Nithin Joji Karimpanmackal, a seminarian of the Syro-Malabar rite from the diocese of Kerala (India), is in his third year of theology at the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of Kerala. University of Navarra and resides in the Bidasoa international seminar.
At the age of 25, in addition to continuing his formation in Pamplona, this summer he has collaborated in the pastoral care of the collegiate church and basilica of San Isidro, in Madrid, helping his pastor, Don Angel Luis Miralles, and attending to the small but fervent Catholic community of the Syro-Malabar rite in the Spanish capital, which is composed of about 80 people.
Every Sunday, the collegiate church of San Isidro celebrates a Syro-Malabar rite Mass at five o'clock in the afternoon, which lasts approximately two hours. This celebration is a meeting point for the faithful of this liturgical tradition in Madrid.
Nithin points out the great closeness that exists between the parish priests and the faithful in his diocese of Kerala, an aspect he seeks to maintain in Madrid: "The Syro-Malabar rite comes from the Apostle St. Thomas. At present, we have about 500 priests in Kerala," he says proudly.
During his stay in Madrid, Nithin has been impressed by the devotion of the people of Madrid to San Isidro and the Jesus del Gran Poder, venerated in the collegiate church. In addition, he has been surprised by the number of faithful who come to confession with some frequency: "It is impressive, there are queues for confession, something that is not so common in other places," he says.
Nithin was born on January 8, 1999 in Alappuzha, Kerala (India). He is the son of Joji Thomas and Sherly Joji, and has an older brother, Jithin Joji Thomas. His vocation to become a priest began at an early age: at the age of 15 he entered the minor seminary after completing his primary education in his hometown of Manimala.
In 2014, he joined the minor seminary of the Archdiocese of Changanaserry in Kerala, where he resided during his training. Subsequently, he graduated in Commerce, majoring in finance and taxation from St. Berchmans Autonomous College, affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University in Kerala.
After completing his B.A. in 2020, he continued his philosophical studies at the Jeevalaya Institute of Philosophy, Bengaluru, affiliated to the Urbaniana University of Rome.
After his philosophical studies, Nithin participated in a regency program, serving as secretary in the office of Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Powathil. He also collaborated with 'Apostle', an educational initiative of the archdiocese that supports students from 7th grade to higher levels, accompanying them in their vocational discernment.
At the end of the regency program, his bishop sent him to Spain to continue his theological formation at the Bidasoa International Seminary and at the University of Navarra in Pamplona.
"Thanks be to God, I have finished my second year of Theology and I feel grateful to the benefactors of the CARF Foundation who have supported me in my formation. The experience of living with seminarians from different cultures and traditions is enriching, and the environment in Bidasoa favors a greater closeness to God," Nithin emphasizes.
Pauline Mathias is another seminarian, from Tanzania, from the diocese of Mwanza, who is doing his pastoral work in the parish of St. Manuel Gonzalez in San Sebastian de los Reyes in Madrid. He is studying 3rd year theology at the UNAV and also resides at the Bidasoa International Seminary. "I am very happy to live with different seminarians from all over the world," he says and thanks the benefactors for this opportunity.
Pauline explains that her pastoral activity in Madrid includes preparing the liturgy and Mass, helping with the distribution of Communion. But what she has enjoyed most is meeting and interacting with the parishioners and living with them, some of whom even like to invite them to their own homes to spend some time. "The Christians in this parish are very kind, and it is surprising to see the number of people who frequently come to confession," he says.
He has also been able to dedicate himself to give catechesis to the young people to support the work of the parish priest Don José María Marín so that they can be closer to Jesus Christ.
He also highlights the sense of responsibility of Catholics in his country in parish activities, something that, according to him, could also inspire Spanish Catholics. And he is grateful for all the love and support he has received and continues to receive from the benefactors and friends of the CARF Foundation, thanks to whose help he can continue with his academic, spiritual and human formation.
Marta SantínJournalist specializing in religious information.
