I am sure the tone of the last article (the golden era) does not match
with the initial tone for the series (the financially backward). One
can ask if the start was considered 'golden' why we have ended in this
state. Where did we go off track?
To understand the current state of Idukki diocese, we have to look at
the last 25 years of its existence as Idukki diocese. Based on ups and
downs, the 25 years can be divided into three time periods.
1. The Golden Era: (1982-1992): This is the time period under the
leadership of H.G. Barnabas thirumeni. This time period extends from
the formation of Idukki diocese to the time when H.G. Barnabas
thirumeni left the Idukki diocese to take his new assignment. As seen
in the previous article, this period saw that foundation of Idukki
diocese being laid. The emphasis was on creating congregations,
building churches in the most rural and financially challenged areas
thereby creating the opportunity for people to receive the body and
blood of Christ.
2. The Blackout era: (1992-2005): This is the time period in which
there was no permanent full time metropolitan to lead Idukki diocese.
A time that the people of Idukki was abandoned like the lost sheep
without a Shepard. In the absence of a good administration, Idukki
diocese started to decay in all respects. The weaknesses in
administration led to the weakness in spiritual growth. When IOC's
concern for the people of Idukki dipped lower than the lowest
standards, we started loosing people to other denominations. Our
churches started to shrink. We lost the momentum that H.G. Barnabas
thirumeni had painstakingly accomplished. We will discuss specific
details in later articles.
3. The Revitalizing era: (2005-till date): The time period under the
leadership of H.G. Augen Mar Dionysius, the current metropolitan of
Idukki diocese. After many years of wandering as the lost sheep,
heavenly father answered the prayers of the people of Idukki. A
vibrant Shepard at last took over the ruins of Idukki diocese and
started his journey in search of the lost sheep. The Shepard had a
very clear focus: regain the lost glory of Idukki diocese and reach
out to the lost sheep by providing them all assistance for their
spiritual growth. The Shepard worked and continues to work feverishly
towards this goal. His efforts started to revitalize Idukki diocese
once again. The decay of Idukki came to an end, new life started to
emerge. At last the people of Idukki diocese saw a ray of hope.
One of the greatest blessings that heavenly father has showered on IOC
is in the form of its recovery from the deep downs to greater heights
during the most difficult times. In the next few articles, we will
look at why we had a roller coaster ride over the last 25 years and
the role of IOC in the 'good' and 'not so good days' of Idukki
diocese.
To be continued…
Next Article: TID-6: Idukki Diocese and IOC: What did we do right?
Thanks,
Rajesh Vargheese
http://www.stgregoriosaustin.org/
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