VIBHOOTI 2008

We begin our Lent on Feb. 4, with the penitential rite or "Kurissuvara perunnal" on Feb. 3 this year. Making the sign of the cross with ash on our forehead is a sign of accepting the salvation Jesus wrought for us by dying on the cross.

It also indicates our willingness to do penance for our sinful ways, renew our way of life and follow Jesus.
Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Vadana mst, our parish priest, and Rev. Fr. John Karuvelil SJ were the celebrants of the day.


Young and old and children, lined up to to be signed with the "Karikkurissu" with fervor while the congregation sang,

"Manushya nee mannakunnu
Mannilekku madangum noonam.
Anuthapa kannuneer veezhthy
Papa pariharam cheythukolka nee...."

The celebration was marked by a solemn High Mass, and the congregation sang songs indicating the beginning of Lent.

The double formula of the prayers of the penitential rite for the beginning of Lent, is itself an indicator of this twofold movement: the verse, "Remember, man, that you are dust and into dust you shall return" (from Gen 3:19) states the problem, that on our own we are weak and will fall an easy prey to the Evil One, and the verse, "Repent and believe the Gospel" (Mk 1:15) gives us the solution, that, as we rely on God’s mercy, we will be released from sin; and that, as we trust in the Spirit’s power, we will be renewed from within. This turning away from sin and turning towards the Lord will bring about a turning over in our lives - a change of heart, and consequently a change of lifestyle.

Lent is the time of abstinance. Our ancestors abstained from many things during Lenten season, like meat, liquors, smoking ...and lot many other things. Any kind of abstinance during the days of Lent give us strength to fight evil.

It is also mandatory in the whole Church to abstain from meat on Lenten Fridays; it is mandatory for all members, children and adults alike. Let us be channels of faith, by handing over the traditions we have received from our ancestors.

FIRST COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION

December 2nd, 07 was a very important day in the annals of Saint Thomas Syro-Malabar Church in Boston. The first batch of of children received First Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Our Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath was given a very warm welcome.

The whole program was conducted at Saint Mary's Church, Waltham. We express our indebtedness to Rev. Fr. Michael L. Nolan, the Pastor of Saint Mary's Church.

The Children entered the Church in procession while the congregation sang
“Oru nimisham manamuyartham ...”

Rev. Frs. Cyriac Mattathilanickal, Kuriakose Vadana and John Karuvelil assisted Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath in the Sacred Liturgy.

The group to receive the Sacraments was presented by Mr. James Kutticherry, the Director of Religious Education.

The Candidates for First Communion and Sacrament of Confirmation lined up in front of the Altar to make their promise, with their parents and sponsors.

The sacred moment of receiving the Holy Spirit.

The First Communicants offering their life and praying for a fruitful life ever in the presence of God.

Receiving Jesus for the first time.

Receive the Body and Blood of Jesus and be transformed into his own ... It means a lot.

The First Holy Communicants with the Bishop and the celebrants.

The whole group who received the Sacraments.

The reception therafter was initiated by a prayer song by Jerlin and Jenson Kaithamattam.

Prizes of different competitions conducted during the year was given away by the Bishop. Mr. Jimmy Joseph, receiving the trophy from the Bishop.

"I have left these young ones behind me." Mr Mathew Thomas Peralakkattuchalil receiving the trophy.

The Ladies' Team who won the 'Tug of War'.

It seems, the Men's team was less organised.

On Dec. 3rd, Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath visited Cardinal Sean O'Malley at the Chancery of the Boston Archdiocese. The Cardinal assured the representatives of the community to find a better place for Worship and gathering. His Eminence expressed his happiness at the growth of the community.

Sr. Mary Corripio, Secretary to the Ethnic Apostolate Ministry of the Archdiocese is looking into different possibilities of granting a proper place of worship for the Syro-Malabar community. Sr. Mary has great appreciation for the traditions of Syro-Malabar Church.

On Dec. 4th, the Bishop visited the SABS Convent in Danielson, Connecticut and celebrated Holy Qurbana in the convent chapel.

"Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament" (SABS), also known as "Adoration Congregation " is an indeginous religious congregation for women, of Pontifical Right, belonging to the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church.The members of the congregation bear witness to the Eucharistic Lord by professing the public vows of obedience, chastity and poverty.

The Congregation of the sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (SABS) was founded on 8th December 1908 at Champakulam in Kerala.It had its origin in the personal experience of the Eucharistic presence of the servant of God Thomas Kurialacherry (1873-1925) the first bishop of Changanacherry.

Now there are a total of 4369 professed sisters in the congregation. The Centenary Year will be inaugurated by His Beatitude Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil, the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church on Dec. 15th.

The Bishop also visited the La Salette Marian Shrine in Attleboro and offered his prayers.

November, we celebrated as Bible month. There was participation from the whole community. It helps to create an awareness about the importance and influence of the Word of God in our lives.
Different passages and topics were given to different groups of people to study and reflect. On Nov. 25th competitions were held. Some pictures of the contestants are given.


Nirupa Abraham

Merlin Joyce Mundackal

The performance of KG kids was most appreciated. They presented the Nativity scene.

The results of the different competitions are given below:

BIBLE READING – JUNIORS

1– MERLIN
2– NIRUPA
3– BLESSY

BIBLE READING – SENIORS

1 – AJITH
2 – JEFIA
3 – CECIL
3 – ARNOLD

STORY TELLING : JUNIORS (A)

1 - NIRUPA
2 – BLESSY
3 – MERLIN

STORY TELLING : JUNIORS (B)

1 – MARIA JOHNSON
2 - SAVIO
3 – JENSON

SPEECH –SENIORS

1- JEFIA
2- CECIL
3- AJITH

PAINTING

1- ALWIN
2- JERRIL
3- CECIL

BIBLE QUIZ – SENIORS

1- CECIL
2- AJITH
3- JEFIA

BIBLE QUIZ – PARENTS

1- BINUMOL
2- SMITA SAM
2 - JOYCE PAUL
3- KUNJUMOL

BIBLE SKIT PARTICIPANTS (ALL FIRST PRIZES)

1- RESHMA ABRAHAM
2- CHRISTY JOSE JESTIN
3- CLEAR JOSE JESTIN
4- MARIA BENNY
5- MARIA PAUL
6- KELVIN SAM
7- CYRIAC JOYCE
8- JUSTIN JOBY
9- SOPHIA JOHNSON
10- SARAH JOHNSON
11- ANNETTE SEBASTIAN
12- SONA SAJU

These children are receiving the sacred sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion on Sunday December 2nd, 2007.

Cecil and Jaisil s/d/o Chacko & Omana Mannancherril

Jerril, Sharleen and Justin s/d/o Varghese Yohannan & Lucy Varghese

Savio s/o Sunny & Suni Mundackal

Merlin d/o Joyce & Mini Mundackal

Alwin and Aleena s/d/o Joseph & Ethal Darda

Ajith s/o Mathew & Mary Peralakkattuchalil

Joe s/o Jeffy & Betty Pushpapuram

Alina d/o Bonus & Reena Thopurath

Blessy d/o Varghese & Rosily Valiakalathil

Julia, Jelitta and Jesal s/d/o Jose & Sherly Kochupurackal

Mar Jacob Angadiath, Bishop of the Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago *will be the Celebrant.
Your prayerful presence is requested.
Time : 4 pm; Date : 12-2-07 (Sunday) Venue : Fernald Center Chapel.

Please pray for them.

Most Holy Spirit,

Beloved of my soul, I adore You.

Enlighten me, guide me, comfort me, console me.

I promise to submit myself to all You desire of me, and permit all You wish to happen to me.

Give me Your orders, tell me what to do.

Most Holy Spirit, bring Peace to the world. Amen.

THANKSGIVING DAY 2007

Thanksgiving Day 2007 was celebrated in an august way. After the Thanksgiving Holy Mass, we gathered together in the Chapel Cafetaria for the Thanksgiving Dinner.




The Kaikkarans Jimmy and Sino were confident to feed everybody gathered for the celebration.

" We thank you Lord ..." Blessing of the turkeys and the food.

Children watching with interest.

Strong hands are needed to handle the situation.




Our hands are no less!!

Sharing the meal.

Help yourself.

The children find their own ways of amusement.

Later in the evening, the Divine Mercy Family Unit members and some other friends gathered at the home of Michael & Molly Mulakkunneth.
It was really an occasion of praising and thanking the Lord; Michael and Molly were married on this day, 25 years ago, in 1982.

The celebrations began with singing divine praises. Michael and Molly together lighted the candle, while the congregation sang,

"Christ Our Lord! Enlighten us in your laws, inflame our minds with your knowledge, and sanctify our souls with your truth so that we may be faithful to your words and obedient to your commandments. The Lord of all, Forever. Amen."

They renewed the vows of the Sacrament of Marriage, placing their hands upon the Holy Bible. The Holy Bible was held to them by their son Stanley.

"We do promise, making the Holy Gospel the witness, that from today onwards until our death, we will live together with one mind, in mutual love and fidelity in joy and sorrow, in prosperity and poverty, in health and ill health. May God Almighty help us to live according to this promise. Amen."

The priest raised his hands over the couple and blessed them,

"O God, our Lord, graciously extend your right hand of mercy upon this couple. Protect them under the shade of your providence. O God, we thank you for your mercy which has inseparably united this couple. O Christ, our Lord, bless this couple. May the intercessions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our mother, and Saint Joseph, the head of the Holy Family, make their family life prosperous.

May your family prosper in the unity of prayer. May He make your life prosperous and realize your desires and hopes. May God grant you many sincere friends to help you in your needs. May you become worthy to offer Him praise, honor and thanksgiving in the heavenly bridal chamber. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Lord of all, forever. Amen."

AWARENESS RETREAT, NOV. 2007

Rev. Fr. Joseph Puthenpura ofm cap. preached the annual retreat on Nov. 9, 10 and 11. The venue was Saint Mary's Church, Waltham. Many people attended the retreat, some from other Christian communities too attended the retreat. The preaching was exclusively for the Malayalam speaking community.

The preaching was very interesting and people sat through for hours at a stretch, so attentive that they did not want to miss even a word. Some people wanted him to stay for another day and continue the retreat on Monday (it was a long week end). But Fr. Joseph had a one day program in Detroit (Michigan).

On the eve of the retreat, we had a very warm meeting with the Cardinal. The Cardinal sent his blessings on all those who were attending the retreat.

We are very thankful to the Cardinal and the Archdiocese of Boston for all the support we are receiving, for the growth our community.

Rev. Fr Joseph Puthenpura ofm cap. with the Cardinal.

Mrs. Gracy Lukose, Fr Innaiah ofm cap., Fr. Joseph Puthenpura ofm cap., Fr. Royson Menolickal ofm cap., Mr. James Kutticherry, Sr. Mary Corripio (Secretary, Ethnic Apostolates Ministry, Archdiocese of Boston) and Fr. Kuriakose Vadana mst (Director, St Thomas Syro-Malabar Mission, Boston) were present at the meeting with the Cardinal.