Easter Greetings from Bishop Sebastian for the Diamond Jubilee Year
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I am writing you from my office in India, in my capacity as President of Save A Family Plan India, to share some news and reflections with you during this Lenten season.
First, I would like to share my excitement with you as Save A Family Plan celebrates its Diamond Jubilee in 2025. Sixty years ago, my friend Msgr. Augustine John Kandathil, who was known as “Father Gus” to all who knew him, was inspired to begin the great passion of his life through Save A Family Plan. It was his lifelong mission to care for the poor, a mission which all of us today still share.
On behalf of Save A Family Plan India and those whom we serve, I extend my most sincere thanks to the entire people of the Diocese of London. Following the example of Fr. Gus, you have sacrificed much so that our gifts may be shared with the poor; that they may experience dignity and partake of the bounty that the Creator has given us.
Likewise, I extend a special message of thanks to your bishop, the Most Rev. Ronald P. Fabbro, CSB, and our brother priests; the generous and faith-filled Knights of Columbus; the wonderful and tireless women of the Catholic Women’s League; the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph; and faith groups such as Canoffer, Celtic Cross, and others.
In the year 2025, we are not just celebrating an organization, rather, we are celebrating you, the good and generous people who continue the work that Fr. Gus started in 1965.
With the passing of the years come changes. As you may already know, there have been changes to how the Indian government allows funds to be transferred from Canada, resulting in program changes and mail disruption from your partner families in India. Be assured that they continue to be supported. I hope that mail will resume late this year. The personal connection that we have, despite great distances, has always been central to the work of Save A Family Plan.
As Save A Family Plan marks its diamond jubilee, I give thanks to God for the people of the Diocese of London, and so many others across Canada and the world. Fr. Gus knew that Jesus is not just to be adored, but to be followed – by helping our brothers and sisters in acts of charity, moments of justice, and the promoting of hope. This is the foundation of our movement.
Once again, I offer you my most sincere thanks. Happy 60th anniversary to all of us!
Sincerely,
Bishop Sebastian Adayanthrath
Bishop of Mandya President, Save A Family Plan India