During my visit to Gujarat recently, I had the opportunity to meet Bishop Emeritus, Gregory Karotemprel, diocese of Rajkot. I was edified to see his cheerfulness and mental alertness even at the age of 90.  I had met him several years ago when he was serving as the bishop of Rajkot diocese.

I was impressed by the Cathedral church he had built with inter-religious architecture to promote inter-faith harmony. He was one of the rare bishops who always replied whenever someone wrote a letter to him. Because of my fond memories, I took time to meet him when I visited Rajkot.

I was wonderstruck to know that he had published 32 books and two more are ready for publication.  The latest two books, he started writing when he was 88. They are large volumes. One is about the history of Rajkot mission diocese. The other is about the contributions of CMI congregation to the Church in Kerala, India and universal Church.

His official responsibilities of a mission diocese spread over 12 districts of Gujarat, yet the hectic travels did not deprive him of his interest in reading and writing. He spends time to read newspapers and periodicals and keeps update with socio-political developments in the country.

He took the initiative to launch a theological journal, ‘Third Millennium’. His patronage helped its regular publication with scholarly articles for the last 25 years.

Though Rajkot diocese belonged to Syro-Malabar Rite he had followed liberal attitudes in liturgy and pastoral care. Recently Bishop Gregory lost his sight due to advanced age. Yet with the help of a secretary, he reads newspaper, replies letters through email and attends telephone. He is available to all who come to visit him. As I was interacting with him and later reflecting about his active life at the age of 90, I was thinking of numerous retired people who are frustrated and becoming ill mentally and physically.    

Many people get tired and worn out before they are retired from service. Even many young people behave as if they have grown old. They waste precious time and talents God has given to them. Majority of these young people become dull intellectually and waste their time in useless activities.

Several people who were holding important positions get into depression when they are stripped of them. They are not able to bear the situation when they are deprived of power and status which they enjoyed when they were in positions. They experience loneliness, indifference and rejection. They become victims of mental and physical ailments.

Formulating a vision of life, setting goals, policies and priorities from younger days would help people to remain focused while they are active in public life in younger days as well was in old age.

Developing taste for reading books, skills of creative writing, music and painting would enable persons to face crisis positively. Engaging oneself in social activities even while holding important responsibilities would help people to face all kinds of situations with ease.

Sustained personal discipline, focus in life and mission helped Bishop Gregory to keep up his reading and writing while discharging his official responsibilities. 

“I am busy with a lot of work and I don’t get time to read” is the excuse made by many who are holding important positions. When people have not developed a vision for their life they fail to manage their time. When they don’t know to manage time, they fail to manage their lives and make use of opportunities.   

Self-improvement books and motivational speakers emphasis on preparing people for facing old age and retirement gracefully. Developing hobbies from the very early years and sustaining them always despite holding responsibilities will enable people to face loneliness and old age fruitfully.  Bishop Gregory has proved this by his own life.

Born on May 6, 1933 he has completed 60 years as priest and 39 years as bishop.

At the age of 90, Bishop Gregory sets excellent example of living old age gracefully and fruitfully.