"I am Melvin from India, I come from the Archdiocese of Thalassery, Kerala. Now I am here to study Theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. This is my first year of studies in Rome. Thank you for helping me in these studies.
Before coming here I did a year of pastoral work. Six months in the retreat house where it was very interesting and very special especially because it was the time of COVID. I was assigned to go to the market, to the pharmacy, etc. And another six months in the bishop's house. Before the pastoral year I did two years of philosophy. In my diocese, before entering philosophy, seminarians should do another bachelor's degree. So I did three years of bachelor's degree in history.
There are five of us in my house. My dad is a farmer in agriculture. My mom is a housewife. My older brother works in the Merchant Marine. My younger brother is an engineer in newspaper technology. In my spare time I would like to do needle art, something typical in my place of origin. I also like to read, history books. I also like to play volleyball very much. When I was studying in school, I had the opportunity to play in a famous team. It was a beautiful experience. I also got to know karate.
On my way to the priesthood, the six months in the nursing home were a turning point. When I was bathing them, feeding them, I felt the presence of God, I felt this experience as an invitation to the suffering of our Lord. I am still praying for all the people I have met in this life."
