An English Translation of a FB post about dear Fr Shibu OCD
Omnipresent Shibu — Shibukolothumveedu Xavier Achan…
January 6, 2026 marked the Silver Jubilee of the priesthood of Shibu Achan. The celebration was held with the Holy Qurbana at 6:30 p.m. at the Holy Family Monastery Church, Simitherimukku. But earlier that very morning, he inaugurated the foundation stone laying at Vaduthala for a house being built for a family, under the leadership of a group that stands close to him.
As Achan himself often says, he celebrates life. Whether it is by taking the lead in building houses for families, running a food stall during a church festival, sharing a cup of tea late at night with one of his wide circles of friends, or planning major projects for the development of his great responsibility, Archbishop Attippetti Public School—Achan celebrates all of this through his life. The greatest grace God has bestowed upon him is the ability to turn his life itself into a celebration for the glory of God.
Achan belongs to everyone, and at any time of need, anyone can experience his presence. That is why people jokingly say that Achan is omnipresent. When many see a photo taken with Achan, they often ask, “How do you know our Shibu Achan?” To everyone, Achan feels like their own. Just as Jesus fed five thousand with five loaves and two fish, even today Jesus, through Achan, creates situations where homes are built for many families despite the absence of financial resources. Within a short span of time, more than eleven houses have been built in this manner.
We became acquainted twenty years ago. Perhaps it was the similarity in our perspectives that later made us brothers. Shibu Achan and I were born on the same day. For nearly twenty years now, we have been cutting birthday cakes together, like twin brothers. It is Achan who interacts with my mother with even more affection than I do.
Though a member of the Carmelite Order, Shibu Achan’s field of work is vast. The responsibilities he has undertaken in the KCBC, his social engagements in the regions where he lives and nearby areas, projects for the upliftment of the community, responsibilities at the school, Jesus Youth, the Charismatic Movement, and various associations—beyond all these, wherever he goes, among individuals and families, he carries forward the mission entrusted to him by Jesus, transforming them into beautiful celebrations.
To Shibu Achan, who not only brings everyone together but also includes everyone in his celebratory way of life, we extend our heartfelt wishes on the occasion of his Silver Jubilee of priesthood. Along with these wishes, we pray and hope for great success and blessings for all the celebratory journeys that lie ahead in his consecrated life.
— Frank Antony
