Fr Paul’s Story

My name is Paul Nellikulam Pius and I come from Kerala Southern India.

I come from a large Catholic family and I attended Holy Mass and served on the altar from a young age.

I was attracted to the teaching of my parish priest, he was a very fatherly figure and I will always remember what he said to me, “if I can become a priest, so can you.” When I was a boy I read the Bible and  the Imitation of Christ, which I made notes in and have kept to this day.

So after my university studies in 1992, I left my homeland and went to Rome where I studied for the Rosminian Order. I enjoyed learning to speak the Italian language and Italian food.

On the 5th January 2002, I was ordained to the sacred priesthood in my home parish in Kerala.

After my ordination I served in my first parish in India. From there I came to England where I served in Rugby, then in Cardiff, March, Loughborough, Leicester, Forest Town, Rainworth and New Ollerton. Finally, I am now in Alfreton and Clay Cross.

By nature I am a quiet person and happy in my own company. The Rosminian way of life and spirituality has affected my outlook on life, especially the second rule and the aim of the Rosminian Order. The ‘end’ of the Institute is the personal sanctification of all its members through the  fulfilment of the two great commandments, “Love God with all your heart” and “Love thy neighbour as you love yourself”.

Looking back, it’s not been an easy life but I always trusted in God’s providence, it was His call not mine but I answered it and I remain very happy in my priesthood. I enjoy many sports like tennis, football, table tennis and volleyball and I also enjoy playing and listening to different kind of music.

I have always enjoyed working in all the different communities and I have been fortunate to meet many wonderful people among my fellow priests and laity. God bless us all.