REV. FR. SAVARI MUTHU ARASURE
BORN: 16-03-1947 ORDAINED: 16-05-1987 DEATH: 05
Dear Beloved of the Father,
Our beloved Fr. Muthu, as he was loving called, suddenly left us for his heavenly reward on the 5th of February 2012 due to cardiac arrest. Having gone for a celebration with his priest friends to Meghraj Mission. At mid-night he felt breathless and his friends tried to soothe him but knowing its seriousness they rushed him to a nearby hospital but he breathed his last before reaching the hospital. Fr. Vincent Macwan on receiving the message passed it on immediately to all the fathers, sisters and various communities.
His last rites were performed at St. Francis Xavier Church, Zaroli. The Zaroli community (Frs. Kanti Vasava, Pascal Ninama and Mgr. Chhagan) went all out of their way to make the occasion solemn and meaningful. He was laid to rest in the cemetery at Zaroli. The last rites were conducted by Most Rev. Bishop Godfrey de Rosario. Fr. Joel R. Pais (VG) gave a detailed history of the life and work of Fr. Muthu. Whereas Frs. Kanti and Jelastine paid final tribute to him. Fr. Pascal rendered a vote of thanks to all. Fathers, Sisters, Brothers and lay faithful from in and around the diocese paid their last tribute by their presence, prayers and flowers.
He was a very jolly priest and lived life to the full. Learning of his unfortunate and untimely death we have no words to describe the utter grief that we feel. He will always be remembered for his simplicity, hard-work, dedication and joyfulness. He had heart for the poor and needy. By his charitable work he has made a deep impact on the life of people. It is true that he was taken from us too soon, and it does seem a little unfair that his life on earth ended with so much left to do. Yet trusting in God's providence and love we truly believe God knows best.
We pray that the Good Lord bless him and grant him eternal rest. May all his efforts to bring people closer to God and to the love of His Son Jesus be blessed with the glory of heaven. May the loving Father accept him in the bosom of His glory.
May the good Lord who chose Fr. Muthu and shared with him His sacred priesthood, giving him power to offer the Eternal Sacrifice, to bring the Body and Blood of Jesus down upon the altar; and to absolve the sins of all, forgive all his sins and reward his faithfulness admitting him into His holy Presence there to enjoy the fruits of his labour.
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.
Fr. Lawrence Louis Rodrigues
(For SOCOM Baroda)
FR. JOEL R. PAIS (VICAR GENERAL - DIOCESE OF BARODA)
Woken up at around 2.30 a.m. on the early hours of Sunday 5th February I was informed that Fr. Muthu is no more. Just 10 days before I spoke to him on phone when he was in the hospital. When I asked him shall I come to see you. His immediate reply was "No. I am o.k. and is your new parochial house coming up well and how is your health?".
Now Baroda Diocese has 5 people in heaven. Fr. Muthu is the third Diocesan Priest to leave us. It began with Bishop Ignatius S. D'souza on 19th Jan. 1986, Fr. Cyprian Mendonca 4th March 2000, Fr. Arthur Menezes 23rd Feb. 2008, Bishop Francis Braganza 21st Dec. 2011 and now Fr. Muthu.
Fr. Muthu was born on 16th March 1947. They were 4 children. He had 2 brothers and one sister. His parents were Mr. Arokiam Arasure and Mrs. Arociammal Arasure. He was born in Madurai in Tamil Nadu and joined the Jesuits of Gujarat as a Jesuit Brother. As a Brother first he worked at Mount Abu and then he proceeded to Ooty to do a course in carpentry. Once he was back he actively got involved in building Anand Church and Petlad Primary School. In Vyara he built three Chapels. He also worked at the construction of Jevan Darshan and Satya Nilayam, Chennai. He felt his call was to become a priest. Bishop Ignatius S. D'Souza took him for Baroda Diocese. He did his Philosophy and Theology at St. Charles Seminary, Nagpur. He was ordained on 16th May 1987 in Tamil Nadu.
After his ordination he served at Umarpada (1987-1989) Vyara (1989-1994) Jhagadia (1994-1996) Gothada (1996-2006). In Gothada as a Priest in-charge he changed the Uttar Buniyadi High School to general stream. He brought properties for the Church. He successfully handled the workers problem. He was dreaming of starting a PTC college and a sub-station. From Gothada he went to Besthan (2006-2008). While in Besthan he went to Mysore to do spirituality course. Jhagadia (2008-11) Zaroli-Umargam (2011-12). He died on 5th February 2012.
He lived for 64 years, 10 months, 20 days and as a Priest for 24 years, 8 months, 19 days. He was eagerly waiting to celebrate his Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee. His Burial on 8th February was attended by our Bishop Godfrey de Rosario, nearly 80 Priests, Religious Brothers and Sisters, his relatives and huge number of lay faithful was a clear sign that People loved him.
Fr. Muthu was a man of God and Prayer. He loved his Breviary. He was a technical man - Carpenter, Welder and a Builder. He was a man of the institution. In spite of good and bad times he was faithful and obedient to his superiors whether it was the Bishop or Parish Priest.
May Fr. Muthu enjoy the eternal bliss. We will miss his ever smiling face. Good bye Fr. Muthu till we meet again.
FR. JOEL R. PAIS
(VG - DIOCESE OF BARODA).
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