He is a hundred years old today. He is Fr Apolinaries, a member of the Capucin community. He was born on 22nd may 1911 in the city of Mangalore, a small town on the west coast of Karnataka. We met him last february and we were vey touched by the simplicity of this wise man always dressed up with a orange habit. When we met him at "Dayalbagh Ashram" in Ugire, he said, with a real sense of humour, that he could shave his beard and wear jeans before coming to Paris.
Santa Lopes was one of this students. He tells:
"On this great day let us offer our Congratulation may he lives long. Long life Swamiji and score his double century. As young and handsome he was always a man for others, a man specially for the poor , needy and marginalized. He is a model for the life of generosity and from this emerged his life of deep commitment and life of virtues. As saying goes a virtuous person is a wise person and wise person is a humble person.
He knows the art of combining humility with simplicity. He lives a simple life. He does not multiply his needs but voluntarily reduce it. From his simplicity of life, springs forth his honesty. Honest persons speak truth and create trust in the minds of others. When he was young and energetic people used to flock to him far and wide to take his advice and guidance for their day to day problems. He thinks twice before acting. As a result he has an effective language to capture the hearts and minds of the people.
Man for others is a man of communication. He has an extraordinary talent to unite people. At the same time he has a deep sense of beauty and goodness which he expresses in various ways. At this age he still maintains a small garden, waters it and enjoys it. In beautiful things Swamiji sees the grace of Divine. He is a very generous person. Though he doesn’t have much nevertheless he shares with others whatever he has. He never sends away empty handed those who knocks at his door. He gives whatever he has. When he does not have anything he knocks at the door of generous friends, relatives or benefactors. What he gives to others he gives it in secret.
Swamiji is a role model for the people who think life is ‘meaningless’. Ask him what is the secret of his life and we have this answer. “Joy and Contentment”. One who lives in joy and contentment life makes one’s life meaningful and joyful. Yes this is the inspiring life of swamiji. When a cricketer hits his century he lifts his bat and looks up to the sky. So now as dear swamiji hits his century of life, let us all lift our hands and sing the song of jubilation."
Fr Santa Lopes