Tuesday, March 04, 2014

Priest's great sacrifice leads the way for life.


Cochin: Fr. Cherian Nereveettil has entered into the holiness of Lent through an exceptional act of kindness.The 42 year old priest is donating one of his kidneys to a plus two student Rincy, native of Thoppumpady.

The kidney transplant surgery will take place today at the Medical Trust Hospital. The thought of giving a good message through his lifestyle inspired Fr. Cherian, the National Spiritual Director of the Jesus Youth movement to take this initiative. He has also been inspired by others such as Fr. Davis Chiramel. The initial decision was to donate the kidney to one of the Jesus Youth member's sister. But her illness became critical and she died. Thereafter, through another priest, he came to know about Rincy who was undergoing dialysis and struggling through life after being affected with kidney failure. After getting the permission of the church authorities, he was ready for the organ transplant. On New Year's day, he arrived at Rincy's house in the form of a heavenly messenger and declared his consent. Then the procedures moved ahead swiftly. The doors were opened once the test results were positive.

Being financially backward, the fund for Rincy's surgery and treatment were raised by the members of St. Sebastian's church parish. Rincy, a plus one student of Thoppumpady St. Sebastian's school was admitted in hospital after she fell unconscious in the class. After diagnosis, it was understood that both her kidneys were damaged. She was undergoing dialysis for the past six months in order to move her life forward.

For those who enquire of donating his kidney to a stranger, Fr. Cherian has his own experiences to tell. Once, it was Shabarimala pilgrims that rescued him  after an accident. Another time it was the auto drivers who took him to hospital. Fr. Cherian, the son of Thrikkakara Thoppil Nereveettil N.C. Joseph and Baby is involved in Jesus Youth activities for 17 years. He is now residing at Perumanoor Lourde Matha Church. Fr. Cherian mentions the support of Major Archbishop Cardinal George Alencherry and his family members in helping him to go ahead with the kidney transplant.

(Courtesy: Malayalam Manorama Website, 4th February 2014)