often used as the pillow and the small stones used on his bed. We can imagine how penitential he was during his life with these objects. Though he was innocent and so simple in heart he was so generous in doing penance during his life.

185 The Carmelite Religious habit, he used to wear

186 The book he used for spiritual reading. Fr. Amatus had a deep devotion to Our Lady and that was proved at the time of his departure from this world on 8th September 2008, on the day of the Nativity of our Lady.

A PRAYER FOR FR. AMATUS Almighty and ever-loving God and Father, Yor are the source of all goodness and love. We praise and adore You. We thank You for the gift of Fr. Amatus who lived a life of heroic virtues with admirable simplicity of mind in complete fidelity to his religious commitment. We offer you Fr. Amtatus who was compassionate and concerned to the poor and the needy. We experienced the forgiving love of your Son through his ministry. He was striving to be a little better always to grow in virtues, fully committed to the values of the Gospel. He was a great example for all of us to grow in spiritual intimacy with our Lord Jesus Christ and to lead a life of sanctity. We praise you for enriching him with your grace. Lord, in your compassionate love and concern, remember Fr. Amatus and grace him to be raised to the veneration at the altar so that he may intercede in heaven for us sinners. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Saviour, and Your Only begotten Son. Amen. 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, 1 Glory be ….



171 LITTLE BETTER ALWAYS: THE STORY OF A PRIEST WHO WALKED WITH GOD FR. AMATUS KALLARACKAL CMI (1924-2008) By Dr. Abraham Joseph Vadakkemuriyil CMI The book is telling the inspiring story of Fr. Amatus Kallarackal CMI, who led an amazing life of sanctity in the Mysuru mission of the CMI Congregation in our times. Fr. Amatus through his humble, simple, and ordinarily extraordinary life of sanctity redefined the concept of sanctity for the modern religious who live in the midst of the vanity of the conflicting demands of power, wealth, and influence. This book is of immense help for those who wish to grow towards sanctity by being close to God in our ordinary life situations. About the Author The author of the book, Dr. Abraham Joseph Vadakkemuriyil CMI holds a Ph.D. in philosophy From D.V.K., Bangalore, and completed his M. A. in Christianity from the University of Mysuru. He was a long- time associate of Fr. Amatus and was his student in the Novitiate at Thandavapura. Fr. Abraham is presently a visiting Professor of Philosophy at D.V.K., Bangalore. He is also an acclaimed pastor, good retreat preacher, and a motivation trainer. Contact information: Ph: 9481832423, 8547082423. E-mail: [email protected] Published by: The Department of Education, CMI St. Paul’s Province, Mysuru. Kindly inform the favors received through the intercession of Fr. Amatus Kallarackal CMI on the following address: Secretary, Department of Pastoral Ministry Carmel Bhavan, N.R .Mohall Shivaji Main Road, Mysuru-560 007, E-mail: [email protected]