The Father with the unpronounceable name at St. Roch’s has the community standing on its head literally.
Father Joseph Pallikkathayil, a native of India, has started a Yoga class at the church every Monday night for those who wish to find their “rhythm of life” through control of mind and body.
Father Pallikkathayil, who has been in the United States since August, is studying at St. Louis University for his doctorate in Biblical literature. His lessons in Yoga have also left the University on its head. The Fathers of Glen Mary where he stayed when he first arrived at the University were so taken with Yoga that one of the Father’s friends reported visiting his superior only to find him standing on his head.
Presently 35 to 45 men and women, some of whom come from as far away as Ferguson, come every Monday evening to learn the preliminary physical positions and spiritual frame of mind. He does not charge for the classes, but some make contributions for his living expenses.
Father Pallikkathayil admits to “Christianizing” Yoga which has its roots in Hinduism. He asks that the participants concentrate on Jesus Christ instead of some Hindu deity.
The Father explains his approach to Yoga: “Most of our tension is created because we do not recognize the natural rhythm of our lives, both physical and mental. Yoga seeks to restore this rhythm and make man at peace with himself. Yoga to me is a science of healthy living.”
Original photograph caption
Father Joseph
Originally published in The Paper, May 1972.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1972_05.pdf, printed page 5.
