By Matters India Reporter
New Delhi: The Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) on May 27 mourned the passing away of Father Cheriyan Nereveetil, former chief editor of Sathyadeepam (Light of Truth), an Institutional member of the organization.
The 49-year-old priest died on May 27 from head injuries sustained in a road accident two weeks ago.
A condolence message from ICPA president Ignatius Gonsalves saluted Father Nereveetil for setting high standards in media while giving an edifying witness as a media person and a pastor.
“Though his life was literally short and his career in the media even shorter, Father Nereveetil has left a trail of class and commitment that will be cherished by all for a long time to come. As a communicator he showed a level of maturity and Christian charity much beyond his young age,” the message adds.
According to Gonsalves, Father Nereveetil lived what he communicated and cited as example his donating his kidney to a poor girl years ago.
“The zero-distance that he strived to maintain between word and deed as a priest and communicator endeared him to one and all, especially the youth,” says the message referring to Father Nereveetil’s service as the chaplain of the Jesus Youth s International Council.
The hallowed memories of the always smiling, soft-spoken priest-editor and accomplished singer would be “a beacon of light for media persons and pastors alike – motivating and inspiring to be prophetic,” the message asserts.