A football tournament designed by Chennai Syro Malabar Mission was played by Pithruvedhi (above 35 years) of Syro Malabar churches in Chennai.

The tournament was inaugurated by Msgr. Jose Palatty, Co-ordinator of Chennai Mission. It was a 7-s-Side tournament played at Christ the King Church, Poonamallee school ground. The church teams were from Little Mount, Velachery, Perambur, Gowrivakkam, Ambattur, Valsaravakkam, Avadi, Thiruvottiyur, Keelkattalai, Mugappair, Ayanavaram, Athipet, Poonamallee, & Pattabhiram.

Pithruvedhi Football Tournament – Gallery

You can’t miss any plays by senior players who has tasted sweets and bitters about soccer.

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 7th July 2013 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.

The first vicar of St.Thomas syromalabar Catholic Church, the Reverend Fr.Jaison Vadakumchery said a fond farewell to the parish before moving to pastures new.

Parishioners packed the Montfort technical institute Hall on Sunday (June 16) to say a goodbye to Fr.Jaison who is leaving after four and half years of service to pursue higher studies in Florance.

Fr.Jaison Vadakumchery was born on 25th July 1980. He hails from the Parish of St.Thomas Forance Church, Ambozhakad of the Eparchy of Irinjalakuda. After his ecclesiastical studies at Irinjalakuda, Vadavathoor – Kottayam, Poonamallee-Chennai he was ordained Priest on 27th December 2007 by his Excellency Mar Joseph Pastoral Neelankavil. After the one year pastoral service as the Assistant Parish Priest, Pariyaram he was appointed as the Parish Priest of St.Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic Parish, Little Mount w.e.f 01st February 2009.

Under his ministry, the parish witnessed spectacular growth, both spiritually and institutionally. From a community of few catholic faithful, gathering in the convenience provided by a church of Archdiocese of Madras Mylapore, with his prayer, fasting and penance he led the Eucharistic community in an exodus which culminated in establishing a fully functional parish. He leaves the parish after purchasing a land of its own to erect a new church.

Equally or more important is the spiritual foundation he has laid among the parish members. In the evenings he used to out in search of his people, to their homes, listen to them like a kind father. With his humble nature, and simple priesthood, he won souls for Christ.

Church trustee Mr.Vargeese Paul spoke of Fr.Fr.Jaison’s determination, simplicity and deep faith in divine providence which in just over four years has transformed a community of handful of catholic faithful into a fully functional catholic Parish. Mr.Vargheese recounted how Fr.Jaison guided his people in great challenges that the parish has faced.

Rev Sr.Delsie CHF superior of mariyam thresia convent, referred to Fr.Jaison’s “spirituality, manifold development of parish organizations and his loving ministry to those in need.”

Farewell to Rev.Fr.Jaison Vadakumchery – Gallery

Secretary of the church Mr.Tony C Thazhekkadan, narrated how he has seen Fr.Jaison many a times going out in search of faithful who are yet to be joined in the community. He likened the pastoral care of Fr.Jaison to that of a mother bird building a nest for her little ones and then feeding the nestlings.

Mrs.Jisha Christy, representing the catechism department thanked Fr.Jaison for his dynamic leadership which has ensured the fledging parish bagged three ranks in the scholarship exams. She also highlighted how Fr.Jaison took personal initiatives to raise the children in deep rooted spirituality and morality. She told that, as the director of catechism department he was a source of motivation and inspiration.

Representing the youth, Mr.Alvin Joseph shared his experience with Fr.Jaison. He said that for the youth of the parish, the outgoing vicar, was a fatherly figure, sincerely concerned about their daily life, fondly calling them as ‘my son’. Ms.Anumol, also representing the youth, said about how Reverend led an exemplary priestly ministry befitting a holy priesthood in union with Christ.

Mr.Tom George, from the church choir remembered the choir practice sessions as great moments of joy as Fr.Jaison provided them with not only proper guidance and inspiration, but also sang along them. He also highlighted the initiative by Fr.Jaison in the formation of separate choirs for youth, children, mathrusangham and family units.

On behalf of mathrusangham (Association of mothers), Mrs.Sheeja Thomas expressed heartfelt gratitude to the support and care provided by Fr.Jaison to the association and wished him all success in future endeavours.

Earlier, parish trustee Dr.Kurien Jospeh delivered the welcome address. On behalf of the parish community, Dr.Kurien presented Fr.Jaison with a memento inscribed with the parishioners’ message.

Mrs.Sophia Joseph, headmistress of the catechism department, organized and hosted the meeting.

Replying to his community, Fr.Jaison related the numerous events in which he found God using him as an instrument for building the kingdom of heaven. He also thanked all sections of parish community and local Christians for all the love and support he had received. He also assured of his special prayers for the Littlemount Parish.

Fr.Jaison, whose homilies in simple language directly speak to his people’s heart, left the community with two final messages – Not to be carried away by material achievements, but to remember how God alone has provided, and secondly, to have steadfast faith in divine providence.

Further to the meeting, the parishioners shared a farewell lunch with Rev.Fr.Jaison wishing him all success and prayers.
Fr.Jaison – who gave his final service at St.Thomas Syromalabar Catholic church, on 16th June,2013 – is also chaplain to Adayar community, and also served as the central director of Chennai Syromalabar Catholic Movement.

Jinto
Littlemount Parishoner

Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio has been elected as the new Pope.

The 76-year-old, who will be known as Pope Francis, appeared on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to cheers from tens of thousands of the faithful gathered below

Pope Francis – also the first Jesuit to hold the post – went on to deliver a blessing to “all men and women of good will”, before calling for “brotherhood” in the Church.

White smoke rising from the conclave at the Vatican signalled a decision had been reached on the new head of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics.

New Pope – Gallery

Biography of Holy Father

The first Pope of the Americas Jorge Mario Bergoglio hails from Argentina. The 76-year-old Jesuit Archbishop of Buenos Aires is a prominent figure throughout the continent, yet remains a simple pastor who is deeply loved by his diocese, throughout which he has travelled extensively on the underground and by bus during the 15 years of his episcopal ministry.

“My people are poor and I am one of them”, he has said more than once, explaining his decision to live in an apartment and cook his own supper. He has always advised his priests to show mercy and apostolic courage and to keep their doors open to everyone. The worst thing that could happen to the Church, he has said on various occasions, “is what de Lubac called spiritual worldliness”, which means, “being self-centred”. And when he speaks of social justice, he calls people first of all to pick up the Catechism, to rediscover the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes. His project is simple: if you follow Christ, you understand that “trampling upon a person’s dignity is a serious sin”.

Despite his reserved character — his official biography consists of only a few lines, at least until his appointment as Archbishop of Buenos Aires — he became a reference point because of the strong stances he took during the dramatic financial crisis that overwhelmed the country in 2001.

He was born in Buenos Aires on 17 December 1936, the son of Italian immigrants. His father Mario was an accountant employed by the railways and his mother Regina Sivori was a committed wife dedicated to raising their five children. He graduated as a chemical technician and then chose the path of the priesthood, entering the Diocesan Seminary of Villa Devoto. On 11 March 1958 he entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus. He completed his studies of the humanities in Chile and returned to Argentina in 1963 to graduate with a degree in philosophy from the Colegio de San José in San Miguel. From 1964 to 1965 he taught literature and psychology at Immaculate Conception College in Santa Fé and in 1966 he taught the same subject at the Colegio del Salvatore in Buenos Aires. From 1967-70 he studied theology and obtained a degree from the Colegio of San José.

On 13 December 1969 he was ordained a priest by Archbishop Ramón José Castellano. He continued his training between 1970 and 1971 at the University of Alcalá de Henares, Spain, and on 22 April 1973 made his final profession with the Jesuits. Back in Argentina, he was novice master at Villa Barilari, San Miguel; professor at the Faculty of Theology of San Miguel; consultor to the Province of the Society of Jesus and also Rector of the Colegio Máximo of the Faculty of Philosophy and Theology.

On 31 July 1973 he was appointed Provincial of the Jesuits in Argentina, an office he held for six years. He then resumed his work in the university sector and from 1980 to 1986 served once again as Rector of the Colegio de San José, as well as parish priest, again in San Miguel. In March 1986 he went to Germany to finish his doctoral thesis; his superiors then sent him to the Colegio del Salvador in Buenos Aires and next to the Jesuit Church in the city of Córdoba as spiritual director and confessor.

It was Cardinal Antonio Quarracino, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, who wanted him as a close collaborator. So, on 20 May 1992 Pope John Paul II appointed him titular Bishop of Auca and Auxiliary of Buenos Aires. On 27 May he received episcopal ordination from the Cardinal in the cathedral. He chose as his episcopal motto, miserando atque eligendo, and on his coat of arms inserted the ihs, the symbol of the Society of Jesus.

He gave his first interview as a bishop to a parish newsletter, Estrellita de Belém. He was immediately appointed Episcopal Vicar of the Flores district and on 21 December 1993 was also entrusted with the office of Vicar General of the Archdiocese. Thus it came as no surprise when, on 3 June 1997, he was raised to the dignity of Coadjutor Archbishop of Buenos Aires. Not even nine months had passed when, upon the death of Cardinal Quarracino, he succeeded him on 28 February 1998, as Archbishop, Primate of Argentina and Ordinary for Eastern-rite faithful in Argentina who have no Ordinary of their own rite.

Three years later at the Consistory of 21 February 2001, John Paul ii created him Cardinal, assigning him the title of San Roberto Bellarmino. He asked the faithful not to come to Rome to celebrate his creation as Cardinal but rather to donate to the poor what they would have spent on the journey. As Grand Chancellor of the Catholic University of Argentina, he is the author of the books: Meditaciones para religiosos (1982), Reflexiones sobre la vida apostólica (1992) and Reflexiones de esperanza (1992).

In October 2001 he was appointed General Relator to the 10th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Episcopal Ministry. This task was entrusted to him at the last minute to replace Cardinal Edward Michael Egan, Archbishop of New York, who was obliged to stay in his homeland because of the terrorist attacks on September 11th. At the Synod he placed particular emphasis on “the prophetic mission of the bishop”, his being a “prophet of justice”, his duty to “preach ceaselessly” the social doctrine of the Church and also “to express an authentic judgement in matters of faith and morals”.

All the while Cardinal Bergoglio was becoming ever more popular in Latin America. Despite this, he never relaxed his sober approach or his strict lifestyle, which some have defined as almost “ascetic”. In this spirit of poverty, he declined to be appointed as President of the Argentine Bishops’ Conference in 2002, but three years later he was elected and then, in 2008, reconfirmed for a further three-year mandate. Meanwhile in April 2005 he took part in the Conclave in which Pope Benedict XVI was elected.

As Archbishop of Buenos Aires — a diocese with more than three million inhabitants — he conceived of a missionary project based on communion and evangelization. He had four main goals: open and brotherly communities, an informed laity playing a lead role, evangelization efforts addressed to every inhabitant of the city, and assistance to the poor and the sick. He aimed to reevangelize Buenos Aires, “taking into account those who live there, its structure and its history”. He asked priests and lay people to work together. In September 2009 he launched the solidarity campaign for the bicentenary of the Independence of the country. Two hundred charitable agencies are to be set up by 2016. And on a continental scale, he expected much from the impact of the message of the Aparecida Conference in 2007, to the point of describing it as the “Evangelii Nuntiandi of Latin America”.

Until the beginning of the recent sede vacante, he was a member of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, the Congregation for the Clergy, the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, the Pontifical Council for the Family and the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

He was elected Supreme Pontiff on 13 March 2013.

Though a small step but a leaping one. The CYM activities got a kick start by the Zonal Youth Seminar EPHPHATHA conducted at Keelkattlai on 8th July 2012. Around hundred and ten youth from seven parishes/mission units actively took part.

Registration started from nine thirty onwards as youth from different parishes flocked in. The ice breaking session conducted by Br. Ebin Payyampallil was filled with fun and exciting games. Mr. John, the unit president welcomed all the guests to the dais. The program was inaugurated by Rev Fr Anto Karippai. In the inaugural address he emphasized the emerging trends of youth and the relevance of being a true Christian. Felicitation speech delivered by Sr. Lucy, the principle of Holy Family School Keelkattalai, urged youth to spread the light of Jesus Christ. CYM Director Rev Fr Jaison, Mr.Binu Kaliyadan- the resources person, Mr Aneesh Chandy-CYM President Chennai Mission, Mr. John Antony- the president Keelkattkali unit were present on the dais.

Resource person Mr. Binu who has been handling youth for the last two decades made it at ease. He narrated the necessity of being true Christian, walking along with the modern trends. He conveyed the message quoting from his life which touched many hearts. He has touched all the relevant aspects, being positive, approaching all the problems with right attitude, actualising the potential. The pivotal them of the talk was “I can do everything in Him who strengthens me’’. Mr. Kaliyadan elucidated Jesus as the best management guru, the best communication professional……….

EPHPHATHA 2012 – Gallery

Post lunch there was a group discussion on the role of youth, particularly in church and in society at general. Leaders of the respective groups echoed their views on the common platform and the Director has taken note of the points mentioned for further action. The zonal youth committee became complete by the election of two more youth adding its strength to six. Mr. Jolly and Ms Christina came forward to give their feedback about the session.

The Zonal seminar reached its culmination by the mass offered by Fr Jaison, the director CYM. Special inner healing prayers were conducted during the mass. During the homily Fr.Jaison called upon the youth to make Jesus as their common friend, thus fostering meaningful friendships to realize a Christ centric world.

Mr. John Paul, the Zonal Leader, expressed the attitude of gratitude to one and all. We are thrilled and excited to learn that all the participants has given very good appreciation and has commented- “It was worth spending a Sunday.”

Aneesh Chandy
President CYM Chennai Mission
Little Mount Parishner

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.

We are familiar with the Johannine passages referring to St Thomas the Apostle (Jn 11:16; 14:4-6; 20:24-29). After the resurrection of Jesus, Thomas insists upon a close encounter with Him at the end of which Thomas makes the perfect confession of faith in Jesus we ever have in the Bible; “My Lord and my God”. Through this insistence his personal relationship with Jesus was strengthened.

We the Chennai Syro Malabar Christians celebrated Dukrana on 1st July 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 Mar Paul Alappatt, the Bishop of Ramanathapuram, 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.

Dukrana Feast Gallery

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 His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. A.M. Chinnappa, SDB joined the feast celebration welcoming the His Excellency Mar Paul Alappatt and lead the song as usual Daiva Sneham Varnnichidan Vakkukal Pora………His Excellencies blessed the agape (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

Wish you all the Feast of Dukrana

Aneesh Chandy
Little Mount Parish

St.Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Little Mount had the Sacrament of Holy Communion and Confirmation on 22nd April 2012 with immense presence of Bishop Mar Pauly Kannookadan, Msgr. Jose Palatty, Fr.Joseph Kannamkudam Antony, Fr. John and our beloved parish priest Fr.Jaison Vadakumchery . First Communion is traditionally an important festive occasion for Catholic families. Also, Holy Communion is the second sacrament of the seven.

Confirmation is usually received as a teenager, several years after making First Communion. Confirmation is regarded as the perfection of Baptism, by the sacrament of Confirmation, are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit.

Sacrament of Holy Communion and Confirmation-Gallery

Church witnessed large family gatherings and parties to celebrate the event and special clothing were worn by the girls and boys.. The clothing was white to symbolize purity. Girls wore fancy dresses and a veil attached to a wreath of flowers or hair ornament.

Photographs taken in order to commemorate the event.

St.Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Little Mount Chennai celebrated Feast of Faith Proclamation of St. Thomas on 15th April 2012, Sunday.

Fr.Jose Puthussery gave the Festal Message, the Feast started by blessing of St.Thomas statue, Holy Qurbana and followed by grand procession around the church. After the procession everyone was invited for Agappe at Community Hall.

Feast Gallery

The Feast was well organised and planned, the Parish Priest thanked youth group, choir group, altar boys, Sisters, Church and Feast committee members behind the Success.

Syro Malabar Catholic Church Chennai Mission had Way of the Cross at St.Thomas Mount on 31st March 2012. People united and gathered on the foot of the mount for Way of the Cross, which was followed by the Holy Mass on the hill’s top.

Way of the Cross – Gallery

The event saw participation from all the Syro Malabar Parishes from Chennai.