Preface

(Rendered from the original Malayalam preface by Rev. Fr. Thomas Inchackalody, 25 December 1962)

More than thirty years ago, I was drawn into the Catholic Church from a Protestant background, through a journey that began with a profound reading of Our Fathers’ Faith, the very book I now have the privilege of translating into Malayalam. I consider it an immense grace and blessing to have been entrusted with this labour, and I express my heartfelt gratitude to God, who in His loving providence made this possible.

My purpose in translating this work has been clear: to provide Malayali Catholics with a deeper understanding of their Church’s true doctrine, and to offer earnest seekers of the truth — especially within the Catholic communion — a resource to study, reflect, and grow in faith. It is my firm hope that this book will prove useful to both the faithful and the curious alike.

This is an independent and adapted translation of Cardinal Gibbons’ famous English work. Recognising the cultural and historical context in which it was originally written — 19th-century Protestant America — I have made certain necessary modifications. Some chapters, such as those discussing the temporal authority of the Pope and the liturgical ceremonial of the Mass, have been omitted, either because they are no longer relevant to our time or because their content may be misunderstood by the present generation.

Nearly four decades ago, the well-known literary figure Mr. C. Ambu BA, a native of Thrissur, had translated the same work under the title Sammargapadesika (The True Faith) or Our Fathers’ Faith. However, due to difficulties in accessing that version and the marked difference in linguistic style, this present work was prepared afresh. Given the growing desire among the faithful for clear and accessible catechetical material — especially in this era of ecumenical dialogue — I was encouraged by many to undertake and publish a new edition.

A word must be said about the language used in this translation. If the purpose of any book is to communicate its message effectively, then I believe this aim has been met here. I have intentionally employed a simple and lucid Malayalam, aiming for clarity over ornamentation. If there are any linguistic or typographical errors, I humbly ask learned readers to kindly point them out so that they may be corrected in future editions.

The Scripture references used throughout the book have been drawn almost entirely from Protestant Malayalam Bibles, as these are more familiar to the local faithful. I trust that my Catholic brothers and sisters will receive them in the spirit of clarity and goodwill in which they are offered.

I owe a profound debt of gratitude to the many friends and benefactors who supported me in the preparation of this book. Space does not permit me to name each one, but I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who placed advance orders, totalling nearly a thousand copies even before publication.

I wish to especially thank His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Benedict Mor Gregorios O.I.C., Metropolitan Archbishop of Trivandrum and head of the Reunification Movement in Kerala, for his fatherly encouragement throughout this effort.

I also extend my warmest thanks to Prof. Rev. Fr. C. A. Abraham, the respected author and professor at Mar Ivanios College, who not only reviewed the manuscript, suggested revisions, and provided invaluable guidance, but also wrote the scholarly Foreword to this volume.

My gratitude is also due to Rev. Fr. Mathai Malancharuvil, Manager of St. Mary’s Press, who ensured that the book was printed beautifully and with care.

It is no coincidence that this book is being published on Christmas Day, the very feast on which the heavenly angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to people of goodwill.” I pray that this book may become an instrument of that same unity and lasting peace among the Christians of Kerala.

I humbly request all my Syro Malankara Catholic brothers and sisters to read this book not as a passive exercise but with deep reflection, and to apply its teachings in daily life. May this book become not only a source of knowledge but also a wellspring of spiritual renewal.

Rev. Fr. Thomas Inchackalody,
Thiruvananthapuram
25 December 1962