In Memoriam Fr Marcelino Iragui OCD (BJRE066)

 

In Memoriam Fr Marcelino

(By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2023)

Fr Marcelio Iragui OCD, a Spanish Carmelite and the first mentor of many of us in the movement's early years passed away in Spain recently. He was a seminary professor at Alwaye, Kerala, and one of the earliest Charismatic retreat preachers in the country. He loved youth, giving them focused guidance and following up on youth prayer groups.  

The baby steps 

The first time I saw him was on the stage of the introductory seminar at St. Teresa’s College in Ernakulam, which took place in June 1976. Approximately 200 people gathered for this four-day orientation on Charismatic Renewal, held for the first time in that region of the country. With lively songs and joyful exchanges, the team composed of Frs. Fio, Rufus, and Marcelino led us exceptionally well. “If some of you are interested, we can start a group here,” Fr. Marcelino announced on the last day. This announcement proved to be a turning point for many of us.

I was one of about 40 people who signed up. We met the following Sunday. We discussed the same topics we had heard in the seminar for two months, week after week. Then, we began meeting on Wednesday evenings. Gradually, he introduced us to a new way of life in the Spirit: thanksgiving and praise, savoring the word of God, listening to the Holy Spirit, and growing as a community.

Fr Marcelino was very particular about teaching us good songs of praise and thanksgiving. Those songs, in radically fresh styles, helped us celebrate our newfound joy. He made sure we learned and used these simple songs. Now, as I look back, I see the wisdom of all this: building up an attitude and habit of joyful praise. 

“After the Holy Mass, I would go out into the rubber plantation at the seminary, walking around and singing in the Spirit.” Fr. Marcelino trained us well in singing in the Spirit. Personally, I also developed this habit, and our prayer group gradually grew in using this simple gift of praise.

“Singing and praying in the Spirit is a doorway to the other gifts of the Spirit.” Thus, we would sing in the Spirit and enter a time of silence and listening. This would become a time for sharing the messages we received. Fr. Marcelino patiently trained us to listen and share such messages.

He had a clear instructional plan. Drawing on the scriptures and insights from saints, he taught us to walk in the Spirit. Later, during retreats to other places, we were also invited for intercession, to teach songs, and to share our experiences. For me, this was the best leadership training I received.

“Retreats give rise to newborns, but a tragedy is that they are often abandoned and grow up as fatherless children,” he remarked. His style was different; he took the time to listen and pray with most of us and followed up regularly. In various ways, he taught us the importance of being part of a growing community. Fr. Marcelino started our group and frequently visited to nurture it. We were also organized into small cells to meet and share during the week. Eventually, a core group of three of us formed to guide the group. Later, he had to move away, but he would occasionally return, spending a few days with the group to follow up on teachings or clarify doubts. The beauty of it all was that this occurred in a very informal and friendly setting.

No wonder the group he started in 1976 continues even today. St. Teresa’s Group has formed generations of leaders and meets regularly, even after 47 years! How did this group help build the Jesus Youth movement? Many members of this group played significant roles in preparing for the early steps of the movement, including the first major youth gathering in 1978, the various training sessions that followed, and the First Line group that began meeting in 1982. Supporting this growing movement was not difficult for us, as we always had a dedicated group of youth and families with diverse skills and talents. We met several times a week: on Wednesdays for the main gathering, on Saturdays for intercession, and on Sundays for outreach to the poor. The robust foundation laid by Fr. Marcelino has truly borne fruit and continues to do so even today!

The memory lives on

When I heard the sad news on February 2nd, I posted a brief note online. Soon, responses began pouring in. More than 40 years have passed since Fr Marcelino left India, yet so many still have fond memories of him. 

Dr. Kochurani responded, “His book ‘Growing in Jesus’ was highly sought after in the 1980s as a reference text for Charismatic Renewal.” Toms Michael wrote, “His books 'Here Comes Jesus, ' 'Walking with Jesus, ' and 'Growing in Jesus' played a significant role in consolidating my faith during my early years. Enjoy your eternal rest, O man of God.” Reena added, “Yes, I still read and meditate on these books.” 

Two longer responses brought back memories. One was from Manuel Thomas from Chennai. In 1978, Fr. Marcelino asked him to observe our youth networking efforts. He visited us, and Manuel and I became close friends. He wrote, “I carry wonderful memories of listening to his amazing teachings, attending his retreats, and witnessing the power of the Holy Spirit in his ministry to youth. He introduced me to Eddy and the St. Teresa's prayer group after the Youth Convention at Sacred Heart College, Thevera, in ‘78. A man of God, so filled with joy and so loving. May his soul rest in peace.” Another response was from Fiona, an active young student from those years, now in the Middle East. “In 1976 at St. Teresa’s, Fr.Marcelino drew many youth to this new renewal and a personal relationship with Jesus. He willingly traveled to Fort Cochin to spread the Renewal along with Bro. Fritz and Eddy. Then, with support from the sisters and permission from our dear late Bishop Edezhath, we held prayer meetings. Rest in peace, Fr. Marcelino; your crown in heaven awaits you.”

Enduring Styles 

In September 1976, he led a student retreat at St. Paul’s Kalamassery, with participation from many colleges. That was the beginning of many college groups. Most of us continued to stay connected. Thus, when networking efforts started in mid-1978, we already had some solid contacts to build on. No wonder the September 1978 Intercession retreat, Growth Retreat, and Initial Retreat at St. Albert’s School, all led by Fr. Marcelino, Fr. Justin Pinheiro, and Bro. Fritz, were highly impactful and served as good preparation not only for the year-end youth convention but also for a significant youth movement that gradually evolved from all of these.

Many remember Fr. Marcelino as a well-known retreat preacher for religious and college youth and the author of numerous books. However, his unique and lasting contribution lies in the specific habits and styles he passed on, which continue to bear fruit and spread even after half a century. He passed away at the age of 95 in Spain. In recent years, he focused on building a network for Eucharistic adoration and intercession. I am sure that as he enters the land of joy, Fr. Marcelino will remember us before the Throne of Grace and support us in our efforts to continue what he planted among us. May the good Lord welcome him to the everlasting feast!