Dukharana, the greatest Feast of the Syro-Malabar Christians, which is the commemoration of the martyrdom of St. Thomas the Great Apostle of Jesus Christ, is at hand. With great solemnity we celebrate this feast of our Patron, St Thomas the Apostle on 3rd July.

The Chennai Syro Malabar Christians celebrated Dukrana on 5th July 2015 at San Thome Basilica were the relics of St. Thomas the Apostle rests. It was the faith proclamation day of Chennai Syro Malabar Christians to the Catholics and non Catholics of Chennai.

The celebrations of feasts commenced by the solemn mass by His Excellency Bp.Mar George Njaralakatt, the Bishop of Mandya, along with Msgr Jose Palatty the coordinator of Chennai Mission and the priests who serves in Chennai Mission. The participation and service of sisters from various congregations made the feasts celebrations more pious and holy.

The procession continued by the Holy Mass from Basilica to the CSI Deaf School paved the way for the devotees to share the Martyrdom of St. Thomas the Apostle. Reaching the CSI School Msgr Jose Palatty blessed the Festal Meal (Sneha Virunnu)

Dukrana one of the common celebrations of Chennai Syro Malabar Christians helped to meet each other share the joys convey the church and social activates. We are very much privileged to celebrate Dukrana where St Thomas foot imprinted and relic rests. Let us strengthen our relationship with Jesus and fellow being thus spread the message of agape through our words and deeds.

Prayer to St. Thomas the Apostle

O St. Thomas, the Apostle of India, Father of our faith, you spread the light of Christ in the hearts of the people of India. You humbly confessed “My Lord and My God” and sacrificed your life for love of him. We pray to you to strengthen us with love and faith in Jesus Christ so that we may dedicate ourselves totally to the cause of the kingdom of justice, peace and love. We pray that through your intercession we may be protected from all trials, dangers and temptations and be strengthened in the love of the Triune God, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.