I am Fr. Vianney, a priest from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Palayamkottai, Tamilnadu, in the southern most part of India. I was ordained priest on 3 May 1984. I started my priestly ministry as assistant parish priest in the diocesan Cathedral and served our diocese in various different offices. I did my doctorate in Canon Law in Rome. After I returned to the diocese, I worked as Chancellor, Judicial Vicar, Director of the Pastoral Centre. Lastly, I was the Director of Technical Schools in the diocese. I am very much interested in Catechetical and Bible ministry. Among all ministries I did in my priestly life, these two are to me the most important and most rewarding. I took so many efforts in order to bring catechesis to all the Catholic faithful, especially to the children. It had a great impact. Similarly, I started Vacation Bible School (VBS) for the first time in the history of the Catholic Church of Tamilnadu. This is a scheme to teach little children the Bible through stories, folk songs, small plays and visual aids etc. It had a tremendous reception from them. During summer holidays this Vacation Bible School will be conducted for ten days Till this day children are eagerly awaiting this school.
I am also interested in uplifting of the poor, specially of the rural youth and the empowerment of rural girls and young women. For this purpose I have taken a personal initiative and started a skill training centre in a backward village. Courses are offered in tailoring, type-writing and computers.
With the intention of gaining a new experience I approached the Archdiocese of Southwark and the diocese has sent me to St. Edmund’s, Beckenham. This is the first time for me in England although I have been in Germany quite often as a holiday pastor. On the very day of my arrival I could feel the vibration of friendly reception in the person of Fr. Steve and all his co workers. The same reception I get from all whom I meet after mass every day. I thank you for accepting me. I am happy to serve you.