Prominent Figures of the Kerala Church-96
Rev. C. Payas, FCC
Rev. C. Payas, who displayed remarkable courage by sending ‘Sister Nurses’ to care for the suffering brothers and sisters in refugee camps on the Bangladesh border during the 1971 India-Pakistan War, was born on March 27, 1929, in Pulikkakand, as the youngest child of Devasya and Mariamma in the Kizhaparayar parish of the Pala Diocese. He received his education in Idamattam, Bharanangannam, and Pala St. Mary’s. After meeting the Blessed Alphonsa, who became a spiritual inspiration for him, Payas joined the Kralamath in Lalam after completing his high school education. On April 27, 1950, he received the religious habit at Lalam Kralamath and took his perpetual vows in 1956.
Payas exhibited extraordinary talent in his studies, which led to him being sent to prestigious institutions such as St. Mary’s College in Thrissur, St. Berchmans College in Changanassery, and St. Mary’s College in Ernakulam for higher education. After achieving notable success, he began his teaching career at Pala St. Mary’s High School. Understanding the significant roles and responsibilities of women in society, he effectively contributed to their spiritual, cultural, artistic, and physical development.
While working towards the holistic progress of the FCC, the then Mother General B. Leomma recognized Payas’s capabilities and foresight. In September 1965, he was sent to Rome to participate in a seminar organized by the Better World Movement at Rocca di Papa for further studies. After completing his theology studies at Regina Mundi, he submitted a thesis titled “The Role of Asceticism in the Hindu Economy of Salvation” at the University of Pittsburgh between 1967 and 1969, which earned him an M.A. degree.
After attaining a higher degree, Payas served honorably as a teacher at Pala Alphonsa College. The period from 1970 to 1976 was significant for the FCC, marked by several important developments following the decisions of the Second Vatican Council. In 1970, Payas was elected as Mother General for the Claramath community in the Pala Diocese.
With the aim of uniting the independent communities operating in various dioceses under the Claramath, a legal framework and guidelines for life were established under a General Mother. During this time, Payas was also elected as the Provincial of the Pala Province and became a member of its first governing body, serving as its secretary.
In the 1971 India-Pakistan War, Payas demonstrated remarkable bravery by sending Sister Nurses to assist the wounded and helpless brothers and sisters in the refugee camps on the Bangladesh border, showcasing his commitment to humanitarian service.In 1972, to lead a simpler and more authentic life in the spirit of Indian values, Rev. C. Payas established an ashram named Benedict Bhavan in Neeloor for the congregation members. He took on the responsibility of addressing challenges and crises faced by the sisters at the Providence Clinic in Moozhayil and the Snehabhavan initiated by Capuchin priests in Bharanangannam, demonstrating commendable courage and problem-solving abilities.
Rev. Payas showcased his visionary leadership in community-oriented healthcare. Recognizing the needs of the people in the underdeveloped village of Palayam, he set up medical facilities there. A building that had been previously used for church needs in Arunapuram became available, and many felt the need for a dedicated hospital for treating patients and elderly sisters, especially since there were no private hospitals in Pala. After collective consideration, they decided to convert the existing building into a hospital, a move welcomed with joy by the then-diocesan head, Bishop Vayalil Thirumeniyan, and the local community.
With all necessary arrangements in place, the hospital opened on February 2, 1973, under the name Marian Medical Center. It has since grown into one of the prominent hospitals in Kottayam district. For 13 years, Rev. Payas led its initial operations, training numerous sisters both locally and abroad to form a strong hospital staff. In 1974, at Rev. Payas’s request, Mother Teresa visited Marian Medical Center, sharing her inspiring work and love of God with the gathered community, spending an hour there. Everyone left deeply grateful and joyful for the opportunity to meet a living saint.
With the aim of providing comprehensive spiritual, intellectual, and professional training to the sisters, Sr. Mary Louise, director of the Sister Formation Movement established in America, visited Pala in March 1973. Rev. Payas gathered all the sisters who had received formation in America from Pala, Kottayam, and Changanassery for an evaluation at Alphonsa Hostel. The sisters returned satisfied and fulfilled after actively participating in discussions and sharing their experiences in various apostolic activities.
Additionally, Sr. Silvana from the Daughters of the Church, who supported the FCC sisters in pursuing theological studies in Rome, approached Rev. Payas in 1974 to explore the possibilities of establishing a convent in Kerala, following the call she received from God, and provided the necessary assistance for this endeavor.After providing effective leadership to the Pala Province for six years and striving to guide and nurture it through the paths envisioned by the Vatican Council, Rev. C. Payas retired from his administrative duties in December 1976.
In 1989, recognizing the need for further growth and development, the Pala Province was divided into two: the Pala Alphonsa Province and the Bharanangannam Alphonsa Jyothi Province. Rev. Payas was re-elected as the Provincial of the Pala Alphonsa Province. In his role as the Provincial of the mother province, he handled all dealings and arrangements following the division of the province with great wisdom, generosity, and leadership qualities.
Rev. Payas was deeply committed to social service and the welfare of the poor, working earnestly to provide homes for the homeless, assist the destitute and the sick, and resolve their issues while offering comfort. He was attentive to the community’s needs and shortcomings, focusing on what could be done to help. He also contributed significantly to charismatic movements and evangelization.
Thus, by collaborating selflessly at both the church and congregation levels, Rev. Payas provided strong, rational leadership for the overall development of the Pala Province. He guided the community members in spirituality, love, unity, and charitable works, ensuring that his professional life bore fruit. Even at the age of seventy, he remained actively engaged in reading, studying, praying, and charitable activities, serving as a role model and inspiration for the community. He arranged all necessary facilities and provided assistance to establish a home in Bangalore.
By collaborating selflessly at both the church and congregation levels, Rev. Payas provided strong, rational leadership for the comprehensive development of the Pala Province. He guided community members in spirituality, love, unity, and charitable activities, ensuring that his professional life was fruitful. Even at the age of seventy, he remained diligently engaged in reading, studying, praying, and charitable work, serving as both a role model and an inspiration for the community.