Homily on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of a Priest
It is a
Golden Harvest: Celebrating 80 Years of Life and 50 Years of Priesthood with
Fr. Johnson Puthenpurackal OFM Cap.
Dear Fathers, Brothers, and Sisters in Christ, especially our
beloved Fr. Johnson Puthenpurackal OFM Cap., It is truly a blessed
coincidence that brings me here today. In 2017, I had the privilege of organizing and celebrating Fr. Johnson’s 72nd birthday. And now, precisely
eight years later, by God’s grace, I find myself once again with the
opportunity to preach on his 80th birthday, a momentous occasion that
beautifully coincides with his Golden Jubilee of Priesthood. It feels
like divine providence, a special thread woven into the life of our shared
journey, allowing me to bear witness to and celebrate these significant
milestones in his remarkable life of faith and service. Indeed, no words in a
single homily could ever fully capture the richness of these 80 years of
life and 50 years of faithful priesthood. My reflection today can only
scratch the surface of such a profound journey. But in our shared reflection, prayer, and contemplation, let us together give heartfelt thanks to God for the
extraordinary gift that is Fr. Johnson!
On behalf of everyone gathered here, and on behalf of Marymatha Capuchin Province, it is with immense joy and profound gratitude that we extend our heartfelt wishes for a very happy 80th Birthday and a grace-filled Golden Jubilee of Priesthood! Happy Birthday and hearty congratulations, dear Father Johnson (let us express our joy by giving a round of applause!).
What a lovely, momentous, and grace-filled occasion we celebrate today! 50 years of faithful priesthood and 80years of a life richly lived—these are not just numbers. They are remarkable milestones that speak volumes about a life deeply consecrated to God. They represent five decades of unwavering commitment, a lifetime of selfless service, and countless souls touched by the grace of God flowing through one man.
We are incredibly blessed to celebrate with Fr. Johnson, who bravely answered the call to leave his home and serve as a missionary here, belonging to the Marymatha Capuchin Province. His journey, especially his dedicated work in formation since the 1990s, shaping future priests, and his insightful teaching of Philosophy, reveal a life poured out for the Lord and His Church. It’s a testament to his enduring faith and tireless dedication.
The readings
today beautifully illuminate the tapestry of Fr. Johnson’s life and ministry,
revealing the divine hand guiding his journey.
We begin with
that profound passage from the Prophet Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the
womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a
prophet to the nations” (Jer. 1:4−9). These words resonate deeply with
Fr. Johnson’s vocational journey. They speak of a divine foreknowledge,
a call not chosen by man, but initiated by God Himself. From the moment of his
conception, God had a plan for Fr. Johnson—a plan to consecrate him, to set him
apart for a sacred purpose.
Think of the
young Fr. Johnson, discerning his path. God, in His infinite wisdom, was
already weaving the threads of his future. And that call transcended
geographical boundaries. He wasn’t just called to a particular place, but as a
missionary, a “prophet to the nations,” carrying the good news beyond
his familiar surroundings, sowing seeds of faith right here in Andhra. This
passage reminds us that his priesthood is not merely a career choice, but a divine
appointment, a sacred trust bestowed upon him from eternity.
The second
reading from the Letter to the Hebrews further elucidates the dignity and
purpose of this divine calling: “Every high priest chosen from among mortals
is appointed to act on behalf of mortals in relation to God, to offer gifts and
sacrifices for sins” (Heb. 5:1−10). This passage speaks of the very
essence of the priesthood—to be a bridge between God and humanity. Fr.
Johnson, for fifty years, has stood faithfully in this sacred space. He has offered the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass countless
times, bringing Christ’s saving presence to us. He has baptized, confirmed,
absolved, anointed, and blessed, becoming the visible instrument through whom
God’s grace has flowed into the lives of innumerable individuals.
But beyond the
sacramental duties, the passage also highlights the priest’s solidarity with
humanity: “He can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since
he himself is subject to weakness.” This reminds us that a priest, while
set apart, is also profoundly human, sharing in our joys and sorrows, our
struggles and triumphs. Fr. Johnson, through his years as a formator, rector,
professor, and formation staff member, has profoundly embodied this aspect.
He has patiently
guided young men, understanding their weaknesses, nurturing their strengths,
and gently shaping them into future shepherds. His teaching of Philosophy isn’t
just an academic exercise; it is about forming minds to better understand God and
humanity, a crucial part of priestly formation. His dedication to education,
his keen intelligence, and his skills as a writer and editor have been gifts
he has generously shared, always to build up the Body of
Christ.
Finally, we turn
to the Gospel, the comforting and powerful words of Jesus: “I am the good
shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11−18). This is the very heart of Fr. Johnson’s ministry. For
fifty years, he has truly been a good shepherd to the flock entrusted to
his care.
He has laid down
his life not in a single dramatic act, but in the daily, consistent offering of
himself: in long hours of listening, in patient guidance, in the countless
sacrifices made for the sake of others. As a missionary, he left the familiar
to serve the unfamiliar. As a formator, he dedicated himself to the holistic
development of seminarians, pouring his life into theirs. A good
shepherd knows his sheep. Fr. Johnson has intimately known his students, his
community, and those he has served. He has nurtured them, protected them, and
led them to green pastures—that is, to deeper faith and understanding.
His widespread appreciation as a teacher, as an intelligent writer, and as a
meticulous editor reflects how he has used his unique gifts to feed the flock,
to enrich their minds and spirits, leading them closer to the ultimate
Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Today, as we celebrate Fr. Johnson’s Golden
Jubilee of Priesthood and his 80th Birthday, we give profound thanks to God for
his remarkable life. We thank him for responding to that initial call from
Jeremiah. We thank him for being a faithful steward of God’s mysteries, as
described in Hebrews. And we thank him for being a true “Good Shepherd”
in our midst, dedicating his life to the care of souls, especially in the
crucial work of priestly formation.
I recall a conversation with a young priest,
ordained just a few years ago. We were talking about the challenges of
ministry, and he paused, a thoughtful look on his face. “You know,” he said, “I
often think back to my days in the seminary. There were times, especially in
philosophy classes, when Fr. Johnson would challenge us with deep questions,
making us really think. In the moment, it felt like just an academic
exercise. But looking back now, I realize he wasn’t just teaching us concepts;
he was teaching us how to think like a priest, how to discern, how to
approach the complexities of human life with both intellect and compassion. He
was laying a foundation in us that I didn’t even realize was being built until
years later, when I truly needed it in my ministry.”
This young priest’s reflection is a
testament to Fr. Johnson’s profound impact. Like a skilled architect, he didn’t
just build structures; he shaped the very foundations of future shepherds,
ensuring they were strong, resilient, and ready to lead the flock. His legacy
isn’t just in the books he read or the classes he taught, but in the countless
lives of priests who, in turn, are now shepherding God’s people.
Dear Fr.
Johnson, you have built a legacy not of buildings, but of lives. You
have sown seeds of wisdom and faith that will continue to bear fruit for
generations to come. May God continue to bless you abundantly! May He grant you
continued health, joy, and peace in these golden years! And may your life
continue to be a shining example of faithfulness and dedicated service, a
living testament to the goodness of our God. Amen.
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