Cork and Ross Bishop Emeritus Most. Rev. John Buckley deeply appreciates Fr. Sibi Arackal's ministries in Ireland

Rev. Fr. Sibi Arackal, who ministered in the Diocese of Cork & Ross and in the Syro Malabar Church community for 5 1/2 years was given a warm farewell from various places in Ireland.

The farewell event in Cork was jointly conducted by the families in Cork and the parishioners of Cloheen and Clonakilty. Hon. Bishop John Buckley praised Fr. Sibi's deep sincerity in his services from the day he began his official duty with late Canon Liam O' Driscoll at Clogheen Parish in the Diocese of Cork & Ross. 'All his work, his concern for others and his interest in other people is an overflow of his profound prayer life. Fr. Sibi is a very holyman'; bishop added. 

Arackal from the Kanjirappalli Diocese was appointed as the curate of Clogheen Parish and Chaplain of Cork Syro Malabar Catholic Church Community in November 2016. He was the most awaited chaplain of the church community due to the absence of a chaplain for 7 months and had received a warm welcome in Cork. Most. Rev. John Buckley was the Bishop of Cork and Ross at the time. With strong support and guidance of Bishop Buckley, as well as the Syro Malabar Church leadership, Fr. Sibi has implemented major decisions in Cork. These necessary changes executed with the strong support of the elected committee has laid a solid foundation for the growth and progress of the church community.

In February 2020, Fr. Sibi was transferred from Clogheen parish to Clonakilty Parish in West Cork. His service was with Msgr. Aiden O' Driscoll. In addition, he continued as the chaplain of the Cork Syro Malabar Church Community as requested by the current Bishop Most. Rev. Fintan Gavin. In August 2021, he handed over his responsibilities to Fr. Jilson Kokkandathil, the new Chaplain from the Mananthavadi Diocese. Fr. Sibi also served as the Chaplain of the Waterford Syro-Malabar Church from October 2018 to April 2022. He was the Coordinator of the Syro-Malabar Church Communities in the Cork Region.

In September 2021, he was appointed as the clinical Chaplain of the Mercy University Hospital in Cork and completed his 'Clinical Pastoral Education' at Cork University Hospital. During this period he assisted in North Cathedral Parish and five surrounding parishes. March 2022 onwards he was the curate in Eniskeen parish with Fr. Tom Hayes.  Fr. Sibi will continue his pastoral mission in the United States.

Fr. Sibi has received a loving farewell not only from Cork and Waterford Syro Malabar- where he was the chaplain, but also from Limerick and Dublin. Appropriate farewells were given from the Mercy Hospital Chaplaincy Department, Clogheen Parish, Clonakilty Parish, Wilton S.M. A. Parish and everywhere else he rendered his service.

The farewell gathering held on April 30, 2022 in Cork was very extensive. A large community of friends and families, he gained over the last five and a half years through his prayerful life, humanity and service spirit, were present there. On the day, Fr. Sibi celebrated the holy mass at S.M.A Wilton (the Mass Center of the Syro Malabar Church in Cork) with the parish priest, Fr. Michael O' Leary who deeply appreciated his services. He recalled that the first Syro Malabar mass was celebrated by Fr. Sibi in Cork was in his presence. Fr. Sibi also spoke and expressed his sincere thanks to Fr. Michael and the parishioners who wholeheartedly supported his ministries for the community.  

In the meeting that followed, Hon. Bishop John Buckley, Fr. Michael and Cork University Hospital Chaplain Fr. Pierce had delivered the felicitation addresses to Fr. Sibi. Sony Vithayathil welcomed and Sunny Joseph thanked the audience. Biju Mathew by representing the community, Kesia Liju for the youth and Dennis McSweeney from Clogheen Parish had expressed their gratitude, love and greetings to Fr. Sibi.

Sony said in his welcome address that Fr. Sibi has led the community from the front, with a small smile and his natural leadership skills by giving a clear sense of direction. He shared his experiences with Fr. Sibi who travelled long distances without any hesitation even during COVID's time, to meet the needs of the faith community entrusted to him by God. He also reminded us that we should try to pass on the powerful faith shown by Fr.Sibi, to our children and others.

Dennis McSweeney recalled Fr. Sibi's strong support for late Canon Liam O' Driscoll in Clogheen Parish. Fr. Sibi was very polite and was dedicated to his ministries. 'It is a loss and sad that Fr.Sibi is leaving'; he added.

In Kesia's words, 'Fr. Sibi is a strong person and his years of hard work have imprinted into the paws of this church community and the work he did as a spiritual father, loving friend and instantial member of the community would be remembered for the years to come.' 
Biju Mathew recalled that although Fr. Sibi's journey for the last five years was not so peaceful or not so comfortable, he always seemed calm and happy. Sunny Joseph said that we are not blessed to experience Fr. Sibi's services anymore here in Cork and it is for some other Diocese or parish. 

Fr. Sibi began his reply speech by saying that although he already knew the love and intimacy that everyone was showing to him, now he could recognize it more. He shared his experiences in Ireland. He emphasized that his strength in all his endeavours was the prayers of all and the sincere cooperation of those around him. Before each decision and consultation, he was seeking the will of God through the Holy mass and other prayers. Therefore, all the decisions he made for the church community were most appropriate and right in that situation. "We will reap the benefits of this over time," he added. He concluded his words with a heartfelt thank you to all, with prayer and the blessing.

This special event was anchored by Teresa Ann Rose. Cultural programmes of the children and adults made it entertaining and colorful. The choir led by Anthony Paulose and the deliciously prepared dishes gave a sense of vibrancy to the community. They expressed their love and gratitude to Fr. Sibi by singing and dancing to make his last days in Ireland unforgettable.