Do Unto Others as Jesus Did
Father Joy Libin’s perspective of priestly ministry is rooted in loving mercy and humility: do good for the people as exemplified through Jesus.
Growing up the youngest of two in a traditional Catholic family in the Diocese of Kottapuram in India, Father Joy heard God’s calling for ministry as a youngster. This calling was harvested throughout adolescence as he assisted Pastor Francisco Padamadan at the altar during Mass at St. Sebastian Parish.
In particular, Father Joy credits Father Gilbert and Sister Elikutty as being the two pillars of his spiritual influence in adolescence and inspiration for his formation process due to their holiness and commitment to the teachings of God.
At the conclusion of his 10th grade year, Father Joy entered seminary for 13 years of formation and discernment. He entered the fraternity of the priesthood on April 11, 2015, for his home diocese and celebrated his first Mass seven days later on April 18, 2015.
his mother, sister-in-law, brother and
older niece. Fr. Joy is a native of the Diocese
of Kottapuram in India.
“I love being a priest and I have a great love for the faithful,” he offers. In India, priests have high expectations because they are required to always be available for parishioners.
Indian priests perform and are responsible for all administrative and pastoral duties of a parish without lay assistance, he reflects.
Father Joy brought his ministerial commitment to the parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Traverse City, where he is currently serving the faithful as Parochial Vicar.
“This is my first experience in America. I am very happy here. There is a good team in place and good pastoral leadership coming from Father Don Geyman.”
“The parishioners are very generous. I admire their commitment to volunteerism and working to advance the good news of the parish,” he adds.
Father Joy is introducing the parish community to some of the Indian recipes he enjoys cooking. Likewise, he enjoys reading, watching movies and playing basketball games at St. Francis High School in Traverse City.
He enjoys reading and learning about Saint Francis of Assisi. “I admire this saint in particular. He sacrificed everything for God. His holiness and humility are admirable virtues for me and my priesthood,” he says.
So beautiful is God’s mystery that Father Joy now ministers at the parish that bears the namesake of his favorite saint.
In reflecting on his priestly ministry and on the body of the Catholic priesthood in America and India, Father Joy offers that anyone considering formation ought to have courage in bringing God to the faithful.
Father Joy emphasizes the importance of priestly ministry because it is the source of sacramental life in today’s church, and through the sacraments their ministry is the channel for Christ to dwell in the hearts of the faithful.
