Indian Priest Donates Property Worth Millions

October 11, 2011: Former Salesian Father Tomy Kuruvila gifted the two educational institutions, worth more than 160 million rupees, he owned to the Salesian province of Bangalore. The priest gifted the Marian Career Guidance Centre (MCGC) at Maduravelli near Kaduthuruthy in Kottayam district and Rhythm Education Centre (REC) in Sharjah to the Salesians of Don Bosco, Bangalore Oct 10.
The handing over ceremony was held in front of the Don Bosco relic at St Mary’s Church in Athirampuzha. The property is worth rupees 160 millions. “It was a historical divine intervention of Don Bosco in my life, so as to fulfill the long cherished dream of my parents who longed to see the Salesian presence in this region,” Father Kuruvila said.
The priest inherited the Maduravelli property from his parents, while raised funds to purchase one in Sharjah.
After the first batch of eight MCGC students sang the hymn “Don Bosco who was consumed by the zeal for the young” the official file containing the will of Fr. Kuruvila and a few other documents was handed over to the provincial of Bangalore/Kerala.
“I consider Don Bosco relic visit to my parish as a miracle,” said the priest, who belongs to St. Mary’s Church, Athirampuzha in central Kearla.
“I see the visit of Don Bosco Relic not just as a sheer co-incidence but the will of the saint himself in giving me a wonderful opportunity to hand over to him personally what I have been doing for the Saelsians of Don Bosco Bangalore, over these years,” he added.
Fr Kuruvila worked and ministered in Sharjah for 18 years raising funds to purchase the property and start MCGC dream project for underprivileged boys. “The gift is totally unconditional and my request to you is to treat MCGC and REC as well as me in a way Don Bosco would treat anyone who loves him and has dedicated his life for his cause,” Fr. Kuruvila said to the provincial.
The priest, who left the order on December 6, 2010, said, “I did not leave the Salesian congregation but the Salesians left me.” The 55-year-old laicised priest is currently living a retired life in priestly status, with the permission of the Bishop of Changnacherry.