CHICAGO: Deacon Thomas (Timmy), a Kottayam native who left his job as a high-paid engineer to dedicate himself to Christ, will receive a reception on Saturday (June 6) at Chicago’s Marthoma Cathedral. He is set to become the first priest to be ordained to the priesthood from the United States of America for the Eucharist. It is also a time of great joy for the Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago, which has gifted the church leader with the mission of Jesus’ youth.
Deacon Thomas is the only child among the three children of Pulikkal Jose-Tezi couple who immigrated to the US from Kottayam. He had no intention of becoming a clergyman when he moved his life deeper into the foundation of the faith training he received from his family. Thomas chose the ‘dual-degree program’ to enrich his life. He had good success in Computer Science and Mathematics. But after graduation, Deacon Thomas’ life journey came to a standstill even when his job search was undermined. He completed high school and was part of a one-year ministry of Jesus Youth.
He was also named the first person from the United States to receive Jesus’ One-Year Commitment. His days of devotion and devotion to Jesus were the days of blessing. A highly-paid career in the Department of Defense, Financial Services, and Consumer Electronics. He served first in Colorado and later in Houston. Despite his busy life, he made no compromises in his spiritual life.
He continued his studies at the Holy Apostolic College and Seminary in Chicago. In the last days of the study, company executives came out with advice and promises that they would not lose a top employee when they resigned from the office. But Thomas was not prepared to back down. When he finally revealed his priestly call, his manager’s response was most notable: “I am not at war with God. If that is your calling, accept it. God bless you!”
So in 2015, she began her study of theology at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Florida. Thomas completed his studies with the honor of being the best student. On May 16, 2019, the Deacono Path was announced. He then completed two months of pastoral training at Mangalapuzha Pontifical Seminary in Aluva. The reception will take place on June 6 at Chicago Marthoma Cathedral. The diocese leadership said that because of the ‘COVID Protocol’, only a handful of people could participate in the corrections. Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiyath will officiate at the Thirukarmam which is being offered at 10 am. Mar Joy Alappat will deliver the message. Deacon Thomas will be the fourth clergyman from the diocese of Chicago.
