A Salesian of resilience passes away to eternity

Faced with adversity, one tends to give up. But Father CV George proved otherwise. Enduring the pain and hardships of incurable Motor Neuron Disease, Father George leaves a message of resilience and acceptance of reality. Father George was not a complicated Salesian; he remained simple and hardworking. Though seen as fidgety, the outward show vanishes in split seconds to a humane person, ever willing to walk the extra mile. He was passionate about the marginalized youth, the abandoned ones, and the unloved. His ‘stubbornness’ to stay in Bangalore amidst the vagrant youth proves his care for the poor and lonely.

The funeral service was held at 2.30 pm on Saturday 10 February at Kristu Jyoti College chapel. A memorial service at Don Bosco Aluva and a tribute at BOSCO Bangalore preceded the funeral serviceThe Holy Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Jose Koyickal, the Provincial and concelebrated by Fr. Shalbin the Vice-provincial and Fr. Varghese Pallipuram, the Rector of Bosco Bangalore, along with several other priests. A large number of religious, youth and children also participated in the funeral service. In his homily Fr. T C George spoke about the strong will power of Fr C V George and the impact he made on the lives of thousands of BOSCO children. In his farewell speech Fr Jose Koyickal lauded the special love and care that Fr. C. V. George showed to the poor children of BOSCO where he spent most of life, serving and uplifting them. He is an inspiration to all of us.

After the final rites the body was carried to the cemetery and laid to rest at the KJC cemetery. The KJC band paid tribute to Fr. George as they played “Nearer my God to thee” and “Abide with me”. The whole funeral service was a fitting farewell to a Salesian, who spent most of his life for children and youth who are the marginalised and the neglected of the society. Adieu dear Fr. C V George!