Farewell Father Jose - Oakdale says goodbye to Priest of 12 years, welcomes Father Joseph

By Jacqueline Davis, Oakdale Journal Reporter Intern, July 21, 2016

Publication: Oakdale Journal (LA) Page: 1 Word Count: 708

After 12 wonderful years, the Catholic community of Oakdale must say their final farewells to their beloved, spiritual leader, Father Jose Vattakunnel (aka Father Jose). Father Jose, originally from Kerala, India, came to the U.S almost 23 years ago, where he was appointed to the Diocese of Lake Charles as a Missionary Priest, and from there, served as a Priest in the small town of Elton for 11 years.

Courtesy of Roman Catholic Diocese of Lake Charles

It is to be noted that the responsibility and duty of a Missionary Priest is to embrace change, and be willing to relocate to a certain assigned area if he is called to, even if that entails leaving special friends and a still-new home behind. The aim of the Missionary Society is to promote Priest-hood, and to send Priests to dioceses in India and abroad that often experience a shortage of Priests.

From the town of Elton, Father Jose left to join the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in 2004, where he has served the Oakdale community with the utmost enthusiasm and diligence. Father Jose has done tremendous work for the Sacred Heart parish, such as, assisting with the remodeling of the entire church building, which took up a considerable amount of time and expense. He is reported to have welcomed "former" members back into the church's doors, uniting the Oakdale Catholic family more than ever. He also conveyed ideas for the church's Annual Spring Festival, which have brought in much revenue for funding.

Rose Maggard, former secretary of Sacred Heart and an active member of the parish, has worked alongside Father Jose for many years and says she is saddened by his departure. She states, "When Father Jose came to us 12 years ago, the church was worn. Ever since he got here he has put in so much work; he completely renovated the church and the CCD building [amongst other things]. He has definitely left a big mark on Oakdale."

Father Jose has cherished his time here with his fellow parishioners and has made many special memories, his favorite being the Annual Spring Festival. He says he will leave Oakdale having learned the true meaning of hard work, generosity, dedication, but above all, love.

When asked what parting advice he would like to give to the people of Oakdale, he spoke on selflessness being a chief virtue of any Christian. He claims, "We live in a society which is so preoccupied with itself that we sometimes forget the responsibility to in still in others the necessity to think of others before they think of themselves. Christian virtue should be taught and lived in our families, as love of God and love of neighbor is the command of Christ; not only as a spiritual value, but this also makes us into balanced and mature human beings."

As Father Jose makes his way back to Elton, Louisiana, where he is sure to only continue to do honorary deeds, the Sacred Heart parish gives a warm welcome to their newest Priest, Father Jenesh Joseph Kavalanal (Father Joseph.)

Father Joseph, only 33 years of age, is also from India, and he too, is a missionary Priest. His arrival to Oakdale is met with much enthusiasm and admiration, as he too, cannot wait to begin his holy expedition with his new Catholic family.

Father Joseph begins his ministry at Sacred Heart by advising the community to love one another, not only one's family and friends, but even their enemies. He continues, "just by a cheery greeting, a sincere smile, or an encouraging word of appreciation can do a lot to carry Jesus' message of love to the world."

He also goes into the importance of confronting one's weaknesses and bad behaviors, and explains one must accept what God is teaching them in order to grow.

As Oakdale says goodbye to their dear friend and leader of 12 delightful years, they welcome another with open arms. Thank you, Father Jose for all of your hard work, your endless dedication, but mostly, your kind heart.

Adieu, Father Jose, and welcome to Oakdale, Father Joseph!