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Associate Pastorfrbennystmarymtvernon.orgDear Family of St. Mary’s and St. Barbara,
I am so happy to join you as your Associate Pastor. A big thanks to all of you and to Fr. Nick for accepting me into your Family. By this time you might have heard about me that I come from Los Angeles. A big change. I was born in a small town Called Neyyassery In the state of Kerala, India on March 17 as the eighth Child for my parents. We are nine –four girls and five boys, of which one sister is a Nun and two brothers passed away. AŌer the elementary Schooling I joined the Carmelite Congregation, which is and indigenous community started by St. Kuriakose Elias Chavra, a Saint from Kerala. I finished my studies with them and became a member of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI) with my Profession in 1979 and later the final profession in 1985. I completed my philosophy and theology from Dharmaram College, Bangalore, India and got ordained as a Priest on May 06, 1988. From my early age onwards I was interested to Mission work. After the ordination I went north of India and joined the Bijnor Mission, near the Himalayas. I was there for 12 years visiting villages and helping people with the mission to proclaim Jesus to the people. I was asked to move to St. Francis Xavier Parish, Burbank, CA, USA in the year 2002 as I was waiting for the College for a higher study in Social work. I Stayed at St. Francis as the Associate Pastor and also as the Administrator for two years. During these days I learned a lot and was able to help the Parishioners in their Faith journey and also in my life as a Priest. Now I am here with you in a new place and a new environment. I am sure with your help and God’s grace I will be able to help you to grow in faith and in helping you to grow myself. I have heard great things and I will do my best. Let us grow together.
Fr. Benny
