Syro Malabar Catechism Classes

If any parishioner were to ask me if they could run catechism classes for the children of the parish, they would get an unqualified 'yes'. This is what I was asked by one of our Syro Malabar people a couple of weeks ago, and here they are in action on their first Saturday evening.




This is very much the tradition in Kerala as I witnessed myself when I visited there a couple of years ago. Although the priest is involved, it is the laity who carry out the teaching of the faith.

So, if any of our Latin Catholics in the parish, whether they be from the broadly English speaking community, the Polish community, or other wish to run catechism, just let me know.

Message of Thanks from Father Sebastian

Below is a message I received the other day from Father Sebastian, thanking the parish for its support in helping his parish complete its cemetery. He has sent me photos which you can view by clicking here.

You can also watch a not-very-high resolution version:

Dear Father John,


Received your mail. Thank you so much for the same.

Our cemetery chapel has been beautifully completed in 5 months. We can't forget your share in its completion. Our bishop has happily announced the news and the people together with me thank you so much. It was very gentle and kind of you to help my small parish.

I'm sorry for having delayed to send you some photos which I should have done earlier. The photographer handed over me the CD only yesterday evening.

01. The altar of the cemetery
02. The cemetery
03. The arrival of the bishop
04. The bishop formally opens the door to the cemetery
05. The opening ceremony is done by cutting a ribbon
06. The whole community praying with the Bishop in the cemetery
07. The bishop prays
08. the bishop anoints the altar
09. The bishop prays
10. The bishop blesses the statue
11. The bishop sprinkles the holy water
12. The bishop incenses the altar
13. The bishops incenses the tombs
14. The bishop prays
15. The bishop prays
16. The bishop imparts the final blessing
17. The bishop unveils the tablet with inscription
18. Fr Sebastian thanks the bishop, people and the benefactors
19. The bishop delivers his speech
20. The bishop announces the prize from England<>

Thank you Father John for all you friendly dealings.

You remain in our people's heart in different ways.

Sebastian vaniyapura.

Syro Malabar Baptism

A week late, but last Sunday 14th October we did a bit of mixing of Rites. I'm not sure how 'liturgically correct' this was but we did it anyway. Little Evelyn Lizmaria Thomas received the Sacraments of Initiation during the 10.00am Mass according to the Syro-Malabar Rite.

As is the custom in Eastern Rite Churches, an infant receives all three Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. A Latin Rite priest can administer these Sacraments but would have to do so according to the Latin Rite. Where possible, it is preferable for a priest of the infant's own rite to officiate and so Father Joseph Karukayil concelebrated at Mass.

He baptised and confirmed after the homily.

Before the people's Communion, he and gave Holy Communion to Evelyn Lizmaria by placing some of the Precious Blood consecrated at the Mass into a small spoon, adding some crumbs of the Sacred Host and spooning it into the infant's mouth.

It's good for us to experience the different Catholic Rites and experience the universality of the Church. Congratulations to Evelyn Lizmaria and her parents Simi Therese and Manoj.

Late News: Syro Malabar Palm Sunday Celebration

The Syro Malabar community celebrated their monthly Mass on the eve of Palm Sunday. Here are some photos of the procession, led by their priest Fr Joseph Kuryackal.

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