Brother Prakash Kamalapuram Sch. P. has been a piarist for twelve years. In the interview, he talks about the great importance of education, his current everyday life and the extraordinary Lent.
What is special about the piarists?
Prakash Kamalapuram: When we see society, the first thing we ask is what you study and what degree you have. Education plays a big role in life. The charism of the Piarists is to educate children in Christian faith and learning. Here I would like to quote from the constitutions of the Piarists number one: “The religious family of the Piarists recognizes itself in humble and grateful disposition as the work of God, but also as the work of the daring courage and the persistent patience of St. Joseph Calasanz.” He has himself namely, under the impetus of the Holy Spirit, dedicated to the service of the Christian upbringing of the boys, especially the poor, with all their strength through knowledge and piety. Josef Calasanz emphasizes the education of children and young people, especially the poor. We can clearly see his thoughts in the memory of Cardinal Tonti. He says that the service of education is really “the most worthy, the noblest, the most meritorious, the most useful, the most useful, the most necessary, the most natural, the most sensible, the most grateful, the most pleasant and the most glorious”.
We are currently restricted in our everyday life by the measures taken by the Austrian federal government. How can you imagine your everyday life?
Although the government has decided to close all universities and schools, our university in Heiligenkreuz has decided to host at least some lectures online. I am reading, praying and talking on the phone. I also pray for all the sick and their family members, doctors, nurses, politicians, police officers and everyone who gives their lives for this epidemic. I also pray that all people will continue to trust in God and hope for his powerful healing so that this crisis ends and people have a normal way of life again.
How important is Lent for you?
Lent is different this year. I have never had such a fast in my life. Masses and prayer services are cancelled in all parishes due to the Corona virus. For me, Lent is also an opportunity to spend more time in my personal prayer and to hear the priests’ retreat talks on YouTube. I usually have less time to do all of these things because of my studies and other activities, but now I have a lot of different things to do. So I can say that this Lent was a time for my spiritual renewal and to experience the glory of the risen Jesus Christ.
How and where do you pray?
I pray with other church members in the church chapel because community prayer plays a major role in the Piarist way of life. Most Piarist communities are school communities, so conversations, discussions, etc. can occur during the day. That is why we take energy from community prayers to serve the people of God, especially children and youth. I usually do my personal prayers like the rosary of divine mercy in my room. I also listen to spiritual conversations and meditate.
Why did you become a piarist?
I became a piarist because I want to experience God’s love in children. As Jesus says, if you don’t turn around and become like children, you won’t get into the kingdom of heaven. Those who make themselves as small as this child are the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives such a child in my name welcomes me. When I analysed these words of Jesus and the situation in which he spoke, it occurred to me that the apostles asked who the greatest is, which means having power over the other person. It also happens very often in our society who has more power or which country is powerful and so on. What does Jesus want to tell me? I come to the conclusion how to become the little children and to serve him on the path that Saint Joseph Calasanz shows. I want to serve Jesus and his mission with the young children on the path of St. Joseph Calasanz. That’s why I became a piarist.
What do you want to give to the children and parents in the Piarist schools?
My life as a piarist started at 18 and now I’m 30. That means I’ve been with the Piarists for twelve years. I’ve learned so many things and shaped my life. So there is nothing I can give as a gift package or materially. My life itself is a piaristic way of life. When they see my life well and inspiringly, I see my work, my way of talking, my way of approaching them and all other activities. I have Jesus as my teacher and Saint Joseph Calasanz as my guide to reach Jesus. As a piarist, I should walk in Calasanz’s footprints and do whatever Calasanz requires of me. This is my life and that is why I am called by God to be a good piarist.
What do you wish for the Piarists?
I wish all Piarists all the best for their lives and thank the Lord with them for the calling of the Piarists. I also urge them to comply with government rules and regulations and to stay healthy by taking all possible measurements against the corona virus. Let us remember in our daily prayers all the people who work behind this crisis. Let us pray with faith and trust in God that He may bring healing to all people.
Caption: Brother Prakash Sch. P. (left) and Brother Ratheesh Sch. P. in the Piarist Parish Maria Treu.
