Mar Abo
His Holiness Mar Abo
His Holiness Mar Abo hailed from a place now in Iraq called Nineveh. He travelled
through a number of places and reached
Kollam. He was soon held in high esteem by the people from all walks of life due to his
moral
and spiritual conduct. The Kulasekhara King, who ruled over Kollam, gave him special
powers
and privileges. The Tharissa church at Kollam, which was established by St Thomas
apostle
was wrecked by tempest and people did not have a place of worship. Bishop Mar Abo who
had
reached Kollam in the 8th century AD, rebuilt the Tharissa church using the special
privileges
(Ref: Travancore
State Manual, Page 244), (Persian Cross located in madbaaha of Kadamattom
church). He spread the gospel of God through his spiritual discourses at Kadamattom,
Akaparambu,
Kayamkulam, Niranam, Nilakkal, Thevalakkara and strengthened the tenets of christianity
in
the region by establishing few churches.
During one of his journeys to deliver spiritual message he felt tired and entered
the wayside
house and requested for food. The widow of Paaliyur Pakalomattom and her only son who
stayed
there did not have enough food to offer a guest. Gauging the pitiable situation, the
Bishop
said, "It is better to dine at the house of a poor person serving with purity of heart
than
a rich man's extravagant meal." Suddenly the widow saw that the 3 bowls which she had
kept
began to fill with food. She was surprised and realized that the man whom she was
serving
was not an ordinary man, but a Holy man. Witnessing the miracle, the widow's only son
became
His disciple. This disciple was later renowned by the name of Kadamattam Kathanar.
On another occasion, Mar Abo cured the insane daughter of "Kartha", a well known
person
at Kadamattam. As an act of his gratitude, "Kartha" donated a piece of land to build a
Church,
which is known today as Kadamattam Orthodox Church.
A number of people who were cured by the divine powers of this holy man accepted
Christianity.
Enraged by his miracles, some people began to conspire against him. Realizing the
situation
through spiritual vision, he called his disciple, Kadamatur Kathanar and gave his finger
ring. He told him that whenever the ring falls off from his hand, the Bishop would have
left
this world. Kadamattam Kathanar unwillingly bid farewell to his Guru.
Thereafter, he set off on his journey towards south till he reached Thevalakkara.
There
he was attracted by the church consecrated in the name of St Mary, the kind-hearted,
innocent
and loving people of the village. So he thought of spending the rest of his life at a
place
'chavadi' in front of the church. Even now, one can see the renovated 'chavadi' where he
performed many of his miracles to help the sick and destitute irrespective of their
caste,
creed or religion.
Thus, numerous miracles were performed by the Holy man through his Godly acts
resulting
in wide spread love, affection and respect by the people of this region, which is
prevalent
even till date.
After completing his worldly mission, he left for his heavenly abode.At the time
of his
death, the ring worn by Kadamattam Kathanar came off from his finger and fell on the
ground.
Remembering his Guru's words, the favourite disciple started off to see his mortal
remains.
After an agonising search, he reached Thevalakkara to find that his believers had
sorrowfully
already laid him to rest at the north-western corner of 'Madbaha'. Since the Kathanar
could
not see Mar Abo"s body before burial, he was tearfully praying at his cemetry, when Mar
Abo's
hands appeared from the tomb to console his disciple. It was amazing to see the
separated
right hand of Mar Abo in his disciple's hands. The priest and other believers took the
hand
and consecrated it at the southern wall of Kadamattam church. Due to the strong bond of
Guru
and his disciple, people from Kadamattam still regularly visit the tomb of Mar Abo.
In this era of dwindling number of common places of belief by all religions, the
tomb of
Mar Abo attracts people from far and wide. Despite the absence of publicity to this holy
man, his miracles to common people have resulted in multi fold increase in believers.
The
living as well as departed holy Bishops and priests are witness to his grace. His
believers
begin any new venture only after seeking his blessings. The prayer room next to his tomb
is always open to public throughout the day. Praying at the tomb is helping a number of
people
to cure their diseases and overcome other sufferings in life.
The holy man who blesses his believers is known to get rid off their anxieties
and worries
when they bow their head before him. Special prayers are held on second Friday of every
month
after the evening prayer for his intercession. Meditation and prayers for intercession
of
St. Mary is also held at 10 AM to 12:30 PM on second Friday of the month.
"Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's
reward"
(St. Mathew 10: 41)
Saints manifest miracles and divine power during their lifetime. Their effect is
manifested even after death. These traits and actions derive from their deep connection
to a divine power. Therefore the redeemed saints are in an active state (St. Luke
9:30-31). They worship
and pray (Revelation 7:14-15). Whose prayers are fruitful (St. James 5:14), asking
for the blessing of the living (St. Luke 16:27-28) and remembering them (Proverbs 10-7,
St. Matthew 10:40-41).
The departed saint pray for us. So, the multitudes of people across
religions who
come pray at his tomb celebrate Mar Abo perunnal from 30 January to 8 February every
year. Let his heavenly peace, blessing and healing be bestowed upon all of us.