Layman's classes bring Bible to deaf people

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Layman's classes bring Bible to deaf people

By George Kommattathil

December 23, 2009

ALAKODE, India (UCAN) -- A Catholic layman, who is unable to hear or speak, is
bringing the message of the Bible to people with similar disabilities.

Antony Muthukunnel, 56, said he had no interest in religion previously, and
being poor and disabled, had felt pessimistic about life. That changed in 1993
when he attended a retreat at the suggestion of his wife.

"That retreat was the beginning of my conversion," he recalled.

Soon after, he found he wanted to share his spiritual experience with others
like him. He began to gather with deaf people he met in daily life to discuss
and share insights on the Bible using sign language.

In 2006, Muthukunnel and three friends decided to make their Bible classes a
more regular affair, and started holding them under a tree in the compound of
St. Mary's Church in Alakode, a parish in Tellicherry archdiocese.

Now, the group conducts its classes in a nearby convent school on Sundays from 9
a.m. to 3 p.m.

Father George Kudilil, public relations officer of Tellicherry archdiocese, says
Muthukunnel's "remarkable" initiative has been "an eye-opener" for the Church.

The archdiocese does not organize any Bible classes for deaf people although it
runs a few schools for them, the priest told UCA News.

Thanckachan Varghese, who teaches the Bible during these special classes, said
more than 100 people attended them in 2008. However, only 30 people have
attended this year. Some travel up to 100 kilometers for the classes, he said.

Many participants told UCA News, using sign language, that the classes give them
strength and inspiration.

The bible class has "totally changed my life as it brought me closer to God,"
said Mini Pulichamakkal.

Another student, Mary Joseph, said she no longer believes that her deafness is a
curse from God. "The Bible class helped me accept my disability with joy. The
knowledge that 'God is love' is something unbelievable," she beamed.

Augustine Pallath said he stopped drinking and smoking after the classes "gave
me peace of mind and taught me that those bad habits hurt Jesus."

Scaria Parunthuveettil, a parishioner, said he finds the Bible students' zeal
"really inspiring." He regrets the Church has no office or program to serve
people with hearing disabilities.

Source: UCANews.com