Fr. John Brito Chethimattam CMI, a great Guru of thousands around the globe, passed away on 31st March, 2006. He was professor of philosophy and theology in Dharmaram College, Bangalore. He was also Rector there. He was instrumental in constructing the aesthetical dome-shaped Dharmaram Chapel. He served the Congregation as Provincial of the CMI Trivandrum Province, Regional Superior of Kanyakumari, Superior at Calcutta, and was member of the General and Provincial Synaxes continuously for several terms in the bygone decades. He was a professor at Fordham University, U.S.A., for more than two decades. He was a great scholar, efficient teacher, prolific writer and a powerful orator.
Simple in life style, quick in perception, swift in articulation, powerful and lucid in expression, genius and scholarly in calibre and generous in commitment to service - that is Professor John Brito Chethimattam to his collegues and to the generations of his students. "Gladly would he learn and gladly does he teach"- this is Fr. John in Chaucer's words.
An untiring teacher for the last 55 years and a zealous apostolic herald for the past three decades, Fr. John has criss-crossed the globe to preach his gospel that in truth consists true liberation - liberation of the whole man. In classrooms and lecture halls, in national and international forums, seminars, colloquia and dialogues and in inner circles of scholars Fr. John easily gets recognition and respect for his singular ability to discuss and debate dispassionately on vital issues related to men of our times.
A prolific writer, Fr. John Chethimattam has written a number of scholarly books and numerous research papers and popular articles on theological themes and current topics in English and Malayalam. Change for the better seems to be his working ideal. Another ideal that is ever fascinating Fr. John is the translation of high academics from the class room context to the life situation of the common man - man of varied cultures and religions. Hence he frequently reflects on the reality of pluralism in his writings. A philosopher theologian by trait and talent, teaching was his first love. The number of of institutes and centres of learning that he has been teaching in is really impressive. However, the real centre of his attention and activity has always been Dharmaram.
As a young and enthusiastic theologian, he first joined the Sacred Heart Study House, Chethipuzha in 1955. Since then, he generously offered his vast intellectual resources for the evolution and progress of this Institute. As it was shifted to Bangalore, Fr. John held almost all the offices of the academic cadre including the Dean of Studies and the office of the Rector of the College from 1972-75. Apart from the administrative posts that he held, he is better remembered and revered as an eminent scholar, resourceful and insightful teacher, sincere friend and well-wisher of everybody, being available to all.
Fr. John has become almost a legend on the campus - a legend that holds out immeasurable dimensions of understanding that it would be particularly impossible to narrate all that Dharmaram owes him.
James J. Boyle writes from USA, "As Chairman of The Father John Group at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Scarsdale, New York, USA, and on behalf of all the members of our Group please accept our sympathy and condolences on this very sad news of John's passing to his eternal reward. This wonderful man John was a blessing from God and India to IHM. He opened our minds and we became better thinkers and Christians. He was our Guru; his ideas are embedded in our minds and so, we shall remember John always. The world needs more Fr. Johns. God bless John's soul and us all.
"..it was great to work with good Fr. John.. Also to play with him in the basket ball court." Fr. Albert Nambiaparampil CMI, Thodupuzha
"I deem myself fortunate to be one of his countless students and admirers. I had my own associations with him at different levels and on various occasions. I do cherish a lot of fond personal memories of him. He was a relentless source of inspiration to me. I was amazed at the bold stand he had taken for the Syro-Malabar Catholics of Behala. He took the arch bishop Henry of Calcutta by the horns to uphold the dignity of the Syrian catholics there. I can't forget the reactions of Archbishop Henry when I had met him after Fr. John was transfered from Behala.".. Fr. Joseph Ampatt, USA.
"Fr. Britto was truly a great man and we will all miss him. The wonderful services he rendered to the Church as well as to our Congregation will never be forgotten. Apart from all he did as a Philospher, Theologian, Seminary Professor, Rector, Provincial, University Professor (Fordham University), renowned author and speaker, Fr. Britto will also be remembered as our first CMI coordinator in the United States.".. Fr. Jose Panthaplamthottiyil CMI, Coordinator General, USA
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