THE CONGREGATION OF THE ROSARIANS

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BE PERFECT AS YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER IS PERFECT

Written By
Bro. Joel Valentine CR

Rosarian Generalate
Bengaluru
26.02.24
 Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Bud of Life Begins to Unfold

3. Remembrance of Christ’s Poverty

4. Prayer and Penance

5. Christ’s Humility Followed: Fr. Thomas’ Life in Service

6. Gospels Lived in the Life of Fr. Thomas

7. Suffering-christ - Fr. Thomas

8. Man of God to Mad Man

9. Conclusion
1. Introduction
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus instructs his disciples, “Be perfect, therefore, as your
Heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). This call to perfection, often interpreted
as a call to holiness and maturity in faith, has been a guiding principle for countless
Christians throughout history. One such individual who exemplified this call to
perfection was Fr. Thomas OMI. From his earliest days, Antony (Fr. Thomas) was
deeply inspired by the Gospel message to “be perfect as your heavenly Father is
perfect.” This powerful call, spoken by Jesus Christ to His disciples, ignited a burning
zeal within Antony.1 He was determined to embody this message with all his abilities
and to the very core of his being.
In his pursuit of perfection, Antony chose to follow the example of his Master, our
Lord Jesus Christ. As the perfect embodiment of both divinity and humanity, Jesus set
the highest example of living out this passage. He perfectly exemplified the love of
God and the love of neighbour, and His life was a testament to selflessness, service,
and sacrifice. Antony understood that to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect
meant to mirror God’s boundless love and compassion for all creation. It also meant to
extend that same love to one’s neighbours, following the example set by Jesus Christ.
In his own life, Antony exhibited the essence of this passage in two dimensions: the
love of God and the love of neighbour. Antony’s life was a living testament to the
teachings and example of Jesus Christ. His life was a reflection of the perfect love
and compassion of God, and his commitment to living a Christ like life continues to
inspire others to this day. Through this essay, we will explore the life of Fr. Thomas
OMI (Servant of God), examining the ways in which his life mirrored the teachings
and example of Jesus Christ. We will delve into his dedication to serving others, his
unwavering faith in God’s providence, and his commitment to living a life of love and
service. Through this exploration, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of Fr.
Thomas’s Christ like journey and the profound impact he had on those around him.

2. Bud of Life Begins to Unfold

1
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 3
Antony's birth was a fragile moment, marked by the expectation of a short life. There
is a proverb, ‘Man proposes God Disposes’ It is indeed true in the life of boy Antony
to Fr. Thomas, many events which occurred in the life Antony was not predictable. He
was Born to Mr. Bastian Pillai and Mrs. Lucy in Pandianthazhvu on the 7th of March,
1886. He received his primary education at St. Charles Tamil School and went on to
pursue higher education at St. Patrick's College in Jaffna. While his father had
envisioned a career for him in the collectorate, Antony felt a calling to the priesthood
that resonated deeply within him. In 1905, at the age of 19, he made the decision to
join the St. Martin's seminary. During his time in the seminary, Antony's prayers
centred around a plea to be kept safe in the sacred heart of Jesus and to become a holy
priest. He also consecrated himself to the Immaculate Heart. He was ordained on
January 6th of that year, amidst his studies. He started the Congregation of the
Rosarians in 1928, February 2, in response to the encyclical letter “Rerum Ecclesiae”.2
He also founded another congregation for women. He departed from the world on
1964, January 26.

3. Remembrance of Christ’s Poverty

Fr. Thomas was deeply moved by the simplicity and humility of Christ's life, which
began in a humble stable and continued in the quiet town of Nazareth. He believed
that Christ's choice to live a life of poverty was a divine wisdom that held a deep
spiritual truth.3 Fr. Thomas saw poverty not as a state to be avoided, but as a blessed
state that brought one closer to God. Fr. Thomas understood that poverty was not just
about material possessions, but about a state of being that compelled one to live with
total confidence in God. He believed that the perpetual poverty of his institutions
would bring God closer to their lives and that it was a state that should be embraced
and respected.4
Fr. Thomas trained his children to regard the poor with profound respect and to see
poverty not as a curse, but as a blessing. He believed that by embracing poverty, one
could better understand the teachings of Christ and grow closer to God. His

2
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 30
3
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 106
4
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 118
institutions were meant to remain poor,5 and he instilled in his children a deep
appreciation for the simple and humble life that Christ lived. Fr. Thomas's life was a
testament to the power of poverty and the profound spiritual truths that it holds. He
lived his life in a way that reflected the teachings of Christ, and he sought to bring
others closer to God through his example of humility and simplicity. His legacy
continues to inspire and challenge us today, reminding us of the importance of living a
life that is centred on God and His teachings.

4. Prayer and Penance

4.1 Prayer
In the Gospel, we see Jesus was too busy the whole day and spent his nights in prayer.
This was to know the will of God and to receive the power and strength to carry out
His will. Fr. Thomas followed his Master in this regard. He united himself in prayer
throughout the night. He began his day at 2:00 a.m. by kneeling on his knees, praying
the rosary with outstretched arms and making stations of the cross. 6 He had a thirst to
suffer with joy,7 and anyone can say that Fr. Thomas’ secret of his success story was
prayer and prayer alone.8 He never tried to replace something with prayer, no matter
how busy his schedule was. In his brief intervals, he always had communion with his
Master, Lord Jesus. It was this constant living in the presence of the Lord that gave
him the strength to take up his daily crosses. 9 He knew that the soul of prayer can
reach the whole world. Moreover, ejaculatory prayers helped him to walk through his
daily life. He fully surrendered himself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the
Immaculate Heart of Mary.10 Finally, he wished that his children would participate in
the perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and mount guard until the end. 11
Once, when he was seriously ill and told by a brother to be ready to meet doctors who
had no time to free in their schedules, Fr. Thomas was praying in the chapel
continually to finish his prayer. He told the brother, “Don’t you have faith? Can I

5
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 115
6
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 102
7
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 180
8
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 146
9
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 146
10
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 198
11
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 58-59
come without seeing my Lord? He has the power to stop the doctors!”. 12 Already, it
was time for the doctor to depart from the hospital, and to their surprise, for one
doctor there were three on duty.

4.2 Penance
Fr. Thomas' life was not only a life of prayer but also a life of penance. He took up
penance in the form of fasts, abstinence, and other mortifications. He wore a belt of
spikes and a girdle around his hip. He scourged himself to the point of bleeding. He
practiced rigorous asceticism, which included his bed was an old wooden door
balanced on four stones. He ate very little and slept even less, often spending nights in
prayer.13 He was a living example of a penitential life, striving to be perfect as his
heavenly Father is perfect. Fr. Thomas' example of prayer and penance is a reminder
to us all of the importance of a disciplined and devout spiritual life. It is through
prayer and penance that we can draw closer to God and live a life of holiness and
perfection.

5. Christ’s Humility Followed: Fr. Thomas’ Life in Service

Fr. Thomas had a profound understanding of humility as the antidote to the ego. 14 He
always sought to live out the message “Be perfect as the Heavenly Father is Perfect.”
In order to fulfil this message, Fr. Thomas followed the path of his Master, Jesus.
Jesus taught His disciples, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your
servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did
not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mt
20:26-28).” Fr. Thomas emulated this passage in his own life. When he was appointed
as the prefect of the Hindu students’ hostel during his missionary work, he addressed
the boys, saying, “I have come to love you, not to control you. I have come to serve
you as your servant.”15 He not only spoke these words but also demonstrated them in
his actions. Fr. Thomas resolved many conflicts between the students by employing
the method of “kissing the feet”16 to bring about peace and calm. He instructed his

12
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 188
13
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 38
14
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 49
15
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 15-16
16
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 49
children to practice acts of humility, reminding them of their nothingness and
unworthiness.17 He always considered himself an unworthy servant, and after hearing
the sacrament of reconciliation, he would kiss the feet of the penitent. Jesus, who was
in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to
his own advantage. Instead, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a
servant, being made in human likeness. He humbled himself by becoming obedient to
death— even death on a cross. “Jesus was never a proud person after performing His
miracles; rather, He strictly instructed not to speak about them.” Fr. Thomas, despite
being the founder of two congregations, a powerful intercessor, and a great exorcist,
never felt pride. Instead, he experienced his unworthiness and emptiness before the
Almighty. He knew that when a soul realizes its unworthiness before God, the grace of
God begins to work unfettered by pride, making the soul divinely worthy of God. 18 He
believed that if his congregations lived, it was due to the grace of God, and if they
failed, it was due to his sins. Fr. Thomas’ entire life was a continual sacrifice of self-
denial offered to receive the grace that would bring many souls back to God. 19 He
urged his children to humble themselves and yield to the plan of God.20

6. Gospels Lived in the Life of Fr. Thomas

Bro. Thomas came to St. Martin’s seminary for vacation. Bro. Thomas was too
anxious and expected to meet his mother, who was seriously ill. He requested Fr.
Bizien’s permission to meet his mother, but the permission was not granted. 21 He is
reminded of Jesus’ words (Lk.9:57-62) ‘Follow me.’ But he replied, ‘Lord, first let me
go and bury my father.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you
go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ He resigned himself to the Lord’s will and
prayed for the dear departed. When Jesus foretold his death and resurrection
(Mt.16:21-23), Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it,
Lord! This must never happen to you.” But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind
me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on
divine things but on human things.” Jesus was fervent in accomplishing the will of His
17
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 166
18
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 49
19
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 46
20
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 62
21
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 11
Father. Fr. Thomas too in a possible way followed his Master. For instance, the wise
friends of Fr. Thomas became a stumbling block, saying he belonged to a missionary
society, what does he know about contemplative life without having any experience,
moreover, mocked at his features.22 But Fr. Thomas was fervent in doing the will of
God amidst many obstacles.23 Fr. Thomas was regretful of his anger though it was not
his fault. He insistently tried to ask pardon and forgiveness from God and one who did
to him.24 He immediately urged to have the sacrament of reconciliation. It is
reminding of his Master Lord Jesus Christ who told his disciples (Mt. 5:20-24) if you
remember that your brother or sister has something against you, first be reconciled
with him and then offer your gift to the Lord.

7. Suffering-Christ - Fr. Thomas

St. Paul beautifully states, “It is not I who live but Christ who lives in me.” One can
boldly say like this, if he or she not only knows Christ but also lives Christ-like in his
actions. Here, I attribute Suffering-christ to Fr. Thomas. Suffering-christ received
strength from Suffering-Christ. Fr. Thomas, as he was born, was such a soul who not
only knew Christ but also lived a life that mirrored Christ’s suffering and love. Fr.
Thomas believed that suffering and love were inseparable.25 He saw suffering as a
means to embrace the cross and embrace Christ. He often quoted, “Love sweetens the
cross which it offers.”26 This understanding of suffering and love was deeply rooted in
his faith and guided his actions. Jesus asked His Father in Gethsemane to remove this
cup from him, not of His will but of His Father’s will… But then, knowing the will of
His Father, Jesus took the cup of suffering in His life and died on the cross. Similarly,
when Fr. Thomas was asked to found the contemplative congregation, he would have
felt the pain of Gethsemane due to, his body ailments and no idea about the monastic
life thus Fr. Thomas replied to the Bishop. Guyomar “My Lord, I am always sickly. I
am counting my days. As a close associate and friend don’t you know me well

22
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 40
23
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 45
24
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 179
25
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 76
26
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 121
enough? I beg to be relieved though I am obliged to obey you, as my Bishop.” 27 Then,
he admitted himself to do the Holy will of God.
Founding two congregations required immense sacrifices and efforts, especially for Fr.
Thomas, who was battling illness. Yet, he was able to accomplish this seemingly
impossible task with God’s help and the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin
Mary.28 The Creator of heaven and earth Himself was contempt before Herod and
blamed for His good deeds. Even Jesus’ own disciples failed to understand Him, as a
result, they betrayed Him for a penny. This is the situation that took place in Fr.
Thomas’s life too. He was told to leave the Ashram and live all alone. 29 He himself felt
as an alien in his company. His own children failed to understand him. While Fr.
Thomas was seriously ill due to those unpleasant events and ailments, his own
children were forced by Fr. Villavara Singham OMI, who was then appointed to assist
Fr. Thomas, not to see him. It would be a great mental tension in his old age. 30 As
Jesus knew the will of God and kept silent before Herod, Fr. Thomas too accepted
everything silently as the holy will of God. Moreover, He suffered from paralysis and
was afflicted with eczema. He had many crosses and other trials too, but was never
down-hearted. He always glowed in the joy of the Lord.31 Moreover, he says about his
illness as a blessing through which he could turn to God alone for everything. Fr.
Thomas’s life was a testament to the truth that “There is no sanctification without
suffering and the royal road to heaven is the way of the Cross.” 32 His unwavering
faith, love, and humility continue to inspire and challenge us today, reminding us of
the power of Christ’s suffering and love in our lives.

8. Man of God to Mad Man

Fr. Thomas was characterized by actions that were centred on God. 33 This trait was
acknowledged by many, and he was often referred to as a “man of God.” 34 However,
just as people who had once sung Hosanna to the Son of David (Mt: 21:9) later turned
27
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 32
28
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 148
29
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 167
30
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 164-165
31
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 187
32
Alphonse, “A fool for Christ” 193
33
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 109
34
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 150
against him and demanded his crucifixion, so too did people, priests, and religious
who had once acknowledged Fr. Thomas as a “man of God” later turn against him and
label him a “mad man.”35 Despite this, Fr. Thomas accepted everything, considering
himself a fool for Christ’s sake.

9. Conclusion
Fr. Thomas’s life was a testament to the profound message of “Be perfect as your
heavenly Father is perfect.” His devotion to prayer, penance, and humility served as an
embodiment of the Gospel teachings. In his commitment to follow Christ’s example,
Fr. Thomas reminded us that true perfection lies not in being flawless, but in striving
to live a life of love, service, and obedience to God’s will. His life challenges us to
reflect on our own journey of faith and to consider how we can better emulate the
teachings of Jesus. As we honour Fr. Thomas’s legacy, let us be inspired to live with
greater love, compassion, and humility. Let us strive to be more Christ-like in our
actions, always seeking to grow closer to God and to serve others with a generous
heart.

Bibliography
1. Alphonse, I.S.R. A Fool for Christ. Trans. Amalan. Bangalore: Rosarian
Publications, 2000.
2. Holy Bible

35
Alphonse, A Fool for Christ, 173