REV. FR. JOSEPH LOUIS MIRANDA, S.J.
Manapad's First Jesuit Priest and its Morning Star
Born with a mission! That's what characterised Moses who was called by God through the burning bush to free Israelites from Pharaoh's slavery; the Twelve chosen directly by the Lord to take part in His redemptive work; the Virgin Mary called through Archangel Gabriel to be the Mother of God, to conceive through the power of the Holy Spirit. And that's what characterised the life of Fr Joseph Louis Miranda, the brother of the famous Mathew Miranda who gave the St James Church to Manapad - to work for mankind and for student community.
FIRST IN EVERYTHING
Fr Joseph Louis Miranda did his primary education in Manapad and went to St Joseph's College, Tiruchy, for college studies. Excellent in studies, he stood first in the 1900 Matric exams and won all the prizes; stood first in the Annual Marian Academy conducted by Fr John; was the chief choir member; counselled by his spiritual father, he chose to be a Jesuit and joined the novitiate in Shembaganur on 12 March 1902. His characteristic note was to perform everything with perfection. He successfully completed 7 years of training in Shembaganur.
IN GOD'S VINEYARD
He started his Regency or Prefecting work at St Joseph's College in 1909 by teaching English, Latin and Mathematics in the school and taught English for Intermediate Class. He found no match in preparing classes, handling the subjects, contact with the students, clarity in teaching and method of instruction along with insistence on good conduct and infusion of enthusiasm in studies. To pursue theology studies he went to Kurseong (near Darjeeling) in 1912. He was ordained a priest by Archbishop Brice Meuleman SJ on 21 Nov 1914.
He completed his final year of training in 1916 and returned to Madurai Mission (Tamilnadu). For quarter of a century he worked as a headmaster (HM). In 1917 he was HM in RC school; in 1920 he was director of Our Lady of Dolours Training and Upper Primary schools, HM at St Xavier's School, Tuticorin, from 1924 and from 1935 to 1940 the HM of St Xavier's School, Palayamkottai.
WITH ZEAL EVEN IN GREAT POSITIONS
In whichever school he worked he worked with dedication as if it were his own personal school and fostered talents among the students. Supervising classes, syllabi, text books for training school, checking teachers' notes of lessons - took the institutions to great heights. Students learnt responsibility, unflinching work and discipline. Students' Associations were active; innovations in studies were the order of the day. It was he who started the monthly 'Bodhanaa Murai Poongothu' (The Teaching Methods Treasury) for the use of teacher trainees. He published some books on Catholic Family. He had a six month stint as the editor of the Tamil Sacred Heart Messenger. He was good both in Karnatic and Western music. He presented a harmonium to every school he served.
DETERIORATING HEALTH
Born in a good family, having worked with dedication in every educational institution with only its progress in mind, never caring for fame but ever its spiritual good, the great Fr Joseph suffered with asthma as he neared his life's end. Seated on his reclining chair he brought qualified persons to carry on the work and thus proved an efficient administrator. Because of his deteriorating health he was sent to the Madurai Archbishop's House and was asked to teach at the St Peter's Minor Seminary. He served as spiritual director at St Mary's Residence in 1944 and the next year at St Stanislaus Teacher Training School, Sattur. He breathed his last even as he was sleeping at St Mary's priests' residence on 6 May 1949. A person who wanted to observe the rules very strictly wanted to die in the month of Mary and God graciously granted him his request.
OUR EYES WET WITH TEARS
The loss of a service oriented person is a loss for all of us. If we pursue the path that he has cut out for us, our deteriorating spirituality will revive. Christians will achieve new status. Tepid Catholics will become fervent. If today's priests follow his footsteps, Christianity will have new life, the greatness of the Christians will be manifest. Our status in Tamilnadu will become unique.
(Fr Vincent Miranda, SJ)
