Damien Bhavan Says  Farewell to Fr. Columban Crotty, ss.cc.

Sujay Sardar

Dear friends, I take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Columban Crotty, ss.cc., for his service and ministry to our communities in India, especially in Bangalore, over the past four years.  We have been privileged to have such a humble and simple natured man of wisdom in our community who worked behind the scenes for each person’s individual growth and for the community’s.   Like Peter, you have been the rock of Damien Bhavan.

One of the challenges facing priests and religious today is their ability to be available.  Fr. Columban, you were conscious of the needs of the Congregation in India and made a commitment to be available for the ministry in Bangalore. You taught us not through empty words but by the example of your life which is the fruit of your fidelity to Jesus. 

 You have touched our lives -

·         You are a spiritual model for us. As our spiritual formator, you journeyed with us and helped us to grow in our spirituality and to discern our vocation.

·         You have been a man of engagement.  When we ran out of words at the dinner table or at get-togethers, you asked simple and thought provoking questions that kept us engaged in dialogue.

·         You have been a man of understanding, care, and forgiveness. When we made mistakes you were compassionate.

·         You have been hard working. You inspired us with all that you do in the community. We hardly ever saw you idle; you were always doing something fruitful.

·         You have been a man who always wanted to enter into the realities of our families and home villages. You showed us a compassionate heart, especially for the poor, marginalized, and for the those who labor.

·         You are a man of simplicity with a hospitable heart and missionary zeal. 

·         You are a man of self-sacrifice, generosity, and optimism – always ready to help others when they are in need, and one who always sees the good in us.

·         Above all, you are a man who loved and treated each one of us equally without any prejudices or biases. Your love extended not only to the members of our community but also to our neighbors whom you came to know. 

Even though you leave us, we will remain bonded to you because of the laughter, joys and sorrows, song, and prayer that we have shared.  We pray that God will give you good health and guide you in your future ministry. May God fill your heart with his steadfast love.

 Sujay Sardar, 24, is a philosophy student at University of Bangalore. In his second year, he is studying for his BA. From Calcutta, West Bengal, he is blessed with one brother and two sisters. His interest is in being a good preacher. He played the part of the king in the skit “What is the Source of Happiness?” which the students staged for Father Columban’s going away party.