I am sure that many of the latest generation would not have seen Fr.Pallan, the main visionary in building the new Christ the King Church. It is indeed an engineering marvel. Like any great feats, it was made possible by the sheer determination of a one man army called Fr.Pallan, a towering 6 feet + tall figure, who dared to dream high. I always remember him as a gigantic figure both physically and mentally, who loved people. He had an adopted son. If i remember the name correctly his name was ‘Peter’. He had one dear pet dog (labrador), which used to roam around in his quarters.
During those days (days before the new church), the holy mass was conducted in a shed, which could contain only half the crowd, and the rest was in the open. It had it’s own charm. Everything was very simple. And teens had enough opportunities for amble eye contact with their romeos and juliets, during the mass, as the boys and the girls had seperate places, facing each other.
At that time Fr.Pallan realized the need for this new church. He had the replica of this in his room and he wanted to make it a reality. he got some funding from abroad, which was insufficient. The construction was at a very slow pace, due to poor funds and technical issues. By God’s grace and sheer guts, he could overcome all the challenges and make his dream come true. I was a boy when all these was happening.
Today, when I see this curch in all it’s splendour, I realize, what a marvellous feat it was, is and will be…….One man’s dream, becoming the dream of all and then materializing… and all the fun, joy, sweat and the sorrows on the way. True to his nature, I dont see any physical engravings in the church premises about Fr.Pallan. He has already engraved it in our hearts.
Thank you dear father, for all you have done to us.
(Fr. Pallan is no more)
