Felicitation to Rev. Fr. M. Arulraj OFM Cap. on his Silver Jubilee of Sacerdotal Ordination to Priesthood on 17-10-2024, Fountain, Sundampatti
“Not life, but good life, is to be chiefly valued,” Socrates said. Socrates believed that the ultimate goal of human existence is not just to live but to live a good, meaningful and virtuous life. He defined a good life as one living according to virtue. “Virtue is knowledge,” Socrates said.
I'm happy to be here to felicitate the man, the friend, the friar, the priest, the philosopher and professor of philosophy, as he celebrates his Silver Jubilee of his Sacerdotal Ordination. First and foremost I thank our provincial secretory, Br. Joseph Arputharaj for giving me an opportunity to felicitate Br. M.Arulraj on behalf of our province.
Third of three children, the only son of late Mr & Mrs. Madalaimuthu and Masilla Mani in Selliyampatti in the diocese of Dharmapuri. They offered to God their only son, loving son Fr. Arulraj. May God grant them eternal rest.
Fr. Arulraj, you’re a man of Conviction who live and act according to your conscience. No one can influence you the other way. You are clear about what you are supposed to do and act accordingly. Whether others accept you or reject you, you stand for the truth. Therefore, you are a man of conviction.
Fr. Arulraj, you are, A Man of straightforwardness. Straightforwardness is the ability to be able to communicate one's message honestly and directly, while respecting the fact that others may hold a different opinion or expectation. You never hesitate to communicate to the persons clearly and directly.
Fr. Arulraj, You are A Serviceable person, where ever you're , with whom ever you live, you serve to their need, you show that you care for them, without counting the cast and without any expectations. Doing service is your inborn character.
Fr. Arulraj, You're a Charitable person, particularly to the poor. You never missed doing Charity to those who come to you in need. You determine to support them in their need.
Fr. Arulraj, You're a Man of Hard work and dedication. Even if others not cooperate with you, the responsibilities that are entrusted to you, you see that you work hard and complete it to your satisfaction. It reveals that you are a person of hard work and dedication and duty conscience. You take no excuse and relax but you see that it is done. That shows your commitment to the order.
Fr. Arulraj, you take no pride in your achievements and boast about yourself. But you are a humble person and with simplicity of heart and unassuming.
Fr. Arulraj, whatever you do, you do it perfectly and orderly. You Present yourself neat and clean. It shows that you are pure in heart and a person poor in spirit.
Dear Brothers
Fr. Arulraj has Qualified himself with a licentiate in philosophy in Rome and M.Phil and PhD in philosophy in Leuven University, Belgium. Going through Leuven university, particularly in doing philosophy is not an easy job. Arulraj completed his PhD successfully with all the inconveniences. During his studies in Belgium it was big shock and an irredeemable loss for him, he lost his beloved father and mother, one after the other. It was a Very difficult situation but persevered in his commitment. His sacrifice and dedication reveal his love for the order and the church.
Fr. Arulraj, is an Excellent formator and professor of philosophy - he served three years as a Rector and six years as a Dean of studies in St. Joseph Philosophical College, The Friary, Kotagiri. As a formator his sacrifice and dedication were remarkable. He also teaches philosophy out side the provenience as a visiting professor, wherever he is called.
He has also served the province as a councillor for a term effectively, in the years, 2005-08.
He is An Excellent pastor - parish priest. I used to fool him that he is the Rector of the basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Thiyagadurugam. Although it is a small parish and people are poor, he took his responsibility seriously and served the parish and supported them both spiritually and materially. He loves his people - A loving pastor.
Fr. Arulraj is known for his receptivity and Hospitality. Our friars and the secular priests of Pondicherry diocese who visited him, will vouch for it.
He is a man of prayer, even if he happened to be alone, as a religious he keeps up his regular prayer and celebration of the Eucharist. It shows how much he is attached to the Lord.
Dear Fr. Arulraj, there is a poem that applies to you.
You are the image and likeness of God
But with you the morning awakens
With the call to rise
Not for you
But always for others.
God handpicked you from a myriad of souls
Moulded you since you were a babe
To prepare you for a journey
Not for you
But always for others.
God blessed you with wisdom
To use to give form to his plans
And love to carry them out
Not for you
But always for others.
Mary walks with you
Guiding and loving you
For to her you are a Christ
Not for you
But always for others.
You hold the Body of Christ
Embrace his name and proclaim it
And a father and counsellor you have become
Not for you
But always for others.
God forever bless you
Walk and carry you when your feet are weary
Bring peace and joy to your heart
For though your life is never for you
It is Christ’s and he delights in you.
Therefore, my dear brother Arulraj, you are a God given gift to our Capuchin order and particularly to our province. We thank for God for you and congratulate you for all your good qualities and talents.
Always you believe in the Lord who called you and anointed you...As, Psalm 28:7 speaks, we also join you in joyous celebration and in thanking the Lord. "The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."
Dear Fr. Arulraj, God richly bless your Jubilee for your 25 years of dedicated service and may continued blessings be upon you today and in the years ahead. Congratulations!
- Br. A. Selvaraj OFM Cap.
