A Kerala church with a sexton from Jharkhand

PATHANAMTHITTA: Migrant laborers have proven to be invaluable assets to the state in various sectors, and their contributions extend to managing places of worship as well. The St Paul’s Mar Thoma Church in Chathenkary, Tiruvalla, is a noteworthy example, with a native of Jharkhand serving as its sexton since 2018.

Meet Prakash Kandulna, a 35-year-old who arrived in Chathenkary in 2016 and became a member of the church in 2018. He was subsequently appointed as the sexton. Despite not being able to read or write Malayalam, Prakash has no difficulty understanding the Malayalam-speaking parishioners.

“Prakash and his family, including his wife Vineetha and two school-going children, have been part of the church community for the past five years,” said Vicar Abraham Cheriyan. Vineetha arrived in Chathenkary at a young age and later went to Jharkhand for her marriage. She returned to Chathenkary with Prakash and their two sons in 2016.

“The couple used to attend the church regularly before officially becoming members in 2018,” added Rev. Abraham. Vineetha also used to care for the bedridden mother-in-law of Rev. John Thomas, the former vicar. “Rev. John became aware of Prakash through Vineetha. At that time, Prakash was engaged in daily wage work.”

Upon learning about the vacant sexton position at the church, Vineetha informed Prakash. Prakash expressed interest in taking on the role, and with the approval of the church committee, he was appointed in May 2018 initially for a six-month period. Due to his diligent and dedicated performance, his tenure was extended.

The vicar mentioned that Prakash regularly visits the homes of all 285 parish families to collect monthly contributions and rent from the church’s shopping complex. “He is always ready to assist. The family resides in the church building,” said Rev. Abraham, who assumed the position of vicar in May of the previous year. Prakash and his family were members of the Lutheran Church in Jharkhand.

The previous sexton had left for work abroad in 2018, and the church faced difficulties finding a suitable replacement, as local youths were not interested in the position. Consequently, Prakash was appointed to fill the role. Prakash expressed his contentment with the job, saying, “I enjoy the job immensely and am happy to serve as the church’s sexton. We intend to spend our entire lives here.”

Prakash hails from Simdega district in Jharkhand and explained the linguistic transition, saying, “In Jharkhand, we speak the Munda language. Here, we speak Hindi. My family and I can speak and understand Malayalam very well.” Vineetha added that she had originally arrived in Chathenkary at a young age but left in 2010. She married Prakash in 2011, and their sons, Ankit and Yonathan, are well-versed in Malayalam and attend the Prince Marthanda Varma School in Peringara.