For BICS Newsletter[January to March 09]

Status: unpublished

Tribute to Fr. Francis Guezou: the Man without Frontiers

The morning of January 29, 2009 dawned on us with the heart-rending news of the demise of Fr. Francis Guezou, SDB, the Founder and Patron of Don Bosco Centre, Yelagiri Hills. The imposing personality with the smiling face that went about the campus was lying still and the thundering voice that reverberated in the minds and hearts of us all was silent. A feeling of emptiness loomed large in everyone’s face. But then the sober thought that he has gone for his eternal reward subdued our mixed emotions.

Sun-drenched face with familiar wrinkles, forehead with lined strips that spoke of strong mind of facing toughest situations in life; tanned skin, toughened hand, most powerful voice, a man of medium height, At 87, could go around with full confidence on a motor around the complex, such was the man, Fr. Guezou.

Introduced 20th CenturyHe is credited with this line: The man who introduced 20th Century in Yelagiri Hills. The sixties were full of historical events: Globally one would find, the birth throes of Vatican II, liberation theology of Latin America, Hippie culture in the West (phenomenon of Flower children), Cold War era, widening of the frontiers of science and space…; Regionally, Inculturation movement in India, Tamil language upraising in 60’s, rampant casteism, bonded labour, draughts and famines of 70’s. Did Guezou became a De Nobli, Beschi, Bede Griffith, Livenes of Adivasis? No, he simply remained Guezou.

Life is an open book for interpretation and inspiration, and not for calumniating. Fr Guezou’s life holds good the same. The shock of cultural transplantation demanded his psychological strains. He is no longer the French man, but Indian (Salesian) missionary. The salesianness that bloomed in Kerala didn’t happen in Yelagiri hills. It came very late but profoundly in late 90’s. Until then he was found battling his vagueness in missionary charism.

Life of a PioneerWhat God has for Guezou in this obscure hill? Was he academician? A Self-fulfilled Catholic seer? Did he sat and spent time on reflection and wrote bombastic spiritual statements unmindful of the people in his opposite hut struggling with poverty? No. Guezou is not made for that. It is the same story of D-Day that led to Europe’s liberation. The pioneer has to suffer, even if that costs his life. Since 1962, Fr. Guezou had made Yelagiri his home. It was the road less travelled by.

As a farmer, Fr. Guezou ploughed hard, planted and nurtured, and God gave the growth. Fr. Guezou offered his life for the young people of Tamil Nadu. He went about doing good, digging wells, constructing schools, boardings, home for the street children, dispensaries… He seemed to be at his self when the young people were around. That was the Salesian in him and those who came in contact with him saw a friend in him. Those came to him for money, surely would never have seen him other than a “funding-being”. It depends on the perspective of the people.

A stranger to the land, language, customs, food, weather and what not, Fr. Guezou had the courage and conviction to withstand all trials, tribulations and retaliation from the very people for whom he toiled. Many a time, he was exposed to dangers and threats. In the beginning people misunderstood him for an intruder into their customs and faith. But in his own graceful ways he won them over. There were times when he had to stand before the police and the court. He faced the challenging situations with indomitable courage.

Man of Action

Fr. Guezou was a man of action. He detested ‘long meetings’. He wanted the people to work more and talk less. He was deeply contemplative too. Punctuality was characteristic of Fr. Guezou. He would awake very early and be on time for prayer, be on time for all the functions and community meals. And he would expect the same from everyone.

Generous to the CoreThe services of Fr. Guezou were not confined to any specified circle. Be it the Salesian provinces, government schools, government hospitals or any other organization meant for the poor, he gave unmincingly to all. Thus, his giving knew no bounds. His style of helping individuals with very big sum of money has baffled many. Still, he did it because he wanted the best to be given to those in need. The gift of 1700 Sq.ft. of land to the government for widening of road in Yelagiri Hills and the support extended to the Medical Team for conducting Outreach Camps in remote villages are typical of the nature of his giving.

Mr. Vijayakumar, the Managing Director of Anabond Pvt. Ltd., a beneficiary, spoke thus, “Father would cheerfully give the money - more than what I would have asked for. In the happiness of others he found his own happiness.”

Friend of Poor and NeedyFr. Francis Guezou’s love and concern for the poor far surpassed all imaginations. He had compassion for them as his Master had compassion on the people who followed Him. To quote him: “We want absolutely to give chance to the poorest to comp up....And this is gospel; this is the evangelisation... and we have to be human. It is in the measure in which we are human, that we are Christ-like.” His love for the poor remained unabated till the end of his life. Of late, he was worried and saddened, because the land from the natives was being sold to the rich. They were becoming strangers in their own place and care takers of their own properties.

Uniqueness of Community LifeFr. Francis Guezou has bequeathed to the community of Don Bosco Centre a wonderful family spirit. He has built a strong community of fellowship. All those who enter the campus invariably experience a joyful and meaningful family atmosphere. For free and happy living, Father insisted on

greeting each other after Eucharistic celebrations with shaking of hands gathering together in a spirit of sharing love and affection at meals with perfect

regularity meeting boys and girls and shaking hands with them after Good Night talks Following the daily schedule spontaneusly without ringing of the bell going around visiting places of work, people at work and at play

The construction of a water reservoir with large storage area stands as a living monument for the far-sighted vision and ingenuity of Fr Guezou.

Rapport with People of YelagiriFr. Guezou had a close rapport with the people of the hills. He made it a point to participate in all their village feasts and functions- both joyful and sorrowful. People had great respect for him. He has shown us the way to accept people as they are and love them unconditionally. He lived in accordance with his avowed principle ‘Let All Be One’. In a felicitation to the Collector of Vellore Dt., the Collector bent down and sought the blessings of Fr. Guezou. Everyone was moved. In his speech, the Collector was full of praise for the work done by Fr. Guezou and the Salesians. He commanded the respect of the simple and the elite.

A Mission to ContinueFr. Francis Guezou had a deep conviction that only quality education can pave way for the upliftment of the rural mass. Thus was born the evening school for the working boys and girls, St. Charles School, DBC Boarding, and BICS InfoTech (BIIT and BOSCO ITS). More than 110 boys

and girls from the hill are given education scholarships for their higher education every year. Hundreds of youth who studied here are well placed in the society.

Enduring SagaThe news of Fr Francis Guezou’s death reached all corners in lightening speed. Crowds of people - officials, labourers, police, religious, non-believers, poor, rich, lame and the sick - from far and near thronged to the Don Bosco Centre to pay him homage. They wept for him as if they had lost their own. The shops on Yelagiri Hills were closed and life came to a standstill.

His death has left us an aching void, but the rich and unique legacy that he has left behind is enough to sustain us, generations together. His memories will linger on. Fr. Guezou dwells in our midst in unwritten memorial, graven in the hearts of people. His virtues, ideals, aspirations, desire, longings will be commemorated, cherished and lived by everyone forever. A person of great self-discipline with a sense of humour, Fr. Guezou was a great gift that God had given us. His life and work has been legendary in nature and magnitude.

For the funeral service on January 30, 2009 the campus was filled with grief-stricken people, each one of them wanting to have a last glimpse of Fr. Guezou. With two bishops, the regional superior, Provincials and a great number of priest and religious, the funeral service was touching and poignant. Celine, the grandniece of Fr. Guezou bid farewell to him, on behalf of her family. The people of the hill took the mortal remains of Fr. Guezou ceremoniously in a flower decked vehicle, around the village and paid their homage in their tribal custom. Fr. Guezou was buried in the Christ the Redeemer chapel built by him at Don Bosco Centre, Yelagiri Hills. The Month’s Mind celebration, presided over by the Provincial on March 01, 2009 was yet another occasion to witness how Fr. Guezou endeared himself to the people and to the Salesian Community.

The words of Mr. Stanislaus Ernoult, President of the Association of Friends of Fr. Francis Guezou speaks volumes on the impact that Fr. Guezou has left behind:

“Your thoughts and spirit are the link between us and we want to thank you for the following: To have opened our eyes and showed us the way to love each other To have given to us so many brothers and sisters in India To have opened the door to our hearts To have shared your life, your joys, your difficulties and above all your determination To have made us live the words: Let us be one”

Milestones in the Life of Fr. Guezou

Month/Date/Year Significant Milestones

April 07, 1924 Francois Guezou was born at Yvias, Brittany, France

April 08, 1924 Baptism of François Guezou

1943 Salesian Novitiate at Guerche, Dinan, Paris

September 08, 1944 First Profession at Guerche, Dinan, Paris

March 25, 1950 Perpetual Profession at Fontaière, Lyon, France

February 11, 1952 Journey from Marseille to India

March 20, 1952 Landed in India

March 07, 1953 Diaconate Ordination at Mawlai, Shillong, India

August 01, 1953Priestly Ordination, Sacred Heart Shrine, Tirupattur, Tamil Nadu, India

Month/Date/Year Significant Milestones

August 1953 Administrator of The Retreat, Yercaud, Tamil Nadu

1956 First Pioneering mission at Vaduthala, Kerala

1959 First meeting with Mr. Leon Duhayon

June 16,1961Asst. Parish Priest at Lourdes Shrine, Perambur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

December 31, 1962 Arrival at Yelagiri Hills, Tamil Nadu

1964 – 1972 Parish Priest of Our Lady of Victories Church, Jolarpet, Tamil Nadu

1966Sisters of St. Charles join hands in the mission of Fr. Francis Guezou

1969Pinardi Shed – The First Multipurpose Hall was built at Don Bosco Centre, Yelagiri Hills (Now Arivagam)

December 07 1971Christ the Redeemer Chapel was blessed by Rt. Rev. Anthony Muthu, Bishop of Vellore

1978The First Boarding School (the present St. Charles convent), Yelagiri was built

1979Well-equipped Dispensary was built at St. Charles Convent, Yelagiri Hills

1979Retreat House with 20 rooms was built at Don Bosco, Yelagiri Hills. (Now serves as guesthouse)

1982 Don Bosco Boys Home, Yelagiri Hills was built.

1986The Second Home for Boys was built at Yelagiri Hills (Now BICS InfoTech).

1995Mr. Stanislas Ernoult the first successor of Papa Duhayon was inspired to visit Fr. Guezou

May 11, 1998 Papa Duhayon the soul mate of Fr. Guezou died

May, 1998 BICS InfoTech established at Don Bosco Centre, Yelagiri Hills

2007-2008 New Pond to solve the water problem for ever

January 29, 2009 Left for eternal reward

TESTIMONIALS

Fr. Guezou is a true son of Don Bosco and an outstanding Missionary. His contribution to education of the poor children of the tribal belt is a replica of the type of activity initiated by Don Bosco himself.

Very Rev. Fr. Pascual Chavez, SDB, Rector Major, Rome

“Fr. Guezou was a committed missionary. He spent his life mostly among the non-Catholics preaching Good News by his tireless service. His first years in the Yelagiri Hills stand as a proof to his spirit of sacrifice”.

Most Rev. Joseph Antony Irudayaraj, SDB, Bishop of Dharmapuri

“I was happy to see Fr. Guezou. He was one of the best Salesians that I had met. He believed the Call of God, took it seriously and followed it to come to this place”.

Rev. Fr. Fabio Attard SDB, Salesian General Councillor for Youth Ministry, Rome

Fr Guezou – The Man I have witnessed

Fr. Guezou respected and valued every individual – big and small, rich and poor, good and bad, powerful and the weak, useful or useless – and treated them equally. All of them including lepers sat at table with him.

He was compassionate to the poor and gave cheerfully. Never did he consider himself as the “Generous Giver and the poor as the “miserable beggars”. He did not like publicity. He did not expect people to be grateful. He would ask, “When you feed a sparrow, do you expect it to sing your praises every morning?”

A humane person that he was, he had a perfect understanding of people, their strengths and weaknesses. He never passed judgement. Nor would he publicly or privately discuss the mistakes or defects of people. He did not make people feel guilty. He always chose to help the very individual who caused him pain, following, in letter and spirit, the teachings of Jesus Christ to love the enemies and do good to them.

He would readily and instantly forgive and forget. He forgave the drunkards who abused him, listened to those who cursed him. In return for their insults, he gave them his love and help. If he happens to initiate an action against an offender, the next moment he would relent and withdraw. And in case he had hurt someone, Father Guezou would apologize to him instantly.

Mr. Leo Maria Francis, Registrar, BIIT

A Good FriendMy relationship with him was twofold – as a doctor and as a friend. The moment I had declared him dead, my relationship with him as a physician came to an end. While the other, or memories of the other, will be with me always. I have been specially blessed that father was a close and good friend. He had great respect for other faiths and cultures.

Dr. K.C. Reddy, Surgeon and a good friend of Fr. Guezou

A Man of GodWhat bonded us to him was the great trust that he had in us. He accepted us, admired us, appreciated us, encouraged us when we failed and called us not his staff, but brothers, his friends, his collaborators … his family, his community. He was a good shepherd who went in search of the lost ones. He was a physician who tried to heal the sick. We saw the joy of giving and sharing in Fr. Guezou. He used to say ‘Do not give the poor anything substandard. Give them the best because they are poor”. I thank God for His love and generosity through Fr. Guezou.

Mr. Christuraj, Don Bosco Centre

We consider ourselves privileged and blessed to have been chosen by God, to be closely associated with Fr. Guezou. He has taught us the concept of family at the workplace and this spirit of family kindled in us by him will surely help us to create better individuals, better students, happier families and a better society.

Mrs. Jayamary Christuraj, Faculty, BIIT

Fr. Guezou, a model priest, has laid a strong foundation for works of charity and education of the poorest of the poor. He has set an example for us to imitate like his love for the poor, generosity in giving, forgiveness, broadmindedness, brotherliness, family spirit etc. One should be gifted to be a student or an employee of this unique institution, which is more than and different from a college.

Mrs. M. Rose Gandhi, Faculty, BIIT

I felt as though we have lost a dearest one in our own family. I used to think that if Fr Guezou had not started his mission in Yelagiri Hills, what would have been the status of our lives- definitely not as better as we enjoy now. He gave us a dignity in society. Fr, Guezou lived a very happy life by doing good things to the poorest people in the society. He has inspired us to do the same.

Mari Anand, an alumnus, now in USA

I have seen Fr. Guezou always a cheerful man. He would never pass by anybody without greeting, smiling and offering words of love and encouragement. His words of love and affection were spontaneous and plentiful, because they came from the depth of his heart that had place for all.

Mr. S. Martin, Controller of Examination, BIIT

Fr. Guezou asked me “What is the purpose of your living in this world?” I replied “to love and be loved”. Immediately he said that “we are here to love and do the will of God". I was really inspired by his words and will cherish them for life long.

Arjun, Trainee, BOSCO ITS