Fr John Edappilly: An Ode to a Great Indian Catholic Communicator

By Fr George Plathottam sdb –

Last night I woke up at midnight in Manila and checked my phone and was saddened to know about the sudden demise of Fr John Edappilly CMI (1944-2021). According to the information from his superiors, when the community did not find him for prayer, they went to see him and found him lying motionless on his bed. He had died of a heart attack. He was a heart patient for some years. I recall that while serving in NISCORT had undergone a heart surgery. That did not deter him from his innate enthusiasm and spirit of joy. He continued to live life to the full.

Three Js of Indian Catholic Communication

Since hearing of the sudden demise of Fr John Edappilly, sleep eluded me and my thought wandered around the three Js of communication in the Church in India, Jacob Srampickal, SJ Jude Bothelho and John Edappilly. I had long association with all three of them. I succeeded Jude in the CBCI Office of Social Communication and as Director of NISCORT. Jacob hailed from my home parish and I taught many years in NISCORT where he was Dean. When Jude retired, Jacob was appointed to succeed him as Director of Niscort. But when Jacob died in Rome prior to taking over this work, I was called upon to assume this responsibility as Director of NISCORT and continue the work. In a way, I was closely associated with the work of Jacob, Jude and John in NISCORT. All three of them served the Church in India in the area of social communication with great distinction and commitment. We trust that the three Js of Indian Catholic Communication, as I would like to call them, are now with the big J- JESUS, having fulfilled their mission on earth.

All three of them served the Lord faithfully in the social communication ministry. I had long association with all three of them in our work in social communication, especially in NISCORT. Beyond that there was a deep personal bonding. All three were wise elders who inspired me with their outstanding passion for communication. Know that they have touched the lives of many other church leaders and students, and instilled in them all a love for communication after the heart of the Good Shepherd- the model of true pastoral communication.

All of them were leaders in their own way to whom one could turn for guidance. They were easy to approach, unassuming. Among them Fr Edappilly had a rare sense of humour and always helped to lighten even a serious moment with his wit. Even when his jokes were wrought with irony or sarcasm, his bewitching smile would dispel any suspicion of bad will or malice. He was able to make others laugh and at the same time enjoy jokes at his own expense. I have never seen him angry or offended even in the midst of a heated argument. He could keep his calm even during a most provocative moment.

It saddens us to realise that he won’t be there now in the Signis assemblies and other meetings. He will be missing the Happy Hour as he has gone beyond time into eternity. But for those who have known Fr John Edapilly, who enjoyed with him, those rare moments, he is sure to be missed. His humour and smile are going to be missed. That is what makes his sudden death more painful.

But as disciples of the Risen Christ who epitomizes life and resurrection for all who believe in him, we can trust that John will continue to be present with us in spirit and memory. As we his friends and colleagues bid adieu to him, we also remember all those who have walked before us and gone to the Master’s reward. We cherish in particular the memory of the three Js who we hope and pray are with the big J- Jesus the Master communicator.

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Fr George Plathottam sdb is Executive Secretary, FABC Office of Social Communication, Manila