DIOCESAN BULLETIN : OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2014

OCTOBER 2014 COVER.indd 1 10/18/14 8:17 AM Canonization of Bl. Kuriakose Elias Chavara

(1805-1871) 22 – 25

and Bl. Euphrasia Eluvathingal (1877-1952) 2014 November 23, 2014 at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican

Prayer Priests’ Conference Priests’ Lord, we thank you for raising Blessed Euphrasia and Blessed Chavara to sainthood. Give us the grace to be inspired by their ardent life of faith to follow you wholeheartedly. Lord, bless all programs happening all over Participants of the of Participants the world over the canonization process. May peace of Christ reign in all hearts as we celebrate this holy occasion. We ask this in held at Techny Towers Conference Centre, IL on September IL on Centre, Conference Towers Techny at held the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Amen.

OCTOBER 2014 COVER.indd 2 10/18/14 8:17 AM St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

My Lord and My God

October-November 2014, Vol. 9, No. 2

Published by :

Fr. Sebastian Vethanath, Chancellor, DIOCESAN BULLETIN : OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2014 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

OCTOBER 2014 COVER.indd 1 10/18/14 8:17 AM Bl. Kuriakose Elias Chavara 372 S. Prairie Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126-4020 & Ph: 630-279-1386, 630-279-1383 Fax: 630-279-1479 Bl. Euphrasia Eluvathingal email: [email protected] www.stthomasdiocese.org St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

Messages...... 3

Prayerful Greetings...... 5

Seminarians of the Diocese...... 8

Pastoral Letter No. 21/2014...... 9

Circular No. 21/2014...... 12

Circular No. 22/2014...... 14

Circular No. 1836/2014...... 15

Episcopal Ordination of Mar Joy Alappatt...... 21

Decree of Appointment...... 24

Coat of Arms and Episcopal Motto ...... 25

Homily by Mar George Cardinal Alancherry...... 30

News from Chancery...... 36

Finance Office News...... 38

News from Apostolates of the Diocese...... 40

kotdmae-_mÀ Nn¡mtKm cq]-X-bpsS ZÀi-\hpw ZuXyhpw...... 57

P]-ame F¶ tdmkm-¸q-ame...... 61

Gen-bþÉoh-þ-aq-im-¡m-e-§Ä...... 62

]Ån-¡q-Zmi¡mew...... 63 Pastoral Letter No. 969/2014...... 64

{]mÀ°-\m-Zn\w...... 68 Circular No. 19/2014...... 70

Circular No. 20/2014...... 72

Bishop’s Diary...... 73

News at a Glance...... 76

4 5 Message onth of October is observed as protect- life month. We are reminded during Mthis month to reflect on the gift of life and understand how great it is. “Human life in any condition is a masterpiece of God’s creation”, says Sean Cardinal O’Malley, the chairman of the Commission on Pro-Life of USCCB. “You are “You are precious in my eyes and honored and I love you”, says the Lord (Is 43,4). Each and every one of us is precious in precious for the Lord, honored and loved by Him. my eyes and What more do we need in our life? honored and How many lives are lost through the inhuman atrocities inflicted by human beings! I love you” This can be prevented. Natural disasters are beyond our control. Human massacre in the name of religion-God is a contradiction in itself since God is love and life. We are here to defend life and protect our fellow beings. We need to pray and work to protect life in any stage whether born or unborn. Abortion and euthanasia are serious sins of our time. Senior citizens and disabled people are to be respected and treated decently. Let us pray and work together to protect life in all its phases. May the Lord, the source of life, may strengthen us to defend life in all its forms.

Mar Jacob Angadiath Bishop

5 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

Dear Friends in Jesus Christ, am delighted to write few words in our Message Diocesan Bulletin this month. This issue of the bulletin comes to you after the appointment Iand my Episcopal ordination as the Auxiliary Bishop of St Thomas Syro Malabar Diocese, Chicago. The days gone were very hectic and stressful but filled with excitement and spiritually empowering. I could see many helping hands worked very hard to make this event of my Episcopal Ordination an event of big faith celebrations in our Diocese. Pastors of our parishes and missions really helped to make aware the value and importance of leadership in the church and also cooperated wholeheartedly to raise enough financial support for this event. This was an event that showed great amount of unity and mutual support. I humbly bow my head before the Lord for giving this event for our Diocese. The month of October is a special month spiritually. We remember few of our favorite Saints in this month. St. Theresa of Jesus, Holy Angels, St. Francis of Assisi and St. Teresa of Avila are few of them. Also we dedicate whole month to recite Rosary prayer in a special way and assure the protection of Mother Mary for Church, families and priests of course. Pope Francis is fascinating the World by his graceful presence today. What is special about Pope Francis that he brings a face of compassion to the whole world. The present day world is eagerly looking for this compassion and understanding. It is in this situation more than two hundred Bishops and Archbishops have assembled in Rome to discuss on the theme of Family which is a vital element of our church. Isn’t the words of Pope remind us or challenge us something special from us. He told: “I see clearly the thing the church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful; it needs nearness, proximity. I see the church as a field hospital after battle. It is useless to ask a seriously injured person if he has high cholesterol and about the level of his blood sugar! You have to heal his wounds. Then we can talk about everything else. Heal the wounds… And you have to start from the ground up… “ Once again thanking you all and looking forward to see in your parishes,

Mar Joy Alappatt Aux. Bishop

6 7 Welcome and Prayerful Greetings to Mar Joy Alappatt the Auxiliary Bishop of St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

7 Greetings

His Grace Mar George Njaralakkattu the Archbishop of Thalassery Diocese

Mar Ephrem Narikulam the Bishop of Chanda Diocese Warm Greetings and Prayerful Wishes to His Excellency Mar Jacob Angadiath on his 69th birthday, entering ‘Sapthathi’, October 26, 2014. SEMINARIANS OF THE DIOCESE

Bro. Kevin Mundackal Bro. Rajeev Philip (Bronx, NY) Theology 1st year (Tampa, FL) Theology 1st year

Bro. Melvin Paul Bro. Joel Villanasseril Bro. Aljo Abraham (Baltimore, MD) Philosophy Final Year (Detroit, MI) Philosphhy 1st Year (Cathedral, IL) Philosophy 1st Year

Bro. George Parayil Bro. Joel Pious Bro. Ricky Jacob (Cathedral, IL) Philosophy 1st Year (Atlanta, GA) Philosophy 1st Year (Cathedral, IL) Philosophy 1st Year

11 Pastoral Letter No. 21/2014

By the grace of God, Mar Jacob Angadiath, the Bishop of St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago and Permanent Apostolic Visitator to Canada, send this greeting and message to all the priests, men and women religious, and beloved people of God, living in USA and Canada.

“Glory to God in the highest”, Amen.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, t is our joy and blessing to have an Auxiliary Bishop in the person of Mar Joy Alappatt. He has been serving our diocese for the past 12 years as a committed priest in different parishes. The announcement of his Iappointment was on July 24, 2014 and his Episcopal Ordination was on September 27, 2014, on his birthday. The Ordination ceremony was very beautiful and it was presided over by our Major Archbishop, His Beatitude Mar George Cardinal Alencherry. In attendance were many bishops from India and USA belonging to various Churches of Catholic Communion. People from all our parishes/missions in USA and Canada attended the celebration. Now the new bishop will serve our diocese as its Auxiliary Bishop and Protosyncellus – (Vicar General). Let us rejoice with him and invoke God’s blessings upon him in his new ministry. As we know month of October is dedicated to devotion to Holy Rosary. It’s a tradition in our Syro Malabar Church to have the Holy Rosary recited at every Church/Mission for ten consecutive days in October. Let us continue this practice since it deepens our devotion to our Blessed Mother and brings divine grace upon each family and every faithful. Holy Rosary has become our

11 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago family prayer every day. The four sets of five mysteries from the redemptive works of Christ are genuine reflections for our spiritual nourishment. Let each mystery of the Holy Rosary help us to be united with Jesus in our journey of faith. Through the meaningful recitation of the prayer of holy rosary let us “grow to Jesus through Mary”.

Another importance of October is the observance of World Mission Sunday. It is on the third Sunday of the month. The purpose of this observance is to bring to our attention the missionary call of all the Christians and the promotion of support to our missionaries working in every part of the world. There are regions and peoples who haven’t heard of Jesus Christ. Our priests, religious sisters and committed lay persons are now making every effort to reach out to those people everywhere. In China, in the Middle East especially the Arab countries, many of the African nations, North of India and many other areas need our missionary presence and evangelization. We are supposed to help our missionary works through two channels: (1) prayer, (2) financial support. Let us remember our zealous missionaries in our daily prayers and support them through our generosity. Besides the World Mission Sunday in October, we have our Syro Malabar Mission Sunday in January of every year. Let us support and promote the Little Flower Mission League in our parishes/ missions.

This year the Priests’ Meeting of our Diocese, held at Techny Towers Conference Center, from September 22 Monday to 25 Thursday, discussed at length the importance of Family Catechism. All of us know that the role of parents in the formation of children is unparallel. They are the first and the best teachers in everything. Their words and deeds are simply translated into the life of the children. “Since parents have given children their life, they are bound by the most serious obligation to educate their offspring and therefore must be recognized as the primary and principal educators… Hence the family is the first School of Social Virtues that every society needs. It is particularly in the Christian Family…that children must be taught from their early years to

12 13 have knowledge of God according to the faith received in Baptism, to worship Him and to Love their neighbor” (Declaration of Education). We are in the first semester of our religious education program. I take this occasion to greet all our children enrolled in the faith formation program everywhere, our voluntary and committed teachers and our dearly beloved parents. Faith formation program is of prime importance since it is an obligation of all of us baptized in the Lord. Always we have to remember the last message of the Lord just before his ascension: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations…teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” (Mt 28,19-20). All of us, parents, teachers, priests, and religious share in this responsibility. Let us pray to the Lord for the divine assistance to fulfill this mission in accordance with the plan of God. Let us also keep in mind the Lord’s words: “Whoever keeps and teaches these Commandments, he shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven”. On November 23, 2014, Bl. Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Bl. Euphrasia will be declared Saints of the Catholic Church. This is a wonderful gift of God to our Syro Malabar Church. Their lives and messages are very inspiring and challenging. Following their example let us pray for the sanctification of our families and for the promotion of Vocations to Priesthood and Religious Life. May the loving Lord bless all of us and strengthen us to follow him every day of our lives.

Mar Jacob Angadiath Bishop, St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago October 8, 2014

NB: The pastoral letter already read in our parishes and missions on October 12, 2014.

13 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

Constitution Circular of the new Parish Council No. 21/2014 & Diocesan Pastoral Council for the period 2015-16

Dear Reverend Fathers, “Glory to God in the highest”, Amen he present parish councils and trustees of our parishes and missions will complete two years of their service by this December. I extend my Tsincere thanks to the trustees and parish council members for their dedicated and selfless service to our community. May God bless you and your families. It is now time to constitute new Trustees and Parish Council members. Rev. Fathers are requested to announce this matter in the parishes/missions and should constitute the new parish councils and elect/select new Trustees according to the stipulations given in our diocesan guidelines - Procedure Rules for the General Body and Parish Council. This process of formation and nomination must be completed by December 15, 2014 and the new parish councils and trustees must take charge by the 1st Sunday of January 2015. It is mandatory that new parish council should get the approval of the diocesan curia before starting its functioning. Reverend Fathers are advised to send the names (mailing address, phone number and email address) of the trustees and parish council members for the approval in due time. Unless special sanctions are obtained due to specific situations of parishes/missions, the term of office of the present trustees and parish council members will expire on December 31, 2014. Pastors and Mission Directors are earnestly advised to follow the Diocesan rules and norms in the formation of parish council and office of the trustees.

14 15 • The minimum number of members shall be 10 and maximum 30. • Total number of nominated members shall not exceed 1/3 of the total number. • Minimum 10% must be from the youth, between 21-30. • 25-30% must be women. Kaikkarans/Trustees • A parish/mission can have 2 to 4 kaikkarans according to the size of parish/ mission. • With the permission of the Bishop, all the kaikkarans can be selected by the parish general body. • Usual procedure is to select one half numbers of the kaikkarans from the parish council, and the other half must be nominated by the Pastor. • The qualifications to become a kaikkaran or parish council member are given in the Procedure Rules. Diocesan Pastoral Council Members The term of the present pastoral council will be over by December 31st, 2014. I sincerely thank the members of the council for their creative suggestions and continued support to the integral growth of our diocese. For the formation of new pastoral council for the period 2015-16, every parish/ mission must send one to three members. The number is decided according to the following criteria. • Parishes/Missions up to 99 registered families can send 1 member. • Parishes/Missions up to 300 registered families can send 2 members. • Parishes with more than 300 registered families can send 3 members. Reverend Fathers are advised to send the names (mailing address, phone number and email address) of newly selected pastoral council members together with the list of parish council to the diocesan chancery. Yours sincerely in the Lord,

Mar Jacob Angadiath Bishop

15 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

Application Form Circular for Leave No. 22/2014

Dear and Reverend Fathers, n application form for leave is prepared for the better care and support of Rev. Fathers who are serving in our diocese. Please make Ause of this form when you plan your vacation or any other occasion of absence from your present assignment. I earnestly request you to observe the following directions. 1. For an emergency leave you need to get the permission from the bishop or any other member of the curia by phone. You are requested, even then to give your contact number in India, and forward the itinerary to the diocesan Curia. 2. You are requested to inform the curia and get permission for your absence from the parish/mission for more than one week. In such cases forward the details of your journey to the curia. 3. When you reach home/destination find time to contact the Bishop/ Auxiliary Bishop through phone. This is only a courtesy call. 4. When you come back please report by phone to the Curia. 5. As long as you are serving in the diocese, your safety and well being are the major concern and responsibility of the Diocese. 6. Please forward the leave application with the copy of itinerary to the diocesan chancery office two weeks in advance.

Mar Jacob Angadiath Bishop

16 17 Circular Prot. No. 1836/2014 Issued by the Major Archbishop George Cardinal Alencherry to all the faithful of the Syro-Malabar Church after the XXII Synod (2014), Session 2, of the Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church held from 18 to 30 August 2014 in the Major Archiepiscopal Curia at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad, Kochi

Reverend Fathers, men and women of consecrated life and my dear brothers and sisters, am very happy to present the relevant details of the Second Session of the XXII synod held at Mt. St. Thomas from August 18-30. Forty three Ibishops attended the Synod. The Bishops began the Synod after spending the whole first day of the session in prayer, meditation and in the Eucharistic celebration. The Synod began its deliberations after recalling the major events that took place after the session that was held in January. One of the major events was the General Assembly of the CBCI that was held at Pala. The diocese of Pala did a superb job in organizing the assembly very efficiently. The Synod also recalled the passing away of Cardinal Lourdusamy who was the Prefect of the Oriental Congregation. He had a very important role in helping the Syro-Malabar Church at a critical phase of its development. We shall remember his valuable service with gratitude and pray for the repose of his soul. Another major event was that the Church was blessed to have two new bishops. Mar Vijay Anand Nedumpuram CMI, the Bishop of Chanda, the first

17 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago missionary diocese of the Syro-Malabar Church, retired and Mar Ephraim Nariculam was appointed the new bishop in his place. Similarly, Mar Joy Alappatt was appointed the auxiliary bishop of the Syro-Malabar diocese of Chicago. We shall offer our greetings to them and keep them in our prayers. Mar George Valiamattam, the Archbishop of Tellicherry retired as per the Canonical norms of the Church and in his place, Mar George Njaralakkatt, the Bishop of Mandya was appointed. We shall remember with gratitude the ministry of Mar George Valiamattam and offer him our prayers. Mar Mathew Vaniakizhakel retired from his office as the Bishop of Satna diocese on account of ill-health. We shall offer him our prayers for his health and well-being. Procura—the office at Rome A new office is being set up for the Syro-Malabar Church to maintain our contacts with the Vatican. The financial investment for the purchase of the office is enormous. We request the help and cooperation of our benefactors and dioceses for this purpose. The information with regard to the Procura was published earlier. Religious Persecution The persecution of Christians in Iraq and Syria and in other countries in the Middle East is very severe. A terrible situation has arisen where hundreds of innocent people are killed brutally because of their faith or are forced to flee their native countries or abandon their faith. This persecution is spearheaded by a few terrorists in the name of Islam. The conscience of the world has to be awakened to the immensity of this brutality. We have to pray for the conversion of these persecutors and for the grace to be given to those innocent Christians to remain strong in their faith in the midst of these persecutions. Pastoral Ministry for the Migrants Efforts are continuing to institute new set-ups to take care of the pastoral needs of our people who live beyond the proper territory of our

18 19 Church in India as well as in other parts of the world. A letter signed by all the Synod Fathers was sent to the Holy Father requesting that the process for establishing adequate structures for the pastoral care of the Syro-Malabar faithful in the Gulf Countries be expedited. I have visited some of these countries in order to understand their plight. I am very happy to note that the Apostolic Visitor and the Commission for Migrants and Evangelization are working with great enthusiasm for this purpose. I request your prayers for the success of our efforts in this matter. Our new diocese of Melbourne in Australia, although it its initial stages, is also progressing well with the cooperation of all. We shall thank the Lord for His blessings in all these areas. Mission Fund ASSM which was established to help our missionary efforts financially and otherwise is working very efficiently. As informed earlier, your sincere cooperation in this effort will make us accomplish much in this area. These efforts of ours will be a source of great encouragement to our mission dioceses as well as to our missionary activities. The Synod decided that the proceeds of the Sunday collection on the Syro-Malabar Mission Sunday which is the Sunday after the feast of Denha, to be sent to the Curia for the activities of the Mission Fund. I request your generous cooperation in this matter. Bishop Raphael Thattil has taken charge as the Director of ASSM in the place of Bishop Gregory Karotemprel CMI. The Synod acknowledged gratefully the services of Bishop Gregory Karotemprel who was the inspiration for the founding of ASSM. Vocation and formation The Synod discussed seriously the training of seminarians and the promotion of vocations. It was also pointed out that more attention should be given to the promotion of vocations to the religious life and vocations to religious brotherhood. The Church has a great responsibility to help and direct the training given to those who choose the religious life. Hence the Synod has constituted a new Commission for Vocations, after taking the above matters into consideration. The Synod also discussed ways in which the formation

19 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago given to our seminarians could be improved. The Synod, hence, has taken a few steps in this direction to implement its deliberations in this matter more effectively. You may have known that the Synod has recognized St. Ephrem’s Major Seminary as the mission Seminary of the Syros-Malabar Church. We are trying to provide a better missionary formation there. Such efforts will help the promotion of the missionary spirit in the Church. The Year of the Religious The Church has chosen next year to be the year of the Religious. In order to discuss the celebration of the year of the Religious and the promotion of vocation to the religious life, the Synod held a special session with the major superiors of religious congregations. It is a matter of great pride and joy that the canonization of the two religious in our Church is taking place at the beginning of the celebration of the Year of the Religious. We shall thank the Lord for the great blessing bestowed on the Church through the canonization of Blessed Chavara and Blessed Euphrasia. I expect the cooperation of all in the public programmes associated with the celebration of the canonization. I am sure it will benefit us immensely in our spiritual life. The Synod has taken a favorable decision to start the beatification process of Blessed Fortunatus Thanhäuser who was a religious brother, working in the region of Kattappana in the diocese of Kanjirappally. Other matters discussed at the Synod We have also started a Youth Movement known as the Syro-Malabar Youth Movement exclusively for the youth belonging to the Syro-Malabar Church just like the Youth Movements of the Latin and Syro-Malankara Churches. It was inaugurated on August 30th at Mt. St. Thomas. I am sure all of you will offer your cooperation and guidance to help it conduct its activities according to its newly formed constitution. Jesus Youth is a spiritual movement that is engaged in youth Ministry. We have to pay more attention to its working so that it may work in union with the Mother Church and organize its activities in conformity with the authentic teachings and traditions of the Church.

20 21 AKCC The All Kerala Catholic Congress is gaining strength in all the dioceses of the Syro-Malabar Church. All of us have to support it to grow more effectively in our dioceses. All the lay members of the Church have to be brought under the auspices of the AKCC in order that it may become an effective organization of the Laity to work for the Church without in any way being affected by sectarian or divisive tendencies. The Women’s Forum which was started recently is also working with great fervor. Family units have an important role in the pastoral Ministry of the Church. Guidelines are being formed to coordinate their activities more effectively. Care Homes and other Centres Our Church is in the forefront in charitable activities. There are houses and centres that cater to the well-being of the elderly, the morally and physically challenged, orphans etc. I am very happy to note that a lot of our people, priests, the laity and the religious, are working with great enthusiasm in this field. Please be kind enough to give your utmost attention to the proper and legal functioning of these institutions. Education The field of Education is very important for the Church. Teachers participate in the teaching ministry of the Church. Their role in the formation of youth is very important. Teachers have to pay equal attention to the moral formation of the youth just as they cater to their intellectual formation. The Church also has a great responsibility in this area. Teachers have to take into account the vision of the Church in this field in the discharge of their ministry. Ecumenical activities We have to strive hard to strengthen our ecumenical activities as well as to foster warm relationships with other religions through inter-religious

21 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago dialogues. Seminarians have to be given more training and information in order to engage in ecumenical activities. Anti-alcoholic activities The Church supports the policy of the State in the prevention of alcoholism. We have to aim for an alcohol-free society. More conscientization and constant vigilance are needed in this area. We shall try to strengthen anti- alcoholic movements and create a society free of the use of alcohol. Some Other things to be specially mentioned A beautiful documentary on the Syro-Malabar Church known as the “Margam” has been produced. Please popularize the use of this DVD. In order to commemorate the 1950th anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Thomas, the bishops made a pilgrimage to Kottakavu church, Paravur, one of the seven churches established by St. Thomas. The Synod has also decided not bury the deceased bishops in the Madbaha. The Synod also discussed the needs and anxieties of the Knanaya Community and entrusted a Committee of Bishops to study this matter more profoundly. After many effective and lively exchanges of ideas and discussions, the Session of the Synod was concluded on 30 August at 12.30 p.m. I request your prayers so that the work of the Synod may continue to be beneficial to the good of our Church and for her growth.

George Cardinal Alencherry Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church

Given from the Major Archiepiscopal Curia of the Syro-Malabar Church at Mount St Thomas, Kakkanad on 10 October 2014.

22 23 Episcopal Ordination of Mar Joy Alappatt, the Auxiliary Bishop of St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

he Episcopal Ordination of Mar Joy Alappat forms an important annal in the history of the Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago. The Spiritual Tradiance emanated from the solemn Liturgy of 27th September, 2014 still lingers in the hearts and minds of everyone who witnessed the ordination ceremonies. The faithful present in the majestic Mar Thoma Sleeha Cathedral experienced the felt-presence of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit upon the newly ordained Bishop as the Celebrant, Mar George Cardinal Alencherry, the Major Archbishop and the co-celebrants, Mar Jacob Angadiath and Mar Pauly Kannookadan, placed their hands prayerfully upon the candidate. Very Rev. Msgr. Angelo Accatino, special delegate from the Apostolic Nunciatore, Mar Mathew Moolakatt, Metropolitan Archbishop of Kottayam, Mar Jacob Thoonkuzhy, Metropolitan Archbishop Emeritus of Trissur, Mar Antony Cherayath, Bishop of Sagar Diocese, Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil, Bishop of Thamarassery, Mar Thomas Thuruthimattam CST, Bishop of Gorakpur, Most Rev. Varghese Chakkalackal, Bishop of Kozhikode, Most Rev. Thomas Paprocki, Bishop of Springfield, IL, Most Rev. Francis Kane, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, Most Rev. John Michael Botean, Bishop of St. George Romanian Diocese of Canton, OH, Most Rev. John Kudrick, Bishop of Byzantine, Diocese of Parma, OH, Most Rev. Thomas Mar Eusebius, Exarch of Syro Malankara Church, NY, Corbishop, Very Rev. Faouzi Elia, Armenian Eparchy of Lebanon, LA, Very Rev. Fr. Jose Palatty, Chennai Syro-Malabar Mission Director, Very Rev. James Palackal, Vicar General of Changanacherry

23 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

Archdiocese, Very Rev. Joseph Kollamparampil, Vicar General of Palai Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Antony Kollannur, Chancellor, Major Archiepiscopal Curia, Ernakulum-Angamaly, Rev. Fr. Riju Veliyil, Secretary to the Major Archbishop and Rev. Jan Cizmar, Secretary of Ukrainian Bishop of St. Josephat, Parma were present at the consecration ceremony. The presence of many Indian Priests working in USA, and a good number of the Religious Sisters present for the function were especially noticeable. Representatives from all the parishes and missions of the diocese and from Canada witnessed the whole celebrations. The participation of the priests and laity from other Christian Denominations gave the whole ceremony an ecumenical nature. The solemn ceremonies opened as the priests and the bishops solemnly proceeded to the Cathedral church along with Msgr. Joy through the midst of cheerful children who joyously waved their hands. The choir sang the opening song as the procession entered the main door of the church. His Excellency Mar Jacob Angadiath extended cordial welcome to all and enumerated the tremendous growth of the diocese from 2 parishes and 6 missions in 2001 to 33 parishes and 35 missions now, with 100,000 faithful in the vast geography of North America. Over seventy Syro-Malabar Priests are working in this diocese; eight seminarians, who are born and brought up here in USA, are undergoing priestly formation for the diocese. There are more than 8500 children enrolled in the faith formation program with 1300 CCD teachers. Diocesan Youth Apostolate and pious associations are very active and vibrant. Very Rev. Msgr. Angelo Accatino, special delegate from the Apostolic Nunciatore, did the reading of the papal Decree, appointing Very Rev. Fr. Joy Alappatt, the auxiliary bishop of Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago and the titular bishop of Bencenna. Rev. Dr. Sebastian Vethanath, the diocesan chancellor, read the Malayalam version of the decree. Rev. Fr. Sebastian Arikatt was the archdeacon of the ceremony. In his message during Holy Qurbana, Mar George Cardinal Alencherry, said that the pastoral care in the Unites States in large and small cities has been

24 25 a hazardous task, but Mar Jacob Angadiath realized the task with the help of a dedicated team of priests and laity. Now with the assistance of Auxiliary bishop Joy Alappatt, Bishop Jacob Angadiath will lead the eparchy to greater heights of spiritual and pastoral growth. Major Archbishop congratulated Bishop Jacob Angadiath on the remarkable achievement he has realized in this eparchy and wished the blessing of God to achieve even greater heights with the able assistance of Mar Joy Alappatt. Mar George Cardinal Alencherry exhorted the faithful of the diocese to stand for the unity of the church and to lead an authentic Christian life based on the rich traditions and heritage of Syro-Malabar Church: “My dear brothers and sisters, you may have to intensify for a more fruitful Christian witness especially in the practice of moral principles in personal and family life. It is also important that you avoid all the temptations of dissention and discord in your community for reasons of any sort; let it be regarding the liturgical discipline or special communitarian identities. The traditional practices of the St. Thomas Christians namely the liturgical celebrations, family prayer, catechesis, family unit gatherings, parish administration with lay participation, fasting and prayer, observance of perfect communion with the leadership must be observed with utmost care. It is these special features that give meaning and fruitfulness to the distinct existence itself of this eparchy”. The Episcopal ceremony was truly a celebration of gratitude for God’s blessings on the diocese, a prayerful celebration of the consecration of the new bishop, a communal celebration of solidarity, and an appreciation of the great services rendered to the US community by Mar Jacob Angadiath whose request to the Holy Father for an auxiliary bishop was granted by Pope Francis. After the liturgical ceremony and lunch there was also a public meeting to felicitate the new bishop. The whole program was co-ordinated by different committees under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Augustine Palackaparambil, the General Convener, Mr. Jose Chamakala, General Co-ordinator and Rev. Fathers from the Diocesan Curia and Cathedral with the whole hearted co- operation of Cathedral Parishioners.

25 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

Decree of Appointment

FRANCIS BISHOP SERVANT OF THE SERVANTS OF GOD

o our beloved son Joy Alappatt, presbyter of the Diocese of Irinjalakuda and, up to now, Rector of the Eparchial Cathedral of Saint Thomas the Apostle of Chicago of the Syro-Malabars, appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the same Eparchy and, at the same time, Titular Bishop of Bencenna, greetings and Apostolic Blessing. Since the care of the Lord’s entire Flock is Our responsibility, and We do not wish the Local Churches to be lacking in anything, We by no means delay in provid- ing, as carefully as possible, what they need and require. For this reason, it is at this time, with particular attention, that We turn Our thought to the Eparchy of Saint Thomas the Apostle of Chicago of the Syro-Malabars, gladly granting the petition earnestly made by its Ordinary, Our Venerable Brother Jacob Angadiath, for an Auxiliary Bishop. And so, beloved son, knowing that you are endowed with the requi- site doctrinal background and knowledge of spiritual matters, We accordingly judge that you are suitable for undertaking this Office. Therefore, upon consultation with the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, by virtue of Our Apostolic authority, We appoint you Eparchial Auxiliary Bishop of Saint Thomas the Apostle of Chicago of the Syro-Malabars, at the same time promoting you to the Titular See of Bencenna, together with all the rights and obligations connected to this position and mandate. As to your Ordination, the Profession of faith, the Promise of Obedience and the rest, you will follow exactly the established norms of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches. Finally, beloved Son, equipped with sound doctrine, sustained by solid devotion and bolstered by assistance from on high, devote yourself in such a way that the faithful may perceive from your ministry, in communion with your Ordinary, both the guidance and unfailing mercy of the Savior Himself. Given at Rome, at St. Peter’s, on the thirty first day of the month of July, in the year of the Lord two thousand fourteen, the second of Our Pontificate.

FRANCIS Leonardo Sapienza, Protonary Apostol

26 27 COAT OF ARMS AND EPISCOPAL MOTTO OF MAR JOY ALAPPATT

he Coat of arms of Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt comprises various Telements of personal and spiritual life experiences and his faith journey. Joyfully for your Souls (2Cor 12,15): A bishops’ personal motto has always been intended to represent his personal spirituality and theologically based philosophy of life and is most frequently grounded in Sacred Scripture or in a prominent Christian tradition. Bishop Joy’s Motto is a beautiful quote from the second letter of St Paul to the Corinthians chapter 12,15. It is an abbreviated form of Paul’s life and vision. By selecting this quote Bishop Joy confirms his own commitment to work for the Salvation of Souls entrusted to him by God Almighty in a spirit of joy and satisfaction Cross : On the top of his emblem stands a cross which symbolizes the cross of Christ that has been raised on Calvary for the sake of remission of sins. The Cross is the power of God for those who are being saved. Shape of Shield : God always protects us and as a Bishop Mar Joy has to defend the church. It symbolizes the shield of faith which St Paul reminds us. Twelve Stars : It is mentioned in the book of Revelation that Mary represents twelve stars. As Jesus was grown through the hands of Mary, Church as the continuation of body of Christ would be brought up in the hands of a Bishop. Holy Spirit : It is the Holy Spirit that sustains the church. Holy Spirit enables us to be full Christians. A Bishop has special responsibility to empower Christians with Holy Spirit. Letter J : Letter “J” stands for the name of Jesus. No name has been given to us except the name of Jesus for the salvation of human race. “O” Holy Eucharist : Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life. Bishop presides the Eucharistic celebrations and imparts much strength from the Sacrament of Eucharist. The round shape of Eucharist gives us the message of unity too. Letter Y : The letter “Y” is depicted in the form of praise and worship community. The church is always a worshipping community and participates in the heavenly liturgy. Joy : Theme of joy has been projected through these three letters JOY. Joy is the echo of God’s life in us. “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (Jn 15,11). Nativity Scene : There is a Nativity scene at the bottom which shares the message of God’s incarnation which was a kind of Migration of God to humanity. It represents the Holy Family too.

27 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

28 29 29 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

30 31 31 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

Homily by His Beatitude Mar George Cardinal Alencherry, the Major Archbishop of Syro-Malabar Church, at Mar Thoma Sleeha Cathedral on Saturday Sept 27, 2014 in connection with the Episcopal Ordination of Mar Joy Alappatt

he Syro-Malabar Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle of Chicago has completed its 13 years of its existence and service to the people of TGod and is at the beginning of its 14th year. Now it is blessed with an auxiliary bishop, Mar Joy Alappatt. He will be today onwards working joyfully for the souls of the eparchy of Chicago. That is his motto. “Joyfully for the souls”. He is Joy and he will be more joyful hereafter. Thank you for the motto. He is a singer and he will be singing more perfectly and most perfectly hereafter. He is a good preacher, and he will be preaching more perfectly or most perfectly. He is supposed to do that hereafter. He is a good pastor and he will be the best administrator of sacraments in the future. Because so far he has been working as a priest, now he will be serving as bishop. As you know the priesthood of bishop is the perfection and fullness of priesthood. So he has by the grace of God received this fullness by the Episcopal ordination. So at the very outset, in the name of this eparchy, in the name of Syro- Malabar Church, and also for the universal church under the Holy Father let us offer him all the best wishes and prayers. We are now offering the Eucharistic celebration according to the tradition of Eastern Church, the Syro-Malabar Church. The Holy Qurbana together with the bishop of the diocese shows the unity of the Syro-Malabar eparchy. We wish him well in his pastoral ministry in the diocese. This eparchy has grown very much in its experience of communion within the eparchial community and also in communion with the church in United States.

32 33 The pastoral care in the Unites States in large and small cities has been a hazardous task. But Mar Jacob Angadiath realized the task with the help of a dedicated team of priests and laity. The generous co-operation and financial support of the laity is tobe greatly acknowledged. The contributions of the bishops of US especially of Cardinal Joseph Bernadin and present Cardinal Francis George and their auxiliary bishops for the growth of Syro-Malabar eparchy are to be remembered with gratitude. On this occasion I thank in a very special way Cardinal Joseph Bernadin who together with the auxiliary bishop Thomas John Paproki helped us to be implanted here in Chicago and to have a parish church for the Syro-Malabar community. Our special gratitude should go to him and may his soul rest in peace. I thank in a special way also all the Bishops of the Oriental and Latin Catholic Churches here and also to exarc Thomas Mar Eusebius for their support to this oriental eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle in Chicago. The pastoral and social activities of the Syro-Malabar communities have contributed the spiritual, social and cultural development of the people of the eparchy. The conventions conducted before and after the erection of the eparchy have resulted in the fruitful assembling of the faithful into an ecclesial community. The fact that the eparchy could produce vocations to the priesthood from its own children remains an exceptional blessing that orients to the future success of this eparchy in US. I earnestly hope that in the coming years vocations to the consecrated life also will sprout from the families of this eparchy. The ecclesial entity of this Syro-Malabar eparchy could help the faithful to be a better witness of the catholic life according to the traditions of the St. Thomas Christians in this vast country. We remember with gratitude Holy Father St. John Paul II who erected this diocese for the Syro-Malabar faithful here. Today we remember and owe our obedience to the present Holy Father Pope Francis for the encouragement and support especially to the Syro- Malabar Church and also this gesture of appointing an auxiliary bishop for our eparchy.

33 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

My dear brothers and sisters, you may have to intensify for a more fruitful Christian witness especially in the practice of moral principles in personal and family life. It is also important that you avoid all the temptations of dissention and discord in your community for reasons of any sort; let it be regarding the liturgical discipline or special communitarian identities. The traditional practices of the St. Thomas Christians namely the liturgical celebrations, family prayer, catechesis, family unit gatherings, parish administration with lay participation, fasting and prayer, observance of perfect communion with the leadership must be observed with utmost care. It is these special features that give meaning and fruitfulness to the distinct existence itself of this eparchy. The Syro-Malabar communities of this eparchy has spread far and wide in this vast country and Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath is finding it difficult to make himself available for his Episcopal functions that the community needs in different places. Therefore the Apostolic See responded to his request which was generously encouraged by Apostolic Nuncio of this country and has appointed Mar Joy Alppatt as the auxiliary bishop. Let us express our gratitude to the Apostolic See especially the Holy Father Pope Francis and Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, the prefect of the Congregation for the Eastern Churches. The church both in India and here in the United States is confident that with the assistance of Auxiliary bishop Joy Alappatt, Bishop Jacob Angadiath will lead the eparchy to greater heights of spiritual and pastoral growth. I congratulate Bishop Jacob Angadiath on the remarkable achievement he has realized in this eparchy and I wish the blessing of God to achieve even greater heights with the able assistance of Mar Joy Alappatt. With his rich record of pastoral service to the appreciation of the Syro- Malabar communities he served, Bishop Joy Alappatt will be able to be a good pastor in the eparchy of Chicago together with Bishop Jacob Angadiath. Today

34 35 the Lord is commissioning him with a universal mission making disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that He has commanded. The leadership of Moses, the prophesies of the prophets of the Old Testament, the kingship of David and his successors have all been fulfilled in our Lord Jesus Christ. The eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ is imparted to the successors of the apostles who are bishops in the Church and also in a participatory way with the priests of the Catholic Church. And it is the sharing in this fullness of priesthood of Christ that is given to our Bishop Joy Alappatt by our Lord Jesus Christ today. Mar Joy Alappatt will be a good shepherd, a good preacher, and also a good sanctifier in this Church. Let us also encourage him in his leadership as a pastor giving him all support of prayer and material means. Let us also joyfully participate in the sacramental celebrations especially in the Holy Eucharist and encourage and make it grow in this country. May the blessings of the Lord Jesus Christ be always upon Bishop Joy Alappatt so that he may carry out the three offices of teaching, sanctifying and governing the people of God for the glory of God and sanctification of people. We heard today in the Gospel the Lord Jesus Christ asks the Apostle: “who do people say that I am?” And they reported what people said and finally the question was “what do you say that I am?” It was Peter who responded that you are Christ of the living God and together with this confession of Peter, we the St. Thomas Christians have special traditions of the confession of the faith of St. Thomas the Apostle: “My Lord and My God”. Pope Benedict in his famous book Jesus of Nazareth comments the confession of St. Thomas Apostle is the most important confessions in the Gospel because it came after resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ while the confessions of St. Peter came during the public life of Jesus. So both these professions of faith have to be realized in the life of Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt and in any other Bishop.

35 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

`-bpsS sFIy-Øn-\p-th≠n \n߃ Ft∏mgpw \ne-sIm-≈Ww˛km¿∆-{XnI k`- bpsS sFIy-Øn\pw kotdm ae-_m¿ k`-bpsS sFIy-Øn\pw. Hcp ImcWw ]d™v kHcn-°epw \ap°v k`bn¬ Ass\-Iy-ap-≠m-°m≥ Ah-Im-i-an-√. Hmtcm-cp-Øcpw Nn¥n-°s´ Rm≥ Nn¥n-°p∂ coXn-Iƒ, Rm≥ kwkm-cn-°p∂ hm°p-Iƒ, Rm≥ sNøp∂ {]h¿Øn-Iƒ F{X-am{Xw Fs‚ Bfl-c-£-bv°p-]-I-cn-°p-∂p, F{X-am{Xw anin-lm-tbmSv Fs∂ tN¿Øp-\n¿Øp-∂p, F{X-am{Xw k`-bpsS sFIy-Øn¬ Fs∂ hf¿Øp∂p F∂v. Cu tNmZy- ߃°v DØcw sImSp-Ø-Xn-\p-tijw am{Xta \mw \ΩpsS hnizmk-Øns‚ km£yw k`-bnepw kaq-l-Øn-epw \n¿h-ln-°m-hq. Cu tNmZy-߃°v DØcw sImSp-°m≥ km[n-°p-∂n-s√-¶n¬ \mw sNøp∂ {]h¿Øn-I-sf√mw \ap-°p-Xs∂ FXn-cm-bn´v amdpw. Ah I¿Øm-hn-t\mSv \sΩ tN¿Øp \n¿Øp-I-tbm, k`-bpsS sFIyw hf¿Øp-hm≥ \sΩ klm-bn-°p-I-tbm C√. AXp- sIm≠v {]nb-ap≈ a°tf, \nß-sf-√m-hcpw Nn°mtKm cq]-X-bn¬ Cu {]mtZ-inI k`-bpsS sFIy-Øn-\p-th≠n \ne-sIm-≈-Ww. k`-bpsS kn\Uv km¿∆-{Xn-I-k-`-bpsS {]t_m-[-\m-[n-Im- c-a-p-]tbmKn®v apt∂m´p hcp-∂-Xn-t\mSv tN¿∂p-\n-∂v k`sb hf¿Øp-∂-Xn¬ \nß-sf-√m-hcpw PmK-cq-I-cm-bn-cn-°-Ww.

Always you should remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in Mt12,30: “He who is not with me is against me and he who does not gather with me scatters”. Ft∂m-Sp-IqSn tiJ-cn-°m-Ø-h≥ NnX-dn-®p-I-f-bp-∂p. \mw I¿Øm-hn-t\m-Sp-IqSn tiJ-cn-°-Ww. k`-tbm-Sp-IqSn tiJ-cn-°Ww. H‰bv°p tiJ-cn-°-cp-Xv, {]tXy-I {Kq∏p-I-fmbn tiJ-cn-°-cp-Xv. k`-tbm-sSm∏w tiJ-cn-°-Ww. Aßs\ tiJ-cn-°p-tºmƒ k`-tbm-sSmØp hf-cpw.

Let these words be in your hearts and mind, when you are coming for church gather- ing, when you are writing your face book, when you are speaking to others, when you are in your community gathering and family meetings.

Today is the feast of St. Vincent De Paul. hn≥sk‚v Un t]mƒ˛s‚ PohnXw kIe sa{Xm-∑m¿°pw amXrIbm-Wv; At±lw hN-\-Øns‚ h‡m-hm-bn-cp-∂p. ssZh-h-N-\-Øns‚ h‡m-hv. ssZh-Øns‚ Imcp-Wyhpw kvt\lhpw a‰p-≈-hsc Adn-bn® h‡m-hv. AXv {]mh¿Øn- I-am-°nb hnip-≤≥. At±-l-Øns‚ ssNX-\y-Øn¬ \n∂pw Dcp-Øn-cn™ F{Xtbm sshZnI kaq-l-߃, F{Xtbm k\ym-kn\n kaq-l-߃, F{Xtbm k\ymk ktlm-Z-c-∑m-cpsS kaq-l-

36 37 ߃, F{Xtbm Aevam-b-cpsS kaq-l-߃. C∂v ItØm-en°m k`-bn-ep≈ Aevamb-cpsS kwL-S-\-I-fn¬ G‰hpw hepXv hn≥sk‚v Un t]mƒ kJyam-Wv. A{X-am{Xw {]m[m-\y-ap≈ Hcp B[ym-flnI ]mc-ºcyw k`bv°p kw`m-h\ sNbvX hn≥sk‚v Un t]mƒ ]pWyhm-fs‚ Xncp-∂mƒ Zn\-Øn¬Øs∂ \ΩpsS tPmbn Be-∏m´v ]nXmhv sa{Xm-\mbn A`n-tjIw sNø-s∏- ´p-sh-∂p-≈-Xv At±-l-Øn\pw \ap°pw Hm¿Øn-cn-°m-hp∂ Hcp henb khnti-j-Xbm-Wv. B hN-\-Øns‚ hmNm-eX, B km£y-Øns‚ ]IzX \ΩpsS A`n-h-µy-]n-Xm-hn\pw e`n-°-s´- sb∂p {]m¿∞n-°mw. ssZhw \tΩmSp IqSn-bp-≠v. C∂sØ temI-Øns‚ kml-Ncyw \mw a\- kn-em-°-Ww. Ime-L-´-Øns‚ kqN-\-Isf a\- n-em-°p-hm-\m-bn´v BZyw Blzm\w sNbvXXv c≠mw hØn-°m≥ Iu¨kn-em-Wv. hn. tPm¨ Ccp]-Øn-aq-∂m-a≥ am¿∏m∏ \tΩmSv Blzm\w sNbvX Ime-L-´-Øns‚ kqN-\-Iƒ IW-°n-se-Sp-°m-\p≈ Pm{KX \ap°pw D≠m-bn-cn-°-Ww. \ΩpsS IpSpw-_-ß-sf-°p-dn®v km¿∆-{XnI k` Nn¥n-°m≥ t]mhp-I-bmWv kn\-Un¬. ka¿∏n-X¿°p-th≠n Hcp h¿jw am‰n-h-®p-sIm≠v ka¿∏n-X-cpsS hnip-≤o-I-cWw e£yw hbv°p-I-bm-Wv. CsX√mw Cu kµ¿`-Øn¬ \mw Hm¿Ωn-°-Ww. Aßs\ \ΩpsS km£yw k`bv°p tbmPn® hn[w sIm≠p-t]m-Ip-hm≥ \ap°p km[n-°-Ww. Cu Nn°mtKm cq]X \ap°p am{X-a√ Ata-cn-°≥ sFIy-\m-Sp-Iƒ°p Xs∂ ssNX\yw ]I-cp∂ Hcp cq]-X-bm- bn´p hf-c-Ww. C\nbpw hf-cm-\p≈ taJ-e-Iƒ ]eXpw D≠v. \ΩpsS hnip-≤n-bp-tS-Xmb ]mc- ºcyw ChnsS {]tim-`n®v k`-bpsS ssNX-\yw ae-¶c ItØm-en°m k` ktlm-Z-c-ß-tfm-sSm∏w, a‰v ]uckvXy k`m ktlm-Z-c-ß-tfm-sSm∏w eØo≥ k`-tbmSv tN¿∂v \n∂v hf-cp-hm\pw hnI- kn-°p-hm\pw CS-bm-bn-Øo-c-s´-sb∂v Bflm¿∞-ambn {]m¿∞n-°p-∂p. sFIy-Øn-\p-th-≠n-bp≈ Zmlw \nß-fpsS CS-bn¬ D≠v. AXn\v Rm≥ \nßsf A`n-\-µn-°p-∂p.

Ah-km-\-ambn I quote the words in the book of Sirach which says: “God’s mercy is as great as His power” (Sirach 2,18). ssZh-Øns‚ ImcpWyw Ahn-SpsØ i‡n-tbmfw hep- Xm-Wv. ssZh-Øns‚ i‡n Ahn-SpsØ Imc-Wy-am-sW-∂¿∞w. Imcp-Wy-]q¿∆w \ap°v Ahn- SpsØ kphn-ti-j-Øn\p km£yw hln°mw. ssZh-kvt\lw ]¶n-Smw. hnip-≤n-bn¬ hf-cmw. hcm-\n-cn-°p∂ hnip-≤-tcm-sSm∏w Ct∏m-gp≈ hnip-≤-bmb A¬t^m≥kmtbm-sSm∏w am¿tØmΩm «olm-bpsS a°ƒ Cu Ata-cn-°≥ sFIy-\m-Sp-I-fn¬ amXr-k-`-bpsS ssNX\yw {]N-cn-∏n-°p∂ Hcp i‡-amb {]mtZ-inI k`-bm-Is´ F∂ Biw-k-tbm-Sp-IqSn A`n-hµy tPmbn Be-∏m´p ]nXm-hn\v Joyful Greetings A¿∏n-®p-sIm≠v \n¿Øp-∂p.

37 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

NEWS FROM Job Pattern in the Chancery Chancery Protosyncellus – Mar Joy Alappatt Seminary Formation, Parishes & Missions, Parish Council, Settlement of Issues and Concerns, Priests’ Personnel, Religious, Eucharistic Ministers, Organizations, Commission for Spiritual Affairs

Syncellus – Rev. Fr. Augustin Palackaparambil Catechism & Faith Formation, Safe Environment Program, Theology Course for Laity, Publication

Syncellus – Rev. Fr. Thomas Mulavanal Director of the Knanya Region, Youth, Pious Associations, Vocation, Family Apostolate, Special Concerns of the Knanaya community of the diocese

Finance Officer – Rev. Fr. Paul Chalissery Property, Financials of Diocese and Parishes/Missions, Financial Policy, Web-Development & Software, Visa Procedures, Finance Council, Incorporation, Health Insurance, Family Apostolate

Chancellor – Rev. Fr. Sebastian Vethanath Liturgy, Archives, Secretary to Bishop, Records of the Diocese, Reports and Correspondence, Pastoral Council, Consulters Body, Tele Conference, Priests Conference, Priests Annual Retreat, Marriage related Documentation & Permissions, Diocesan Bulletin & Directory

Appointments of Priests Rev. Fr. Roy Jacob Kalayil, Pastor, St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, San Francisco, CA with effect from July 27, 2014 Rev. Fr. Jo Pacheriyil CMI, Director, St. Mary, Syro-Malabar Catholic Mission, Columbus, OH with effect from July 27, 2014

38 39 Rev. Fr. Wilson Antony (Kandankery), Associate Pastor, St. Joseph Syro-Malabar Forane Church, Houston, TX with effect from August 03, 2014 Rev. Fr. Augustine Palackaparambil, Syncellus of the Diocese and Pastor, Mar Thoma Sleeha Cathedral, Bellwood, IL with effect from October 05, 2014 Rev. Fr. Antony Skaria CSF, Priest in charge, St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Catholic Mission, Minnesota, MN with effect from October 09, 2014 Rev. Fr. Thomas Mulavanal, Pastor, St. Mary Syro-Malabar Knanaya Catholic Church, Morton Grove, IL with effect from October 18, 2014. This responsibility is in addition to his assignment as Syncellus and Director of Knanaya Region of the Diocese. Rev. Fr. Abraham Mutholathu, Pastor, Sacred Heart Syro-Malabar Knanaya Catholic Church, Maywood, IL with effect from October 18, 2014 Rev. Fr. Dominic Joseph, Pastor, Sacred Heart Syro-Malabar Knanaya Catholic Church, Tampa, FL with effect from October 18, 2014 Rev. Fr. Saji Pinarkayil, Pastor, St. Mary Syro-Malabar Knanaya Catholic Church, Houston, TX with effect from October 18, 2014 Rev. Fr. Pathros Champakara, Pastor, St. Mary Syro-Malabar Knanaya Catholic Church, San Jose, CA and Director, St. John Paul II Knanaya Catholic Mission, Sacramento, CA with effect from October 18, 2014 Rev. Fr. Siju Kuriakose Mudakodil, Pastor, St. Pius X Syro-Malabar Knanaya Catholic Church, Los Angeles,CA and Director, St. Stephen Syro- Malabar Knanaya Catholic Mission, Las Vegas, NEV with effect from October 18, 2014 Rev. Fr. Jemy Joseph Puthusseril, Pastor, Holy Family Syro-Malabar Knanaya Catholic Church, Atlanta, GA with effect from October 18, 2014 Rev. Fr. Joseph Mathew Adoppillil, Director, St. Jude Syro-Malabar Knanaya Catholic, Mission, Miami, FL with effect from October 18, 2014 Rev. Fr. Suni Thomas Padinjarekkara, Associate Pastor, St. Mary Syro- Malabar Knanaya Catholic Church, Morton Grove, IL and Sacred Heart Syro- Malabar Knanaya Catholic Church, Maywood, IL with effect from October 18, 2014

39 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

Rev. Fr. Mathew Meledath, Pastor, Christ the King Syro-Malabar Knanaya Catholic Church, Dallas, DFW, TX with effect from January 25, 2015 Sincere Thanks and Greetings With deep gratitude and appreciation the diocese expresses sincere thanks to Rev. Fr. Sebastian Kaniampadickal and Rev. Fr. George Thoomkuzhy MST for their dedicated service for the integral growth of the diocese. The diocese extends them best wishes and prayerful greetings in their future priestly ministry. Constitution of Family Apostolate The Diocesan Family Apostolate is constituted in view of organizing various programs for the psycho-social and spiritual empowerment of the families in our diocese. Rev. Fr. Paul Chalissery (MSc. MPhil. Clinical Psych.) is appointed as the Director of the Diocesan Family Apostolate. Different Apostolates of the Diocese 1. Faith Formation (CCD) - Rev. Dr. Augustin Palackaparambil 2. Commission on the Safe Environment of Children and Youth - Rev. Dr. Augustin Palackaparambil 3. Youth Apostolate & Jesus Youth - Rev. Fr. Vinod Madathiparambil 4. Vocation Promotion - Rev. Fr. Vinod Madathiparambil 5. 4Life Ministry - Rev. Fr. Vinod Madathiparambil 6. Family Apostolate - Rev. Fr. Paul Chalissery. Finance Office - News 1. am¿ tPmbn Be-∏m´v ]nXm-hns‚ sa{Xm-`n-tjI sNe-hn-te°v DZm-c-ambn klm-bn® F√m CS-h-I-I-tfbpw anj-\p-I-tfbpw AXn\v t\XrXzw \¬Inb F√m hnIm-cn-b-®-∑m-scbpw anj≥ Ub-d-IvS¿am-scbpw \µn-tbmsS Hm¿°p-∂p. 2. HIvtSm-_¿ 19 anj≥ Rmb-dn-t\m-S-\p-_-‘n®p≈ IfIvjs\-Ip-dn®v Hm¿Ωn-∏n-°p-∂p. anj≥ ]ncnhv Ign-hXpw t\csØ ^n\m≥kv Hm^o-kn-te°v Ab-°p-a-t√m. 3. 2014-˛se HmUn-‰nwKv \S-Øm≥ th≠ {Iao-I-c-W-߃ hnIm-cn-b-®-∑m¿/anj≥ Ub-d-IvS¿am¿ {]tXyIw XmXv]-cy-sa-SpØv \S-Ø-Ww.

40 41 Xmsg ]d-bp∂ ]ncn-hp-Iƒ HmUn-‰nw-Kn\v tijw cq]Xm kmº-ØnI Imcym-e-b-Øn¬ G¬∏n-°p-a-t√m. Special Collections : a) s]k-lm-Zn\ IfIvj≥ (Seminarians Fund), b) Good Friday Collection, c) St. Thomas Day Collection (k`m-Zn\w), d) anj≥ Rmb¿ IfIvj≥, e) P\-d¬ IfIvj≥ (For 12 National Collections Enforced by USCCB), f) Home Mission Collection ap≥ h¿j-ß-fnse hnhn[ ]ncn-hp-Iƒ AS®v Xo¿°m\p≈ CS-h-I-Iƒ / anj-≥ tI{µ- ߃ F{Xbpw thK-Øn¬ cq]Xm kmº-ØnI Imcym-e-b-Øn¬ XpI AS-bv°p-a-t√m. 4. Diocesan Seminarians Fund C°-gn™ s]klm Zn\-tØm-S-\p-_-‘n®v Bcw-`n® skan-\mcn ^≠n-te°v DZm-c-ambn kw`mh\ sNbvX CS-h-I-I-tfbpw, anj≥ tI{µ-ß-tfbpw \µn-tbmsS kvacn-°p-∂p. CXn- t\m-SIw Hcp e£-tØmfw tUmf¿ skan-\mcn ^≠n-te°v e`n-®p. A`n-hµy am¿ tPmbn Be-∏m´v ]nXm-hns‚ sa{Xm-`n-tj-I-tØm-S-\p-_-‘n®v A`n-h-µy am¿ tP°_v Aßm-Sn-bØv ]nXm-hns‚ Bio¿∆m-Z-tØm-sSbpw taP¿ B¿®v _nj∏v Im¿Un- \¬ am¿ tPm¿÷v Be-t©cn ]nXm-hns‚ Biw-k-I-tfm-sSbpw \S-Ønb Diocesan Seminary Fund {]tXyI IfIvj\v hnizmkn kaqlw Bflm¿∞-X-tbmsS kl-I-cn-®p. \mev e£-Øn-e-[nIw tUmf¿ skan-\mcn ^≠n-te°v tiJ-cn-°m≥ km[n-®p. XymK-tØmsS kl-I-cn® Gh¿°pw {]tXyIw \µn. The Diocesan Seminary Fund is to support our seminarians during their formation period. At present we have 8 seminarians studying for our diocese. Everyone can contribute any amout to this fund. cq]Xm skan-\mcn ^≠ns‚ {]m[m\yw a\- n-em°n AXns‚ hnP-b-Øn-\mbn CS-h-I-I- fn¬ hnizm-kn-Isf t{]m’m-ln-∏n-°p-a-t√m.

5. Annual Assessment The 10 % of ordinary revenue of the parish/mission is to be paid to the Diocesan Finance Office along with annual Financial report.

6. Annual Appeal This year the Annual Appeal will be send to every families with the support and help of parish priests / mission directors in the month of November. We expect wholehearted support from all our Rev. Fathers and the families.

Rev. Fr. Paul Chalissery Diocesan Procurator

41 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago NEWS FROM Apostolates of the Diocese Faith Formation (CCD) Faith Formation or catechesis is the most important activity of any diocese. Our diocese has 8500 students who are undergoing active training in our CCD classes. More than 1300 committed teachers and catechists actively co-operate with our Pastors and Mission Directors every Sunday to conduct faith formation classes. The following are the different activities we have planned for the year 2014-15. 1. Formation of EPARCHIAL CATECHETICAL COMMISSION A twelve member Eparchial Catechetical Commission was formed to formulate the vision, mission and prospects of the catechetical activities of the diocese. The following are the members of the Commission. 1. Fr. Augustin Palackaparampil 2. Fr. Siju Mudakodil 3. Fr. Jose Kalluvelil 4. Fr. Thomas Kadukappilly 5. Sr. Agnes Maria MSMI 6. Sr. Jeselin Thalachira CMC 7. John Mathew Thekkeparampil 8. Preethy Thomas 9. Dr. James Kurichy 10. Jimmy Emmanuel 11. Joseph Mutholam 12. Dr. Jayaraj Alappatt

The first meeting of the commission had a very healthy and fruitful discussion and took the following decisions that are to be implemented in our diocese in this year with the approval of the Bishop.

42 43 1. Publish a CCD calendar for teachers/parishes, not for students. 2. Minimum number of CCD working days must be 30 days. Some parishes have more working days. 3. Publish English Holy Mass text for CCD Children. 4. Start Diploma Course for teachers and others who are interested. This program is in link with Alpha Institute of Theology, Tellicherry. 5. The Commission decided to publish a workbook for classes 1st to 8th grade. The following persons volunteered to take up the work of preparing the text:

Std I – Dr. Jayaraj Alappatt – Chicago Team Std II – Jimmy Emmanuel – Coral Springs Team Std III – Sr. Agnes, MSMI – Houston TX Std IV - Fr. Siju Mudakodiyil – Chicago Knanaya Church Team Std V– Dr. James Kurichy – Philadelphia Team Std VI – Fr. Kadukappilly Thomas – New Jersey Team Std VII -Fr. Paul Chaliserry Std VIII– Preethy Thomas – San Francisco Team Sub-Texts for classes V to XII will be prepared.

Grade V - Saints of America Grade VI – St. Alphonsa Grade VII – Saints of India Grade VIII – Legacy of St. Thomas Grade IX – History of St. Thomas Christians/Holy Eucharist Grade X – Special Questions in Morals and Ethics Grade XI - Theology of Body Grade XII – Discussions on Moral Theology

6. Solemn Holy Communion will be in the 3rd grade. The book First Holy Communion published from Ernakulam Archdiocese will be the text for preparing children to receive Holy Communion.

43 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

7. Diocese will give certificates to all the students who successfully complete the XII grades. For this, special question paper from the Diocese will be given to all the parishes/missions. Out of 100 marks, 20% questions will be from the Diocesan Question papers. 8. All the parishes/missions may conduct a one-day faith-fest on a Saturday. 9. Conduct common exams for Std. X & XII next year onwards (2014-15) 10. Conduct Bible Quiz on National and Forane level. 11. Vacation Bible School in all the parishes 12. Teachers guide is available for download in syromalabarcatechesis.org

13. Recognize teachers who have completed 10 years of service in the CCD program by giving them certificates from the Diocese. Those who have completed 5 years shall be given certificates from the parish. 14. Conduct National and Forane level competitions for a few items: Essay competition, Bible Quiz, History Quiz, Creative Writing – Story, poem, painting 15. Conduct CCD-PTA training programs in every parish. 16. Select the best CCD parish/mission 17. Conduct CCD school inspection on Forane level 18. Organize a pilgrimage from the parish to a pilgrim centre. 19. Community service is to be included in the syllabus of X-XII grades. 20. Safe Environment Program in Chicago on 19th and 20th of July 2014.

44 45 2. Teachers’ Seminar As a part of the ongoing formation of the teachers, this year so far we conducted one day seminar for teachers and parents in the following centres by the following resource persons. 1. September 6-7 Sat & Sun: St. John Paul II Mission, Garfield, NJ- Rev. Dr. Mathew Choorapanthiyil OCD 2. September 13-14 Sat & Sun: St. Thomas Forane Church Philadelphia, PA - Rev. Dr. Mathew Choorapanthiyil OCD 3. September 13-14 Sat & Sun: St. Joseph Forane Church Houston, TX- Rev. Dr. Jimmy Poochakkatt 4. September 20-21 Sat & Sun: St. Thomas Church Detroit, MI – Rev. Dr. Mathew Choorapanthiyil OCD 5. September 19-21 Fri, Sat & Sun: St. Thomas Forane Church Somerset, NJ- Rev. Dr. Jimmy Poochakatt 6. September 28 Sun: St. Thomas Church San Francisco, CA- Rev. Dr. Jimmy Poochakkatt 7. October 4-5 Sat & Sun: Our Lady of Health Forane Church, Coral Springs, FL -Rev. Dr. Mathew Choorapanthiyil OCD 8. October 4-5 Sat & Sun: St. Thomas Forane Church Bronx, NY- Rev. Dr. Jimmy Poochakatt 9. October 11-12 Sat & Sun: St. Joseph Church Tampa, FL- Rev. Dr. Mathew Choorapanthiyil OCD

3. THE ECHO: Catechetical Directory A Directory that contains everything about catechesis is prepared and its printing is over. It will be officially published soon. It is meant for the teachers and pastors. The themes included in it are: Dimensions of Catechesis, Vision and Mission of Catechesis, Catechetical Websites, Healthy Practices in Catechesis, General Criteria for Model Schools, List of Reference Books,

45 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

Safe Environment Regulations, Audio-Visual Programs and Web-education, Diploma Course in Theology and many other useful matters.

4. Safe Environment Trainers’ Training 2014 On 18 – 20 July Fri-Sun, 2014, the diocese organized a three day camp for catechism teachers under the auspices of Safe Environment Commission of our diocese. There were forty participants for the program. All of them completed the Trainers Training Certificate Program. Sri. Thomas Moolayil and Dr. Paul Cheriyan were the chief resource persons. The following are the members of the Child Protection Commission: Mr. Davis Kaitharath, Mr. Sabi Kolath, Mr. Paul Vadakara, Mr. Zacharias J. Thayil, Mr. Bijo Thomas Mundackal and Rev. Sr. Marcella Nowakowaski. The policies and procedure of the Manuel and the Handbook for Church personnel were renewed and re-published.

5. Work Book and Teachers’ Manuel As the Eparchial Catechetical Commission proposed, the work for the publication of Teachers’ Manuel and Students’ Workbook are in progress. So far the following workbooks and Teachers’ Manuel are ready for printing. 1. Grade I - Teachers’ Manuel, prepared by Mar Thoma Sleeha Cathedral, Bellwood, IL 2. Grade I – Students’ Workbook, prepared by Mar Thoma Sleeha Cathedral, Bellwood, IL 3. Garde II – Students’ Workbook, prepared by Our Lady of Health Forane Church, Coral Springs, FL 4. Grade III – Teachers’ Manuel, prepared by St. Joseph Forane Church Houston, TX 5. Grade IV – Students Workbook, prepared by St. Joseph Forane Church Houston, TX

46 47 6. Grade VI – Students Workbook, prepared by St. Thomas Forane Church Somerset, NJ 7. Grade VIII – Students Workbook, prepared by St. Thomas Church, San Francisco, CA Three more workbooks are being prepared by different parishes. We hope by the end of this year we will be able to bring out Teachers’ Manuel for 10 grades and Workbooks for grade IV, V, and VII.

6. Holy Qurbana Text Diocesan Catechetical Commission has prepared a special Holy Qurbana Text for children in multi-color with suggestive pictures. This book is specially meant for the catechism students in junior classes.

7. Catechism Subtexts To give holistic training to our children we have to go beyond the text books. There are many important areas of ecclesial studies left so far untouched by our students. Theology of Body is one such important areas of religious study. We plan to follow some important texts published by US authors for teens and adults to be introduced to our students also. The following sub-texts are being prepared by our catechism teachers.

1. Worshipping Angels on Earth: Altar Servers’ Guide This book is published by our diocese and prepared by Aniamma Thomas Vengathadathadam of St. Thomas Forane Church Somerset, NJ. The book gives sufficient information about everything one should know about our Church, altar sacred vestments, rituals and other formalities we follow in our Eucharistic celebrations and other church prayers. The reading and study of this book will surely give to the reader a deep sense of piety

47 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

and great conviction about the deep meaning of the symbols we use in our liturgy. The book is already published and available for distribution. 2. Saints of India It is a book written exclusively for our CCD children and that will give them important information about our rich spiritual heritage, especially about the devout lives of Indian saints like St. Francis Xavier, St. Alphonsa, St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, St. Euphrasia, Bl. Mariam Thresia, Bl. Kunjachan, Bl. Mother Theresa and other holy persons of our Lord. Ms. Mini Raju of Santa Ana Forane Parish, CA has prepared this small but beautiful book for our children. 3. Saints of America America is a land rich with a most noble tradition of holiness. This land has given birth to many saints. We must be aware of the lives of these holy people. This book contains brief and suggestive history of twenty holy people of America. The book was prepared by Ms. Bindu Vellara of St. Thomas Forane Parish Philadelphia, PA. 4. Children’s Prayer Book This book contains all the prayers and devotions our students must know and learn by heart for their daily spiritual substance. This book is a compilation of prayers that every family can use for family prayers also. 5. Different Questions in Moral Theology Rev. Dr. Joseph Pamplaniyil of the Archdiocese of Thalassery prepares this book. It discusses the present moral issues that vex Christian conscience like euthanasia, terrorism, abortion and pre- marital sex. This book is meant for senior students of catechesis. It also will be a help to teachers and parents to find answers to many important and relevant moral questions of our time.

48 49 6. Oriental Theology This is a book prepared by Rev. Dr. John Kudiyiruppil, Director of St. Alphonsa Mission, Edmonton, Canada. It gives us sufficient knowledge about the unique but complementary features of Eastern theology. Every church has a unique role in the communion of Churches, which is the Catholic Church. Theological perspectives of different churches do not alienate or divide the catholic communion, but make it more Catholic, Apostolic, Holy and One. Rev. Dr. Augustin Palackaparambil Diocesan Director, Faith Formation (CCD) Vocation Promotion The OFFICE FOR FORMATION AND VOCATIONS of the diocese takes care of the formation of our seminarians and the discernment of those who aspire to embrace religious and priestly vocations from this diocese. The office facilitates different programs and activities to promote and to nurture holy vocations. Seminarians By the grace of God, our diocese has 8 seminarians in different stages of formation. Two of them started their Theology program at Mater Ecclesia in Rome and the others are in their Philosophy program at St. Joseph’s College Seminary, Chicago. 1. Kevin Munackal (Bronx, NY) Theology first year Mate Ecclesia, Rome 2. Rajeev Philip (Tampa, FL) Theology first year Mate Ecclesia, Rome 3. Melvin Paul (Baltimore, MD) Philosophy final year St. Joseph’s Chicago 4. Aljo Abraham ( Cathedral, IL) Philosophy first year St. Joseph’s Chicago 5. George Parayil (Cathedral, IL) Philosophy first year St. Joseph’s Chicago 6. Joel Pious (Atlanta, GA ) Philosophy first year St. Joseph’s Chicago 7. Joel Villanasseril (Detroit, MI) Philosophy first year St. Joseph’s Chicago 8. Ricky Jacob (Cathedral, IL) Philosophy first eary St. Joseph’s Chicago

49 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

Vestition and Minor Order KAROYA Kevin Mundackal and Rajeev Philip were vested with clerical white cassock and were administered the minor order KAROYA on July 29, 2014 by His Excellency Mar Jacob Angadiath at Mar Thoma Sleeha Syro Malabar Catholic Cathedral, Chicago. They were thus officially commissioned to read the Holy Scriptures in the liturgical celebrations. Vocation Awareness Program The seminarians are available for parish visits on some weekends every month. We plan to send two seminarians together to a parish. They can address the community with their vocations stories, discernment process and experiences in the seminary. Also they can talk to CCD students, youth and young adults and such available groups in the parish. If any parish/mission is interested in making use of this opportunity, please contact Fr. Vinod Madathiparambil to schedule a date. Any feedback, suggestions, comments on the formation of our seminarians or the promotion of vocations please mail to: Fr. Vinod Madathiparambil, 372 S. Prairie Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126, 630- 901-5724, [email protected]; [email protected] Diocesan Youth Apostolate The Youth Apostolate of our diocese at the diocesan level is known as DIOCESAN YOUTH APOSTOLATE (DYA). It is an APOSTOLATE, not an organization or movement, and hence it is a “communion of youth groups and ministries with a mission to unite all young people of the diocese in response to the Gospel message of Jesus Christ by encouraging the formation of a deep interior life that overflows into genuine service to the Church and the world. (cfr. the charter of the DYA). Its motto is “to know, to love and to serve the Church.” Charter The Charter of the Diocesan Youth Apostolate (DYA) outlines the mission, the vision, activities, soul of the apostolate and the structure of the

50 51 Youth Apostolate of the Diocese. Its drafting is completed and now available from the Office of the Youth Apostolate. SYNC – Syro Malabar Youth Conference of Northeast Region SYNC is the acronym for Syro Malabar Youth Northeast Conference. SYNC-2014 is the second such conference that was held from July 31 to August 3, 2014 at Kearny, NJ. Around 250 youth and young adults from and around the parishes and missions of Northeast region participated in this amazing conference. Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath graced the conference with his message and celebration of Holy Qurbana. The conference emphasized the Syro Malabar identity and Option for the poor. The conference organizing team and participants raised $10,500 for the STOP HUNGER NOW project and packed 40,000 food packets that would be distributed to the poor. EMERGENCE – Midwest Syro Malabar Youth Conference Emergence stands for the Regional Youth Conference for the Midwest region. Emergence – 2014 is the first such conference in the region. The conference was conducted at Bishop Lane Retreat Center, Rockford, IL from August 15 to August 18, 2014. There were 120 participants from Cathedral Chicago and Detroit parishes. This conference was well received by the participants. The themes of the conference included option for the poor, Syro Malabar identity and Theology of the Body. DYA National Team, 2014-2015 Mary Anjali Abraham - St. Joseph Mission, Harrisburg PA Delix Alex - St. John Paul II Mission, Garfield NJ Diana Chakramakkil - St. Joseph Parish, Houston TX Kevin Joseph - Our Lady of Health Parish, Miami FL Nason Kallukuzhy - St. Joseph Parish, Houston, TX Arun Kanjira - St. Alphonsa Parish, Atlanta GA Abin Kuriakose - Mar Thoma Shleeha Cathedral, Chicago IL Mary Malisa Mathew - St. Thomas Parish, Philadelphia PA Jomy Methipara - St. Jude Mission, Northern Virginia Fiona Mohan - Mar Thoma Shleeha Cathedral, Chicago, IL

51 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

John Nellikunnel - St. Thomas Parish, East Millstone NJ Jijo Puthiakunnel - St. Alphonsa Parish, Los Angeles LA Ashley Sebastian - St. Joseph Parish, Tampa FL George Thomas - St. Thomas Parish, San Francisco CA Inaugural DYA National Team, 2011-2013 Delix Alex – St. John Paul II Mission, Garfield NJ Geordie Daniel – St. Joseph Parish, Houston TX Shilpa Francis – St. John Paul II Mission, Garfield NJ Jaisy Joseph – St. Thomas Parish, Boston MA Jibu Joseph – Mar Thoma Shleeha Cathedral, Chicago IL Kavitha Joseph – St. Joseph Parish, Houston TX Abin Kuriakose – Mar Thoma Shleeha Cathedral, Chicago IL Charlotte Mathew – St. Alphonsa Parish, Atlanta GA Jomy Methipara – St. Jude Mission, Northern Virginia Brian Mundackal – St. Thomas Parish, Bronx NY Brother Kevin Mundackal – St. Thomas Parish, Bronx NY Sherinrose Palatty – St. John Paul II Mission, Garfield NJ Brother Rajeev Philip – St. Joseph Parish, Tampa FL Jeslyn Thomas – St. Alphonsa Parish, Atlanta GA DYA Northeast Regional Team Reshma Joseph – St. Thomas Parish, Somerset NJ Linda Manchery – St. Mary’s Parish, Long Island NY Swapna Paippattuthara – Blessed Kunjachan Mission, Staten Island NY Tony Patteril – St. Thomas Parish, Bronx NY Frano Thomas – St. Mary’s Parish, Rockland NY Albein Thomas – St. John Paul II Mission, Garfield NK Jerril Varghese – St. Thomas Parish, Boston MA DYA Mid-Atlantic Regional Team Mary Anjali Abraham – St. Joseph Mission, Hershey PA Monica Gigi – St Thomas Parish, Philadelphia PA Digna Kakkanattu – Our Lady of Perpetual Mission, Washington DC Ashley Manalel – St. Jude Mission, Northern Virginia

52 53 Jomy Methipara – St. Jude Mission, Northern Virginia Bobin Rajan – St. Alphonsa Parish, Baltimore MD DYA Southeast Regional Team Akhil George – Lourdes Matha Parish, Raleigh NC Ashish Joy – St. Mary’s Mission, Orlando FL Tiffany Makkanal – St. Alphonsa Parish, Atlanta FA Shannon Michael – St. Joseph Parish, Tampa FL Abhilash Rahan – St. Joseph Parish, Tampa FL Thomas Sebastian – Our Lady of Health Parish, Miami FL Simson Skaria – Our Lady of Health Parish, Miami FL Joyce Thomas – St. Alphonsa Parish, Atlanta GA Jeffrey Thundathil – Lourdes Matha Parish, Raleigh NC DYA Southern Regional Team Lia Chorath – Divine Mercy Parish, Edinburg TX Alvin George – St. Alphonsa Parish, Coppell TX Jeffy Jacob – St. Thomas Parish, Garland TX Rosemary Joy – St. Alphonsa Parish, Coppell TX Libi Kachapilly – St. Mary’s Parish, Pearland TX Sawrabhya Kalapurackal – St. Thomas Parish, San Antonio TX Clement Kurian – St. Joseph Parish, Houston TX Mintu Sunny – Holy Family Parish, Oklahoma City OK Melissa Tom – St. Joseph Parish, Houston TX Stanley Tomy – Holy Family Parish, Oklahoma City OK DYA West Coast Regional Team Christina Albert – Holy Family Parish, Phoenix, AZ Joe George – Blessed Mother Teresa Mission, Las Vegas NV Cilla Jose – Blessed Mother Teresa Mission, Las Vegas NV George Mattappally – St. Alphonsa Parish, Los Angeles CA Stanley Muzhuthettu – St. Alphonsa Parish, Los Angeles CA Priya Nechikat – St. Thomas Parish, San Francisco CA Roshan Roy – St. Thomas Parish, Santa Ana CA Alex Sabu – Infant Jesus Mission, Sacramento CA Caren Thomas – St. Thomas Parish, San Francisco CA

53 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

SYROSTUDY SYROSTUDY is an initiative of the DYA for those who would like to know in depth the history, theology, liturgy and spirituality of the Syro Malabar Church. It is more an academic group using the FACEBOOK to connect and contribute the quest of the members. There are around 300 members now in this program. The SYROSTUDY has an annual physical gathering where scientific papers written by the members are presented and discussed. STAFF – ST. THOMAS ADULT FAITH FELLOWSHIP STAFF is another initiative that the DYA is initiating this year. This initiative is to listen and thus to serve the senior youth (Age 25 and up) of our parishes and missions. The first gathering of such a group for brainstorming and vision building is happening from October 10-13, 2014 in Chicago.

Jesus Youth National Team Thomas Pulickal (Coordinator), Simi Sahu (Assistant Coordinator), Binu Abraham, Ginto Pottackal, Dony Antony, Jithin George, Brian Mundackal, Anup Kudakkasseril, Georgee Malayil, Sunil Nadarajan, Fr. Vinod M George (Spiritual Director), Fr. Paul Chalissery (Animator) National Youth Team Brian Mundackal (Coordinator), Joe Emprayil (Assistant Coordinator), Anson Kallattu, Nicole Edezhath, Katie Heitmann, Jithin George, Sr. Linda Moolechalil (Animator), Jose Jacob (Animator) National Family Team Anup and Annilyn Kudakasseril (Coordinators), Abey and Shigi Johnson (Assistant coordinators), Sony and Alphy Thevalakara, Joe and Jolly Antony, Dibin and Tisha Pookombil, Tom and Elsamma Thekkan (Animators)

Rev. Fr. Vinod Madathiparambil Director, DYA & National Pastor of Jesus Youth, USA

54 55 4LIFE MINISTRY

4Life ministry is a pro-life initiative of our diocese. Through its initiatives, the ministry aims to reach out to the families and youth and prepare them to defend the sanctity of life at all stages. The ministry is also determined to coordinate the efforts to protect, sustain, and nurture human life, especially the most vulnerable—at its beginning and at its end and provide leadership for pro-life education within the Catholic community and within society as a whole. VIVO – 14 VIVO is the national gathering of 4LIFE ministry. This gathering usually takes place during the weekend of MARCH FOR LIFE at Washington, DC and is hosted by the St. Jude Syro Malabar Catholic Mission of Northern Virginia. VIVO – 14 was attended in the month of January 2014 by around 250 participants in both family and youth tracks. His Excellency Mar Bosco Puthur, the bishop of the Syro Malabar Diocese of Melbourne, Australia graced the event.

MISSIONARIES FOR LIFE – 4LIFE REGIONAL TRAININGS There were two regional trainings at Santa Ana, CA from June 13-15, 2014 and at Houston, TX from July 22-24, 2014. These events had both family and youth tracks. These trainings intend to spread the 4LIFE message to our families and youngsters and to give training to MISSIONARIES FOR LIFE.

4LIFE WEBINARS 4LIFE Webinar series deals with a theme for discussion every month over the Zoom meetings. These are highly interactive sessions. 4LIFE webinars are planned as the knowledge-sharing platform to mobilize the Gospel of life. The series will address various life related issues in an authentic and systematic way. This will help individuals to adopt a new life style and initiate a cultural shift: “the cultural change which we are calling for demands from everyone the courage to adopt a new life-style, consisting in making practical choices - at the personal, family, social and international level - on the basis of a correct

55 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago scale of values: the primacy of being over having, of the person over things”. (EV 98) The Topics covered includes: Joy of Life, Joy of the Gospel, Catholic Manhood, Forming Middle Students, Theology of Body, Natural Family Planning, Catholic Parenting, and The Mission of the Laity, St. John Paul II and Celebrating Life. UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH FOR LIFE – 2015 The March for Life 2015 is on January 21-22 in Washington, D.C. In the afternoon of January 21 The National Prayer Vigil for Life will celebrate the solemn celebration of Holy Eucharist with all the pilgrims at the National Shrine of Our Lady in Washington, D.C. The great March for Life takes place on January 22. Registration is open for those who wish to participate. Visit www.4life.jesusyouth.org for registration and details. VIVO – 15 The 4LIFE National Gathering of 2015 will take place together with March For Life in Washington, D.C. The program is from January 23-25, 2015 and will be hosted by the St. Jude Syro Malabar Mission Northern Virginia. Please contact Fr. Tijo Mullakkara (267-346-3026) for registration and details. LIFE SUNDAY – 2015 “The celebration of this Day should be planned and carried out with the active participation of all sectors of the local Church. Its primary purpose should be to foster in individual consciences, in families, in the Church and in civil society a recognition of the meaning and value of human life at every stage and in every condition” (Evangelium Vitae). Hence our diocese will celebrate LIFE SUNDAY 2015 on February 01, 2015. The celebration of this day shall be geared towards awakening the conscience of our communities to respect, to cherish, and to nurture life in its very stage and in all times. Rev. Fr. Vinod Madathiparambil Director, 4LIFE

56 57 Commission on the Office of Protection of Children and Youth

he objective of the diocesan environment program is to provide a safe environment for our children in their homes, parish community, school, Tand public places. Protection of minors is the responsibility of the parents and diocese. We can achieve our goals only with the active cooperation of our whole community. The Commission for the protection children met in person several times in May 2014 and approved its budget and Code of Conduct for Employees, Volunteers and Parish Personnel. It also recommended a Code of Conduct for Clergy to the bishop. It also provisionally approved the Policy and Procedure Manuel subjected to a review by the legal department. The Protection of Minors Handbook is approved for publication on the website. It will be finalized at the end of the year. The Executive Committee conducted two-days Facilitator Training at the Cathedral. Thirty-nine designated representatives attended, and they are authorized to conduct various training sessions for the respective parishes/missions, including training for parents, volunteers, children, and employees working in diocesan agencies. The diocese has signed agreement with Virtus for providing training materials to the missions/parishes and thus centralized the record keeping. It also contracted with eAps/ISP to conduct background checks and update them periodically in a consistent base across the country with the ability for variance to accommodate state requirements. With the active participation of the facilitators and the Executive Committee, more than 1000 of our volunteers and teachers received training in protection of miners. We pray that those missions/parishes that have not utilized the training to do so at the earliest. Background check for all dealing with children is the next priority. We hope to achieve 80% compliance with the Catholic Bishops Conference by the end of the year. The Ministry for the protection of the children and youth is requesting prayers and support of all faithful of the diocese for the success in creating a safe environment for our children. Rev. Dr. Augustin Palackaparambil, Director Paul T. Cherian MD, Commission Chair Thomas Moolayil, Executive Director

57 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

Family Apostolate kvt\l-Øns‚ ]pXnb ZuXy-hp-ambn jn°mtKm sk‚v tXmakv kotdm ae-_m¿ cq]-X- bn¬ IpSpw_t{]jn-X-Xz-Øn\v (Family Apostolate) XpS-°-am-bn. ssZh-kvt\lw CXƒ hncn- bp∂ IpSpw-_-߃ kvt\l-Øns‚ \nd-hm-Ip-hm\pw B kvt\lw IpSpw-_-Øn¬ A\p-`-hn-°p- hm\pw a‰p-≈-h¿°v ]I¿∂v sImSp-°p-hm\pw IpSpw-_-ßsf k÷-am-°pI F∂-XmWv ^manen At∏m-Ã-te-‰ns‚ e£yw. am¿ tP°_v Aßm-Sn-bØv ]nXmhpw am¿ tPmbn Be-∏m´p ]nXmhpw c£m-[n-Im-cn-I-fmb cq]Xm ^manen At∏m-Ã-te-‰ns‚ Ub-d-IvS-dmbn ^mZ¿ t]mƒ Nmen-t»cn \nb-an-X-\m-bn. temI-Ip-Spw_ kwKaw (WORLD FAMILY MEET) F´m-aXv temI-Ip-Spw-_-kw-Kaw Ata-cn-°-bnse ^nem-U-¬^n-bm-bn¬ 2015 sk]v‰w- _¿ 22-˛27 hsc \S-Ø-s∏-Sp-∂p. ]cn-ip≤ ]nXmhv {^m≥kokv ]me-bpsS km∂n[yw sIm≠v [\y-am-Ip∂ Cu alm IpSpw-_-kw-K-a-Øns‚ hnP-b-Øn-\mbn {]m¿∞n-°p-a-t√m.

Marriage Preparation Course (MPC) We could contuct marriage prepration courses in Newyork, Dallas, Philadelphia, Tampa-Florida and Chicago (2 times) this year. More than 200 young adults those who are preparing for marriage could make use of these programs.

Upcoming Marriage Preparation Courses 1. Chicago, IL November 28, 29, 30 (Fri, Sat & Sun) Contact Persons : Rev. Fr. Paul Chalissery, Ph. 919-749-7175 e-mail : [email protected]

: Mr. Thomas Moolayil, Ph. 630-779-0140 e-mail : [email protected]

2. West Hempstead - NY December 5, 6, (Fri and Sat) Contact Persons : Rev. Fr. Ligory Philips, Ph. 281-935-7275 e-mail : [email protected]

Mr. James Thomas, Ph. 516-782-6855 e-mail: [email protected]

58 59 kotdm-a-e-_mÀ Nn¡mtKm cq]-X-bpsS ZÀi-\hpw ZuXyhpw amÀ tP¡_v A§m-Sn-b¯v

ta-cn-°≥ ae-bm-fn-Iƒ°p-th≠n kotdm-a-e-_m¿ cq]X ÿm]n-®n´v ]Xn-aq∂p h¿j- ߃ ]q¿Øn-bm-bn.- cq]X Iuam-c-Øn-te°p {]th-in-°p-tºmƒ ImgvN-∏m-Sp-Ifpw ABi-b-K-Xn-Ifpw _‘-ßfpw ]pXn-b-X-e-ß-fn-te°p hf-cp-Ibpw ]S-cp-I-bp-am-Wv. ASn-ÿm-\-]-c-ambn A©v AP-]m-e\ XXz-ß-fn¬ Dd-®p-\n-∂p-sIm≠p {]h¿Øn- °p-∂-Xn-\mWv cq]X {ian-°p-∂Xpw {i≤n-°p-∂-Xpw. 1. kphn-ti-j-h¬°-cWw 2. hnip-≤o-I-cWw 3. Iq´mbva 4. k`m-flI Nn¥ 5. HuZm-cy-]q¿W-amb kmtlm-Zcyw Cu A©p-X-e-ßfpw cq]-X-bpsS I¿Ω-]-cn-]m-Sn-Iƒ B-hnjvIcn-°p-∂-Xnepw \S-∏m- °p-∂-Xnepw t{]c-I-L-S-I-ambn h¿Øn-°p-∂p. kphn-ti-j-h-XvI-cWw Ccp-]Xmw \q‰m-≠ns‚ c≠mw ]Ip-Xn-bn¬ \S∂ A¥¿tZ-iob IpSn-tb‰ Ncn-{X-Øn¬ tIc-f-Øn\pw kotdm-a-e-_m¿ k`bv°pw \n¿Wm-bI ÿm\-ap-≠v. tPmenbpw Pohn-X-kp-c-£n-X- Xzhpw tXSn Ata-cn-°-bn-se-Ønb kotdm-a-e-_m¿ k`mw-K-ß-fpsS apJy-aq-e-[\w ssZh-Øn-ep≈ ASn-bp-d® hnizm-k-am-bn-cp-∂p. hyXykvX kmwkvIm-cnI kmaqly kml-N-cy-ß-fmWv Ata-cn-°- bn-te-sX-¶nepw, hnizm-k-Zo]w ImØpkq£n-°p-∂-Xn\v k`mw-K-߃ AXo-h-{i≤ ]pe¿Øn. hnizmkw kq£n-°p-I, hnizmkw ssIam-dpI F∂o Zznhn[ e£y-ß-tfm-Sp-Iq-Sn-bmWv \ΩpsS F√m anj-\p-Ifpw Bcw-`n-°p-∂-Xpw, CS-h-I-bmbn hf¿∂-Xpw. \ΩpsS F√m CS-h-I-I-fp- sSbpw anj\pI-fp-sSbpw {]Y-a-Zu-Xy-ambn \n¬°p-∂Xv hnizmk kwc-£-W-am-Wv. hnip≤ Ip¿_m- \-b¿∏-Ww, hnizm-k-]-cn-io-e\ ]≤-Xn-Iƒ, [ym\-߃, I¨sh≥j-\p-Iƒ F∂n-h-bn-eq-sSbpw \mw \ΩpsS hnizmkw Pohn-°p-Ibpw a°-fn-te°v ]I-cp-hm≥ {ian-°p-Ibpw sNøp-∂p. hnip-≤o-I-cWw \nc-¥c hnip-≤o-I-c-WZmlw Ata-cn-°≥ ae-bmfn-I-fpsS khn-ti-j-X-bm-Wv. \ΩpsS ssZhm-e- b-ß-fnepw anj-\p-I-fnepw Hmtcm h¿jhpw \S-∂p-sIm-≠n-cn-°p∂ hnhn[ [ym\-]-cn-]m-Sn-Iƒ F√mw hy‡nIƒ F∂ hn[hpw k` F∂ hn[hpw \tΩ hnip-≤o-I-cn-®p-sIm-≠n-cn-°p-∂-Xn\p

59 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago klm-bn-°p∂ D]m-[n-I-fm-Wv. Cu hnip-≤o-I-cWw IqZm-im-kzo-I-c-W-Øn-eq-sS, IpSpw_ Iq´m- bva, IqSmc-tbmKw F∂n-h-bn-eqsS \nc-¥cw XpS-cp∂ {]{In-b-bm-Wv. Iq´mbva \ΩpsS CS-h-I-Ifpw anj-\p-Ifpw Bcm-[m-\-tI-{µ-߃°v H∏w kmaqly kmwkvIm- cnI tI{µ-߃ IqSn-bm-Wv. ae-bm-fn-Iƒ Hcp-an-®p-Iq-Sp-I-bpw, kt¥mj k¥m] kulrZ ]¶p- h-bv°¬ A\p-`-h-Øn¬ hf-cp-Ibpw sNøp∂ CS-߃ IqSn-bmWv ]≈n-Iƒ. {]m¿∞-\bv°v FØp∂ F√m-hcpw XpS¿∂p≈ HØp-tN-cepw kmaq-ly-_-‘-߃ ImØp-kq-£n-°p-∂-Xn\p \S-Øp∂ kvt\l-hn-cp-∂p-I-fpw, Iem-]-cn-]m-Sn-Ifpw, ]≈n-bn-tebv°v ho≠pw ho≠pw FØp- ∂-Xn\v t{]cW \¬Ip∂ Hcp LS-I-ambn \n¬°p-∂p. ae-bm-fn-Iƒ tIc-f-Øn¬ FØp-tºmƒ A\p-`-hn-°p∂ kpJ-am¿∂ Hcp kpc-£n-X-Xz-t_m-[hpw Bfl-kw-Xr-]vXnbpw \ΩpsS ssZhm- e-b-ß-fpsS A¥-co-£sØ lrZy-X-c-am-°p-∂p-≠v. k`m-flI Nn¥ \mep kphn-ti-j-߃ tN¿∂v GI kphn-ti-j-am-Ip-∂-Xp-t]mse k`-I-fpsS Iq´m-bva- bmWv ItØm-en-°m-k-`. ]m›mXy˛]uc-kvXy-k-`-Iƒ k`-bpsS c≠p izmk-tIm-i-߃t]mse h¿Øn-°p-∂p. Cu c≠p izmk-tIm-i-ß-fn-eqsS \niz-kn-°p-tºm-gmWv k` Btcm-Ky-h-Xn-bm-Ip- ∂-Xv. ae-_m¿ k` ]uckvXy k`-bm-Wv. hntZ-iØv FØnb \mw F¥n\v ae-_m¿ k`-bpsS `mK-ambnØpS-cWw? ]m›m-Xy-\m-´n¬ Pohn-°p∂ \mw F¥n\v ]uckvXycmbn Pohn-°-Ww. kp{]- [m\ tNmZy-am-Wn-Xv. Cu tNmZy-Øn\v k`m-fl-Ihpw, Ncn-{X-]-chpw, \c-hw-i-im-kv{X-]-c-hpw, Bcm- [-\-{I-a-]-chpw kmaq-ly-hp-amb DØ-c-߃ D≠v. Cu tNmZyw \ΩpsS kXz-\n¿Wbw kw_-‘n® H∂m-Wv. D]cn-π-h-amb Hcp {]iv\-a√. kzXzw (Existence) C≥Uy-bnse tkmjy-en-Ãp-]m¿´n-Iƒ N¿®-sN-bvXn-cp∂ Hcp hnj-b-am-Wv. kao-]-Im-eØv sXmgn-emfn h¿§ ]m¿´n-bn¬ AwK-am-Ip-∂-tXmsS Abm-fpsS PmXnbpw aX-hpw Npcp-°-Øn¬ kzXzw C√m-Xm-hp-∂p. ]pXnb Hcp h¿§-c-ln-X-h¿§-am-Ip-∂p. ]n∂oSv lnµp-˛-ap- …ow, ss{IkvXh, ZfnXv hn`-P-\-߃ \ne-\n¬°p-∂n√ F∂-Xm-bn-cp∂p hmZ-K-Xn. Cu hmZ-K- Xn°v {]mtbm-Kn-I-X-e-Øn¬ t]mepw kzoIm-cyX e`n-®n-√. ImcWw h¿§-߃ F√mw kPo-h- h¿§-ß-fm-bn-Øs∂ XpS¿∂p-sIm-≠n-cn-°p-∂p. Ah¿ ]c-º-cm-KX sXmgnepw Pohn-X-ssi-enbpw Dt]-£n-®n´pw h¿§-Nn-¥, kXz-t_m[w kPo-h-ambn \n¬°p-∂p. {_mlvaW≥, t]m‰n, ]njm-c- Sn, h¿Ω, i¿Ω, ]n≈, Ipdp-∏v, \ºym¿, am∏n-f F√mw AtX-]Sn XpS-cp-∂p. Ata-cn-°-bn-se-Ønb C≥Uy-°m¿, ssN\-°m¿ B{^n-°≥, hnb-‰v\m-an, saIvkn-°≥, C‰m-en- b≥, Pm∏-\o-kv Hs° F¥p-sIm≠v Ah-cm-bn-Øp-S-cp∂p? C≥Uy-°mc-\mbnØpS-cp∂p F∂ kmaq-ly-˛-\-c-hwi-im-kv{X XXz-am-Wv, kotdm-a-e-_m-dp-Im-c≥ kotdm ae-_m-dp-Im-c-\m-bn-Øp-S-cp- ∂-Xn-\p≈ ]e-Im-c-W-ß-fn¬ H∂v. Cu kzXz-t_m[w Xn∑-b-√, hf¿®bv°v B[mcw CXm-Wv.

60 61 Nn°mtKm cq]-X, kotdm-a-e-_m-dns‚ X\na k`-bn¬ ImØp-kq-£n-°-W-sa∂ k`-bpsS ˛ F√m k`-I-fpsSbpw Iq´mbvabmb ˛ Z¿i-\-amWv kzoI-cn-t°-≠Xpw kzoI-cn-°p-∂-Xpw. HuZm-cy-]q¿W-amb kmtlm-Z-cyw \mw tIc-f-tØmSv ÿnc-amtbm XmXvIm-en-I-amtbm hnS-]-d-bp∂p. F∂m¬ \ΩpsS lrZ- b-߃°v amXr-`q-ansb Dt]-£n-°p-∂-Xn\p km[n-°p-I-bn-√. \ΩpsS lrZ-b-߃, Poh≥, tIc- f-Øns‚ aÆn-t\mSpw ac-ß-tfm-Spw, Pe-tØm-Spw, Im‰n-t\m-Spw, taL-ß-tfm-Spw, NqSn-t\m-Spw, XWp- ∏n-t\mSpw kZm tN¿∂p \n¬°p-hm≥ sImXn-°p-∂p. Cu kvt\lw \sΩ Akm-[m-cW HuZm-cy- io-e-cm-°p-∂p. \ΩpsS IpSpw-_-߃, cq]-X-Iƒ, ]≈n-Iƒ, ÿm]-\-߃, hy‡n-Iƒ F∂n- hbv°v Ata-cn-°≥ ae-bmfn \¬Ip∂ HuZm-cy-]q¿Æ-amb klmbw {InkvXob D]-hn-bpsS \nZ¿i-\-am-Wv. cq]X Cu D]-hn-bpsS henb Nm\-embn \n¬°p-∂p. ]≈n-Iƒ, anj-\p-Iƒ, IpSpw-_-߃, hy‡n-Iƒ hgn Cßns\ ASn-ÿm-\-]-camb Hcp Z¿i-\-ssh-`-h-Øn¬ Du∂nb {]h¿Ø-\-ß-fmWv ]cn-an-Xn-I-tfm-Sp-Iq-Sn-Øs∂ \mw \n¿h-ln-®p-t]m-∂-Xv. AP-]m-e-\-cw-KØv cq]X khn-ti-j-ambn {i≤ sNep-Øp∂ aq∂p thZn-I-fp-≠v; hnizmk ]cn-io-e\w, bph-P-\-߃, IpSpw_w. a‰p-ta-J-e-Iƒ A{]-[m-\-ßtfm A{]-k- ‡-ßtfm A√. Ata-cn°≥ kmaq-lnI]›m-Øew tIc-f-Øns‚ Ah-ÿ-bn¬\n∂pw hfsc A¥-c-ap-≈-Xm-Wv. Cu ]›m-Øe {]tXy-IX {]h¿Ø-\-co-Xn-I-tfbpw Ah-X-cW ssien-I- tfbpw hyXn-cn-‡-am-°p-∂p. hnizmk ]cn-io-e\w {]mb-]q¿Øn-bm-Im-Ø-h-cn-epw, Ip´n-I-fnepw HXpßn \n¬°p∂ Hcp t{]m{Km-a√ hnizmk ]cn-io-e-\w. GXp ]T-\hpw ]cn-io-e-\hpwt]mse hnizm-k-]-cn-io-e-\hpw Hcp BPo-h- \m¥ {]{In-b-bm-Wv. thZ-]mT ¢mkv XII˛mw t{KtUmsS Ah-km-\n-°p-∂n√; ]{¥≠mw ¢m n¬ Hcp L´w Xocp-∂p, F∂m¬ kp{]-[m-\-amb ASpØ L´w Bcw-`n-°p-I-bm-bn. Ip´n-I-fpw, bphm-°-fpw, apXn¿∂-hcpw, hr≤cpw Hcp-t]mse hnizmkw ]cn-io-en-°-Ww, hnizmkw Pohn-°- Ww, hnizmkw km£o-I-cn-°-Ww. \ΩpsS cq]-X-bn¬ hnizm-k-]-cn-io-e-\-Øn\v \mw {]Y-a-ÿm\w \¬Ip-∂p. ImcWw Hcp-°-an-√msX Bcw-`n-°p∂ GXp Imcyhpw {ItaW Ah-K-Wn-°-s∏- Sm≥ km[y-X-bp-≠v. hnip≤ Ip¿_m-\-bpsS A¿∞hpw Bghpw a\- n-em°n hnip≤ Ip¿_m- \-bn¬ kw_-‘n-°p-∂-Xpw, AXn-√msX kw_-‘n-°p-∂Xpw XΩn¬ A\p-`h A\p-{Kl Xe- ß-fn¬ hyXym-k-ap-≠v. At\I ZmºXy _‘-ßfpw Xf-cp-∂Xpw XI-cp-∂Xpw Hcp-°hpw tbmKy- X-bp-an-√msX hnhm-l-sa∂ IqZmi kzoI-cn-°p-∂-Xn-\m-em-Wv. ItØm-en°m Zmº-Xy-Po-hnXw ssZh- Ir] e`n-®m¬ am{Xw km[y-am-Ip∂ H∂m-Wv. k` Zº-Xn-I-tfmSv Bh-iy-s∏-Sp∂ Pohn-X-ssien ˛ BPo-h-\m¥ kvt\lhpw At`Zy-amb hniz-kvX-Xbpw ImØp-kq-£n-°p-hm≥ ssZhn-I-amb i‡n Bh-iy-am-Wv. \ΩpsS kp{]-[m\ aX-]-cn-io-e-\-{KŸw amXm-]n-Xm-°-fpsS Pohn-X-am-Wv.

61 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

\√ PohnXw F∂ `qan-I-bn-√msX hnizmk ku[w ]Wn-Xp-b¿Øm-\m-hn-√. IpSpw-_-kw-L¿j- ߃ H∂m-aXp XI¿°p-∂Xp Ip™p-ß-fpsS hnizm-k-sØ-bm-Wv. bph-P-\-߃ bph-Xzw, bu∆\w Pohn-X-Øns‚ AXn-{]-[m-\-L-´-amWv F∂v ]d-bp-∂Xv Hcp Imev]- \nI IuXp-I-Im-gvN-∏m-S-√, adn®v bu∆-\-amWv. Pohn-XsØ apgp-h≥ kzm[o-\n-°p∂ Xocp-am-\- ߃ FSp-°p∂ ka-bw, Pohn-X-]m-Ÿmhv Xnc-s™-Sp-°p∂ Imew, ImgvN-∏m-Sp-Iƒ, Bi-b-K- Xn-Iƒ kzoI-cn-°p∂ L´w, imiz-X-kz-`m-h-ap≈ _‘-ß-fn¬ G¿s∏-Sp-∂-Xv, aqey-߃ Xnc- s™-Sp-°p-∂Xv F√mw bu∆-\-Øn-em-Wv. Cu L´-Øn¬ Xocp-am-\hpw Xnc-s™-Sp∏pw hnI-e-am- bm¬, Pohn-X-K-Xn-Xs∂ A]-ISØnem-Ipw. bphm-°-fpsS PohnX ]mX-I-fn¬ shfn-®hpw i‡nbpw ]I-cpI kp{]-[m\ {InkvXob [¿Ω-am-Wv. Ip´n-I-sfbpw bphm-°-sfbpw Ah-K-Wn- °p∂ kaq-l-Øn\v `mhn-bn-√. Cu Nn¥-Iƒ cq]-X-bpsS bph-P-\-t{]-jnX [¿Ω-ßfpsS ]n∂nepw D≈nepw ap∂nepw D≠v. IpSpw_w C∂sØ kwkvIm-c-Øns‚ k¶o¿Æ ka-ky-Iƒ°v kXzc ]cn-lmcw \n¿t±-in-°p-∂- Xn\v B¿°pw Bhn-√. F¶nepw IpSpw_w F∂ ASn-ÿm\ aqeyw ae-bmfn kwkvIr-Xn-bpsS kº∂ ss]Xr-I-am-Wv. \mw Db¿Øn-∏n-Sn-°p∂ F√m aqey-ßfpw IpSpw_w F∂ aqey-Øn-ep- ≠v. hnizm-kw, hniz-kvX-X, kvt\lw, sFIyw, BZ-c-hv, `‡n, A\p-k-c-Ww, kt¥m-jw, kam- [m\w Ch \√ IpSpw-_-ßsf krjvSn-°p∂ DuSpw ]mhp-am-Wv. Ata-cn-°≥ ae-bmfn A`bm¿∞n A√, F∂m¬ ]c-tZ-inbpw k©mcn-bp-am-Wv. \sΩ kztZ-inbpw kzÿ-cp-am-°p-∂Xv \ΩpsS IpSpw_ _‘-am-Wv, AXn-\m¬ hnhmlw, IpSpw_w F∂n-hbv°v cq]X ]c-a-amb {]m[m-\y- amWv \¬Ip-∂-Xv. A[n-Im-cw, B¿`m-Sw, ^mj≥, [\w XpS-ßn-bh henb {]tem-`-\-ß-fmbn \ΩpsS CS-bn-ep-≠v. hn]-coX kml-N-cy-ß-fn¬ hn]-Zn-ss[cyw ImØpkq-£n-°p-I-bmWv a\p- jy-[¿Ωw. IpSpw-_-t{]-jnX taJ-e-bn¬ cq]X _lp-Zqcw apt∂m-tS-≠-Xp-≠v. kam-]-\w cq]-X-bpsS Ign-™p-t]mb 13 h¿j-ß-fnepw F√m {]h¿Ø-\-ßfpw ssZhw \n¿∆- ln-°p∂ t_m[y-tØmsS kºq¿Æ-ambn ssZh-Øn¬ B{i-bn®v \S-Ønb bm{X-bm-Wv. ssZhw ]mXn a\p-jy≥ ]mXn F∂ Hcp sNm√v ae-bm-f-Øn-ep-≠v. Cu sNm√ns‚ bYm¿∞ A¿∞w ssZhw \n¿h-ln-°p∂ AºXv iX-am-\-Øns‚ H∏w a\p-jy\pw \n¿h-ln°pw F∂-√. ssZhw Xmtgbv°v Cd-ßn-h-cp-Ibpw a\p-jy≥ apI-fn-tebv°v Ib-dp-Ibpw sNøp-tºmƒ, c≠pt]cpw Iq´n-ap-´p∂ Hc-h-ÿbpw Hc-\p-`-h-hp-ap-≠v. Cu Iq´nap´-en¬ a\p-jy≥ ]cn-]q¿Æ-Xbpw \n¿hr- Xnbpw t\Sp-∂p. ssZh-Øns‚ Xmtg-bv°p≈ hc-hv, a\p-jys‚ Db-c-ep-ambn Xmc-X-ay-an-√.; A]- cn-ta-b-\mb ssZhhpw ]cn-an-X-\mb a\p-jy\pw ]cn-an-Xn-I-fn¬ \n∂p-sIm≠v ]cn-[nbn-√mØ ssZh- Øn¬ am{Xw icWw {]m]n-®p, AXmWv C∂p-≈-h-sb-√mw.

62 63 F¶ tdmkm-¸q-ame amÀ tP¡_v A§m-Sn-b¯v Ic-f-Ønse ItØm-en°m ]mc-º-cy-ß-fn¬ hnin-jvT-amb H∂mWv amXm-hn-t\m-Sp≈ `‡n. acnb `‡n-bpsS {]Im-i-\-ß-fn¬ t{ijvT-amb H∂mWv P]-am-e. P]-am-ebv°v \ΩpsS IpSpw-_-ß- t fn¬ kp{]-[m\ ÿm\-ap-≠v. hnti-jn®v Cu HIvtSm-_¿ amk-Øn¬. \ΩpsS IpSpw-_-_-‘- ßsf Iq´n CW-°p∂ IÆn-bmWv sIm¥. anin-lm-bpsS Pohn-Xhpw kphn-ti-jhpw ka-{K-ambpw sIm¥-bpsS Ccp-]Xp cl-ky-ß-fn-ep-≠v. Cu amkw khn-tijambn \ΩpsS IpSpw-_-ß-fn¬ sIm¥ {]m¿∞n-°p-hm≥ {]tXyIw F√m-hcpw {i≤n-°p-a-t√m. \ΩpsS CS-h-I-I-fn¬ ]Øp Znh-ksØ XpS¿®- bmb P]-ame {]m¿∞\ \SØn ]cn-ip≤ AΩ-bpsS A\p-{Klw t\Sm≥ F√m CS-h-I-I-tfmSpw {]tXyIw \n¿t±-in-°p-∂p. F\n°v G‰hpw CjvS-s∏´ {]m¿∞\ P]-am-e-bm-sW∂v tPm¨ t]mƒ c≠m-a≥ am¿∏m∏ ]d- bp-am-bn-cp-∂p. _\-UnIvSv ]m∏-bpsS ssien, F√m Znh-khpw {]`m-X-Øn¬ sIm¥ sNm√pI F∂- Xm-Wv. ]cn-ip≤ AΩ 1858-˛¬ eq¿Zn¬ _¿W¿Zo-Øm-tbmSp ]d™p: “]m]nIfpsS am\-km-¥-c-Øn- \mbn P]-ame sNm√p-hn≥” F∂v. AXpt]mse 1917-˛¬ ^mØn-am-bn¬ ]cn-ip≤ AΩ {]Xy-£-s∏-´- t∏mƒ kzbw ]cn-N-b-s∏-Sp-Øn-bXv “Rm≥ P]-ame cm⁄n-bm-Wv, `‡n-]q¿∆w P]-ame sNm√p-hn≥” F∂p ]d-™p-sIm≠m-Wv. P]-ame kºq¿Æ-ambpw ss__nƒ A[n-jvTnX {]m¿∞-\-bm-Wv. \mw sIm¥ sNm√p-tºmƒ I¿Øm-hns‚ PohnXw \ΩpsS [ym\-hn-j-b-am-°p-∂p. [ym\w IqSm-sX-bp≈ {]m¿∞\ \n¿÷o-h-am- Wv. I¿Øm-hns‚ P\-\w, ]c-ky-Po-hnXw, ]oVm-\p-`hw ac-W-˛-D-∞m-\m-\p-`-h-߃ F√mw \mep Znhkw P]-ame sNm√p-tºmƒ Ccp-]Xp cl-ky-ß-fn-eqsS \mw {]m¿∞\m hnj-b-am-°p-∂p. P]-am-e-bnse epØn-\nbm {]m¿∞\ 16-˛-mw \q‰m-≠n¬ hnip-≤-\mb temd≥kv {_n≥Unkn F∂ C‰m-en-b≥ k\ymkn Iq´n-t®¿Ø-Xm-Wv. Xn∑-tbmSp t]mcm-Sm-\p≈ G‰hpw i‡-amb Bbp-[-amWv P]-am-e. \ΩpsS A\p-Zn\ Pohn-X-Ønse ZpxJ-߃ F√mw Cd°n hbv°m-\p≈ AØm-Wn-bmWv P]- am-e. kz¿§-ÿ-\mb ]nXmth F∂ {]m¿∞-\bpw \∑-\n-d™ adn-bta F∂ P]hpw kphn-ti-j- Øn¬ \n∂pw AtX-]Sn kzoI-cn® {]m¿∞-\-I-fm-Wv. C{Xbpw efn-Xhpw kpµ-c-hp-amb as‰mcp {]m¿∞\ \ap-°n-√. \ΩpsS Bcm-[\ {Ia-Øns‚ XpS¿®-bmWv P]-am-e. ae-bmfn ItØm-en°m IpSpw-_-{]m¿∞-\-bpsS lrZ-b-ambn Cu {]m¿∞\ \ne-sIm-≈p-∂p. sIm¥ F∂ t]cn¬ Adn-b-s∏-Sp∂ Cu {]m¿∞\ tImt¥m F∂ t]m¿´p-Kokv hm°ns‚ ae- bmfw cq]-am-Wv. P]n-°p-I, FÆpI Fs∂-√m-amWv A¿∞w. Bh¿Øn-®p-sNm-√p-∂-Xn-eqsS A[-c- ß-fn¬ \n∂pw lrZ-b-Øns‚ Xmf-ambn Cu {]m¿∞\ amdp-∂p. hy‡n-]-c-ambpw IpSpw-_mw-K-߃ Hcp-an®pw P]-ame {]m¿∞n-°p-I. ssZhoI A¤p-X-߃ \ΩpsS Pohn-X-ß-fn¬ kw`-hn-°p-w.

63 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

GenbþÉohþaqim-¡m-e-§Ä

pcn-ins‚ hnP-bhpw anin-lm-bpsS al-Xz-]q¿Æ-amb c≠m-asØ BK-a-\-hp-amWv Cu ImesØ {][m\ Nn¥-Iƒ. sk]v‰w-_¿ 14-˛mw XobXn BN-cn-°p∂ Ipcn- Iins‚ ]pI-gvN-bpsS Xncp-∂m-fns\ tI{µo-I-cn-®mWv Cu Imew kwhn-[m\w sNbvXn- cn-°p-∂-Xv. anin-lm-bpsS c≠m-asØ BK-a\w Ipcn-i-S-bm-f-tØm-Sp-IqSn Bbn-cn°pw (aØm 24,30) F∂ hnizmkw BZn-a-k-`-bn¬ {]_-e-am-bn-cp-∂p. AXp-sIm-≠mWv Ipcn- in-te°v Nn¥-I-fp-b¿Øn AXns‚ i‡n-sbbpw hnP-b-sØbpw al-Xz-sØbpw Ipdn®v [ym\n-°p-hm≥ klm-b-I-c-amb hn[-Øn¬ Cu Ime-Ønse {]m¿∞-\-Ifpw KoX-ßfpw {Ia-s∏-Sp-Øn-bn-cn-°p-∂-Xv. Xmt_m¿ ae-bnse anin-lm-bpsS cq]m-¥-co-I-c-W-amWv (aØm 17, 1˛8) Cu ImeØv G‰hpw {]m[m-\y-tØmsS A\p-kva-cn-°p∂ c£m-Ic kw`-hw. anin-lm-bpsS c≠m-asØ BK-a-\-Øns‚ {]Xo-I-am-bn-´mWv Ahn-SpsØ cq]m-¥-co-I-c-WsØ ImWp-∂-Xv. cq]m- ¥-co-I-cW ka-bØv Gen-bmbpw tamibpw Ahn-Sp-tØm-Sp-IqSn D≠m-bn-cp-∂p. anin-lm- bpsS c≠m-asØ BK-a-\-Øn\p apºmbn Genb {]Xy-£-s∏-Sp-sa∂ Nn¥ ss__nƒ A[n-jvTn-X-amWv (aem 4,5). AXp-sIm-≠m-bn-cn°mw al-Xzo-Ir-X-\mb anin-lm-bpsS {]Xo- I-amb …oh \Sp-hn¬ hc-Ø-°-hn[w Gen-b-˛-…o-h-˛-aq-i-°m-e-߃ cq]-s∏-´-Xv. temIm- h-km-\w, ac-Ww, Ah-km-\-hn[n F∂o Imcy-ß-sf-°p-dn®v Nn¥n-°p-hm\pw AXn-\-\p-kr- X-ambn Pohn-XsØ {Ia-s∏-Sp-Øp-hm\pw Cu Imew klm-bn-°p-∂p. ]nim-Nns‚ {]tem- `-\-߃s°-Xnsc Pm{KX ]pe¿Øn, ]m]-tØmSv hnS ]d-™v, PohnX hnip-≤o-I-cWw {]m]n-°m\pw anin-lm-bpsS al-Xz-]q¿Æ-amb BK-a-\sØ {]Xym-i-tbmsS t\m°n ]m¿Øn- cn-°m\pw Cu Ime-߃ k`ma°sf {]m]vX-cm-°p-∂p.

64 65 ]Ån-¡q-Zm-i-¡mew cm-[-\-{I-a-h-’-c-Ønse Ah-km-\-sØ \mev BgvN-I-fmWv ]f-fn-°p-Z-im-°m-ew. aninlm Xs‚ aW-hm-´n-bmb k`sb Bhnip-≤o-I-cn®v ]nXm-hmb ssZh-Øn\v ka¿∏n-°p-∂-Xns\ A\p-kva-cn-®p-sIm≠v CXns\ k`m-k-a¿∏-W-Imew F∂pw hnfn-°p-∂p. ]≈n-°p-Zmi°mesØ BZysØ Rmb-dm-gvN-bmWv k`m-{]-Xn-jvT-bpsS A\p-kvacWw \S-°p-∂-Xv. bpKm-¥y-Øn¬ k` kz¿§ob Pdq-ktew BIp∂ aW-h-d-bn¬ Xs‚ hc-\mb anin-lmsb I≠p-ap-´p-∂p. a\p-jym- flm-hmIp∂ aW-hm-´nbpw aW-hm-f-\mb anin-lmbpw a\p-jy-i-co-c-am-Ip∂ aW-h-d-bn¬ kºq¿Æ sFIy-Øn¬ BIp∂ Ah-ÿ-bmWv c£m-I-c-N-cn- {X-Øns‚ ]cn-k-am-]vXn. Cu kz¿§ob A\p-`-h-Øns‚ ap∂m-kzm-Z-\-amb hnip≤ Ip¿_m-\-bn¬ ]¶p-tN¿∂p-sIm≠v {]Xo-£-tbmsS {]bmWw sNøp-hm≥ Cu Ime-sØ-°p-dn-®p≈ Nn¥ \sΩ i‡-cm-°p-∂p.

65 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

Pastoral Letter k`m-Zn\w No. 969/2014

kotdm-a-e-_m¿ k`-bpsS taP¿ B¿®v _nj∏v am¿ tPm¿÷v Be-t©cn Xs‚ kl-ip-{iq-j-I-cmb sa{Xm-t∏m-eo-Øm- am¿°pw sa{Xm-∑m¿°pw sshZn-I¿°pw ka¿∏n-X¿°pw Xs‚ AP-]m-e\ ip{iq-jbv°v Gev]n-°-s∏-´n-cn-°p∂ F√m ssZh-P-\-Øn\pw Fgp-Xp-∂-Xv.

I¿Øm-hns‚ Ir] \nß-tf-h-tcmSpw IqsS D≠m-bn-cn-°-s´. anin-lm-bn¬ {]nb ktlm-Z-co-k-tlm-Z-c-∑m-tc, mc-X-Øns‚ A∏-kvtXm-e-\mb am¿tØm-Ωm-«o-lm-bpsS Hm¿Ω-Øn-cp-∂m-fmWv Pqsse 3˛mw XobXn \mw BtLm-jn-°p∂ ZpIvdm\. km¿∆-{XnI k`-bn¬ F√m-bn-SØpw Pqsse 3˛mw `XobXn Xs∂-bmWv tXmΩm-«o-lm-bpsS Xncp-\mƒ BtLm-jn-°p-∂-Xv. tXmΩm-«olm ÿm]n® Ggp ]≈n-I-fnse ss{IkvX-h-k-aq-l-ß-fpsS ]n≥Xp-S¿®-°m¿ am¿tØmΩm {InkvXym- \n-Iƒ F∂ t]cn¬ Adn-b-s∏-Sp-∂p. Ch¿ {][m-\-ambpw kotdm ae-_m¿, kotdm ae-¶-c, ae- ¶c Hm¿Ø-tUm-Ivkv, bmt°m-_mb Hm¿Ø-tUm-Ivkv, am¿tØmΩm F∂o k`-I-fn-em-Wp-≈-Xv. Cu k`-I-fpsS t{]jnX {]h¿Ø-\-ß-fpsS ^e-ambn ss{IkvX-h-hn-izmkw kzoI-cn®v Ch- bpsS hnizm-k-]m-c-ºcyw ]pe¿Øp-∂-h-scbpw am¿tØmΩm {InkvXym-\n-I-fmbn Icp-tX-≠n-bn-cn- °p-∂p. am¿tØmΩm {InkvXym-\n-I-fp-sSbpw hn. {^m≥kokv tkhy¿ apX-ep≈ hntZ-io-bcpw Xt±-io-b-cp-amb At\Iw anj-\-dn-am-cpsS kphn-ti-j-th-e-bpsS ^e-ambn cq]w-sIm≠ eØo≥ ItØ-en-°m-hn-izm-kn-I-fp-sS-bpw, s{]m´-Âv k`-I-fnse hnizm-kn-I-fp-sSbpw kap-—-b-amWv C∂v `mc-X-Ønse ss{IkvX-h-k-aq-lw. hnizmk ]mc-º-cy-ß-fpsS sshhn[yw `mc-X-Ønse ss{IkvX- h-k-aq-l-Øns‚ {]tXy-I-X-bm-Wv. Cu k`m-]-c-amb sshhn-[y-Øn-s‚bpw `mc-X-Øns‚ Xs∂ aX, `mjm, PmXn, kwkvImc sshhn-[y-ß-fp-sSbpw \Sp-hn¬ thWw \man∂p {InkvXp-hns\ {]tLm-jn-°p-hm\pw Ahn-Sp-tØ°p km£yw hln-°p-hm-\pw. ‘Rm\m-Ip∂p hgnbpw kXyhpw Poh\p’ sa∂p ]Tn-∏n-°p-Ibpw B hgn-bn-te°pw kXy-Øn-te°pw Poh-\n-te°pw a\p-jy-hw-i-sØ B\-bn-°p-Ibpw sNbvX-h-\mWp {InkvXp. Ah-\n¬ hniz-kn-®-h¿ {InkvXp am¿§-sa∂v AXns\ hnti-jn-∏n-®p. tXmΩm-«olm Cu am¿§sØ

66 67 C¥y-bn¬ FØn-®-t∏mƒ AXp kzoI-cn® \ΩpsS ]q¿∆n-I¿ AXns\ tXmΩm-am¿§-sa∂pw hnfn-®p. tXmΩm-am¿§w C∂p hyXy-kvX-amb BNm-cm\pjvTm-\ßtfmsS am¿tØmΩm {InkvXym-\n- I-fpsS k`m-k-aq-l-ß-fpsS Pohn-X-ssi-en-bmbn amdn-bn-cn-°p-∂p. IpSpw-_-ßfpw IpSpw-_-ß-fpsS Iq´m-bva-I-fp-am-bn-´mWv am¿tØmΩm {InkvXym-\n-Iƒ hf¿∂p ]¥-en-®-Xv. Cu kaq-l-Øn¬ \n∂p {]kn-≤o-I-cn-°p∂ \nc-h[n IpSpw-_-N-cn-{X-K-Ÿ- ߃ CXn\p km£yw hln-°p-∂p. Xncp- ` IpSpw-_sØ Nn¥m-hn-j-b-ambn Xnc-s™-Sp-Øn-cn- °p∂ Ime-am-Wn-Xv. hn. tPm¨ t]mƒ c≠m-a≥, ]m∏m ÿm\w Gs‰-Sp-Ø-tijw BZyw sNbvX {][m-\-s∏´ tPmen IpSpw-_-sØ-°p-dn®v Hcp kn\Uv hnfn-®p-Iq-´n F∂-Xm-Wv. {]kvXpX kn\Uns‚ \n¿t±-i-ßsf ASn-ÿm-\-am°n ‘IpSpw_w kvt\l-k-aqlw’ F∂ t]cn¬ ]cn- ip≤ ]nXmhv Hcp A∏-kvtXm-enI {]t_m-[\w ]pd-s∏-Sp-hn-®p. AXnse am¿§-\n¿t±-ß-ƒ°- \p-krXw C¥y-bnse IpSpw-_-t{]-jn-X-Xz-{]-h¿Ø-\-߃ ^e-{]-Z-ambn \S-∏m°n hcn-I-bm-Wv. C¥y-bn¬Øs∂ tIc-f-Ønse k`-bn-emWv IpSpw-_-t{]-jn-XXzw G‰hpw kPo-hw. ]n∂oSv _\- UnIvSv 16-˛ma≥ am¿∏m∏-bpsS ImeØv \h-kp-hn-ti-j-h¬°-c-W-Øns‚ Blzm-\-ap-≠m-bn. IpSpw- _hpw \h-kp-hn-ti-j-h¬°-c-Whpw kwtbm-Pn-∏n-®p-sIm-≠mWv {^m≥kokv ]m∏m ASpØ kn\UpI-fpsS hnjbw {]Jym-]n-®n-cn-°p-∂-Xv. IrXy-ambn∏d-™m¬ “\h-kp-hn-ti-j-h¬°-c- W-Øns‚ ]›m-Ø-e-Øn¬ IpSpw_w t\cn-Sp∂ sh√p-hn-fn-Iƒ” F∂XmWv hnj-bw. 2014 HIvtSm-_-dnepw 2015 HIvtSm-_-dnepw \S-°p∂ c≠p kn\-Up-I-fn-ep-ambn N¿®-I-fpw ]p\¿hn- Nn-¥-\-ßfpw \SØn Ah-bn¬\n-∂p-cp-Øn-cn-bp∂ \nK-a-\-ß-fm-bn-cn°pw IpSpw-_-\-ho-I-c-W- Øn-\mbn ]cn-ip≤ ]nXmhv apt∂m´p hbv°p-∂-Xv. Cu kn\-Up-I-fpsS hnP-b-Øn-\mbn \mw {]m¿∞n-°-Ww. am{X-a-√, \ΩpsS cq]-X-I-fnepw {]hmkn kaq-l-ß-fnepw k`-bn-sem-∂m-sIbpw IpSpw-_-Po-hn-XsØ ]pc-kvI-cn®v {]tXyI ]T-\-ßfpw \ho-I-cW ]cn-]m-Sn-Ifpw kwL-Sn-∏n- t°-≠n-bn-cn-°p-∂p. Cu b⁄-Øn¬ IpSpw-_-t{]-jn-X-Xz-Øn-s‚bpw hnizmk ]cn-io-e-\-Øn- s‚bpw ip{iq-j-I¿ kwbp-‡-ambn {]h¿Øn-®m¬ \∂m-bn-cn-°pw. Hcp cq]-X-bnse F√m {]h¿Ø-\-ta-J-e-Ifpw H∂n-®m-tem-Nn®v ]c-kv]-c-k-l-I-c-W-tØmsS IpSpw-_-\-ho-I-c-W-Øn¬ G¿s∏-´m¬ IqSp-X¬ ^e-{]-Z-am-bn-cn-°pw. ASp-Ø-bnsS au≠v sk‚v tXma-kn¬ ktΩ-fn® Aevam-b-kw-L-S-\-I-fp-sSbpw {]ÿm-\-ß-fp-sSbpw Ub-d-IvS¿am-cpsS ktΩ-f-\-Øn¬ GtIm- ]n-®p≈ {]h¿Ø-\-ß-fpsS Bhiyw hy‡-am-°p-I-bp-≠m-bn. kotdm ae-_m¿ k`-bnse Aevamb kaq-lsØ apgp-h≥ Dƒs°m-≈n-°p-hm-\p≈ Dt±-iy-Øm¬ cq]o-Ir-X-amb Aevamb kwL-S-\- bmb ItØm-en°m tIm¨{K-kns‚ {]h¿Ø-\-߃ IqSp-X¬ i‡n-s∏-Sp-Øp-∂Xv CXn\p

67 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago klm-b-I-am-Ipw. ‘A¬am-b¿°pw IpSpw-_-Øn\pw th≠n-bp≈ IΩo-j’s‚ B`n-ap-Jy-Øn¬ \ΩpsS kn\-Uns‚ AwKo-Im-c-tØmsS Aevam-b¿°mbn `mhn-{]-h¿Ø-\-]-cn-]m-Sn-Iƒ Bkq- {XWw sNøp∂XmWv. hnizm-k-]-cn-io-e\w \ΩpsS k`-bn¬ hf-sc-tbsd {i≤n-°-s∏-Sp-∂p-≠v. hnizmk ]cn- io-e-\-Øns‚ ^e-Zm-b-I-XzsØ B{i-bn-®n-cn°pw ss{IkvX-h-km-£y-Øns‚ hnP-bw. hnizm-k- ]-cn-io-e-\hpw, AƒØm-c-kw-Lw, anj≥eo-Kv, kn.-F¬.kn apX-em-b-h-bpsS I¿Ω-]-cn-]m-Sn-Ifpw hgn-bmWv \ΩpsS k`-bn¬ ssZh-hnfn ]cn-t]m-jn-∏n-°-s∏-Sp-∂-Xv. Cu cwK-ß-fn-se√mw Xo£vWX- tbmsS {]h¿Ø-\-\n-c-X-cm-bn-cn-°p∂ _lp. sshZn-I¿°pw, ka¿∏nX ktlm-Z-co-k-tlm-Z-c- ∑m¿°pw, hnizm-k-]-cn-io-e-I¿°pw, Aevamb t{]jn-X¿°pw Fs‚ \µn \nd™ A`n-hm-Z-\- ߃! k`-bpsS kphn-ti-j-km-£y-Øn\p IS-I-hn-cp-≤hpw C∂p kaq-l-Øn¬ \n¿_m[w hym]n-®p-sIm-≠n-cn-°p-∂-Xp-amb aZy-]m-\w, sIme-]m-X-Iw, el-cn-h-kvXp-hym-]m-cw, Bkq-{Xn-X- amb A{I-a-߃, A\ymb ]eni hgn-bp≈ km[p-P-\-Nq-j-Ww, Icm¿ ewL-\-߃, BUw-_-c- s®-e-hp-Iƒ apX-emb Xn∑-I-fn¬ \n∂v k`m-a-°ƒ ]q¿Æ-ambpw AI∂p \n¬t°-≠-Xm-Wv. hf-cp∂ Xe-ap-d-bn¬ hym]n-®p-h-cp∂ C‚¿s\‰v AUnIvj≥ F{]-Imcw {Inbm-fl-I-ambn \nb- {¥n-°m-sa∂v amXm-]n-Xm-°ƒ, A[ym-]-I¿, sshZn-I¿ F∂n-h¿ {i≤m-]q¿∆w a\- n-em°n {]h¿Øn-t°-≠n-bn-cn-°p-∂p. ssk_¿ temI-Øns‚ km[y-X-I-sf-°p-dn®pw AXn¬ Hfn-™n- cn-°p∂ A]-ISßfn¬s∏-SmsX Ip´n-I-sfbpw bphm-°-sfbpw kwc-£n-°p-∂-Xn-\p≈ am¿§- ß-sf-°p-dn®pw skan-\m-dp-Ifpw ÃUn ¢m p-I-fDw \S-Øm≥ hnizm-k-]-cn-io-e-\-Øn-s‚bpw IpSpw-_-t{]-jn-X-Xz-Øn-s‚bpw ip{iq-j-I¿ H∂n®p kl-I-cn-°-W-sa∂v A`y¿∞n-°p-∂p. Ip´n- I-fn¬ I≠p-h-cp∂ AXn-km-l-kn-IXz {]h-W-X-Iƒ hml-\m-]-I-S-߃°pw D√m-k-bm-{Xm-th- f-I-fnse apßnac-W-߃°pw Imc-W-am-Ip-∂p-≠v. IqSp-X¬ Pm{KX DØ-c-hm-Zn-Xz-s∏-´-h-cn¬ \n∂v D≠m-tI-≠n-bn-cn-°p-∂p. \mev]-Xp-e-£-tØmfw hcp∂ kotdm ae-_m¿ k`m-a-°-fn¬ Ggp-e-£w-t]¿ C¥y-bnse 29 cq]-X-Iƒ°pw Ata-cn-°-bnepw Bkvt{X-en-bm-bn-ep-ap≈ c≠p cq]-X-Iƒ°pw ]pdØv {]hm- kn-I-fmbn Ign-bp-∂-h-cm-Wv. Ch¿°v \ΩpsS k`-bp-tS-Xmb AP-]m-e\ kwhn-[m-\-߃ ^e- {]-Z-amb coXnbn¬ D≠m-tI-≠n-bn-cn-°p-∂p. Cu e£yw km[n-°p-∂-Xn\pw k`m-a-°-tf-hcpw {]m¿∞n-t°-≠-Xm-Wv. `mc-X-Øn¬ ]pØ≥ {]Xo-£-Iƒ DW¿Øn ]pXn-sbmcp tI{µ-k¿°m¿ `c-W-ta-‰n-cn- °p-I-bm-W-t√m. tI{µ-Øn-em-bmepw kwÿm-\-ß-fn-em-bmepw amdn amdn hcp∂ k¿°m-cp-I-tfmSp

68 69 kl-I-cn®p {]h¿Øn-°m≥ k`m-a-°-tf-hcpw Xøm-dm-tI≠XmWv. tI{µ-k¿°m-cns‚ hnI-k- \-]-≤-Xn-Iƒ Zcn-{Z¿°pw km[m-c-W-°m¿°pw IqSn D]-I-cn-°p-∂-Xm-I-Ww. sXmgn-em-fn-Iƒ°pw, I¿j-I¿°pw, hym]m-cn-Iƒ°pw, a’y-_-‘-\-Øn¬ G¿s∏-´n-cn-°p-∂-h¿°pw at‰Xp Xpd-I- fn¬ hym]-cn-°p-∂-h¿°pw hnI-k\w km[y-am-°m≥ ]pXnb k¿°m¿ {i≤ sNep-Øp-sa∂p {]Xo-£n-°mw. ]cn-ÿnXn kwc-£-W-tØm-sSm∏w ae-tbm-c-I¿j-I-cp-sSbpw Xoc-tZ-i-\n-hm-kn- I-fp-sSbpw Bi-¶-Iƒ ]cn-l-cn-°p-∂-Xnepw k¿°m-cns‚ kXzc{i≤ ]Xn-tb-≠-Xp-≠v. AtXm- sSm∏w atX-X-cXzw, P\m-[n-]-Xyw, k¿∆ka-Xzw, \yq\-]£ kwc-£Ww F∂o auen-I-aq-ey-ßfpw kwc-£n-°-s∏-tS-≠n-bn-cn-°p-∂p. Cu aqey-ß-sf√mw kwc-£n-°-s∏-tS-≠Xv PmXn, aX, `mjm sshhn-[y-߃ \nd™ `mc-X-Ønse P\-X-bpsS sFIy-Øn\pw \ne-\n¬]n\pw ]ptcm-K-Xn°pw AXy-¥m-t]-£n-X-am-Wv. ZpIvdm\ Xncp-\mƒ kotdm-a-e-_m¿ k`m-Zn-\-ambn BtLm-jn-°-W-sa∂v \ΩpsS k`- bpsS kn\Upw Xocp-am-\n-®n-´p-≠v. \ΩpsS F√m cq]-X-I-fp-sSbpw k\ym-k-k-aq-l-ß-fp-sSbpw {]Xn-\n-[n-Iƒ ]s¶-Sp-°p∂ k`m-Zn-\m-N-cWw k`-bpsS Bÿm\-Im-cym-e-b-amb Im°-\mSv au≠v sk‚v tXmakn¬ \S-°p-∂-XmWv. hn. Ip¿_m-\-bpsS BtLm-jw, ktΩ-f-\-߃, Iem-]-cn-]m- Sn-Iƒ XpS-ßn-b-h-tbmsS \ΩpsS F√m CS-h-I-I-fnepw {]hmkn kaq-l-ß-fnepw k`m-Zn-\m- tLmjw sIm≠m-S-W-sa∂v kvt\l-]q¿∆w Hm¿Ωn-∏n-°p-∂p. k`m-Z-\n-Ønse \nß-fpsS kw`m- h-\-Iƒ k`-bpsS s]mXp-hmb Bh-iy-߃°mbn kam-l-cn®p \¬I-W-sa∂pw A`y¿∞n- °p-∂p. k`m-Zn\w BN-cn-°p-tºmƒ \ΩpsS k`bv°v Cu ASpØ \mfp-I-fn¬ ssZhw \¬In- bn-cn-°p∂ {]tXyI A\p-{K-l-ßsf A\p-kva-cn-°pI XnI®pw DNn-X-am-bn-cn-°pw. \ΩpsS k`-bnse hmgvØ-s∏-´-h-cmb Nmh-d-b-®-s‚bpw Ghp-{]m-kn-b-Ω-bp-sSbpw hnip≤]Z {]Jym-]- \-Øn-\p≈ \S-]Sn {Ia-߃ ]q¿Øn-bm-bn. Bkvt{X-en-bm-bnse sa¬_¨ tI{µ-ambn \ap°p ]pXnb cq]X e`n-®p. C¥y-bnse kotdm-a-e-_m¿ {]hm-kn-I-fpsS AP-]m-e-\-{]-h¿Ø--\-߃°p t\XrXzw \¬Ip-∂-Xn-\mbn A∏-kvtXm-enIv hnkn-‰sd e`n-®p. ssZhw \ap°p \¬Inb Cu A\p-{K-l-ßsfsb√mw Hm¿Øp ssZh-Øn\p \µn ]d-bmw. Cu CS-b-te-J\w {ihn-°p-∂-h¿°pw k`m-a-°ƒ Gh¿°pw ZpIvdm\Øncp-∂m-fns‚ awK-f-߃ Biw-kn-®p-sIm-≠v, Cutim-bn¬ kvt\l-]q¿∆w, I¿±n-\mƒ tPm¿÷v Be-t©cn kotdmae-_m¿ k`-bpsS taP¿ B¿®v _nj∏v

69 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

{]mÀ°\mZn\w 2014 HmKÌv 17 / 24

{]nb ktlm-Zco ktlm-Z-c-∑m-tc, ssZh-kvt\-l-Øn-eq-∂nb a\p-jy-kvt\-l-amWv F√m aX-ß-fp-sSbpw ImX¬. AXn-\m¬Ø- s∂, kln-jvWp-X-bp-sSbpw kl-h¿Øn-Xz-Øn-s‚bpw kmtlm-Z-cy-Øn-s‚bpw ]mX-bn-eqsS \nXy-Po- h-\n-te°v \S-°m≥ a\p-jys\ klm-bn-°pI F∂ I¿Ø-hy-amWv F√m aX-߃°p-ap-≈-Xv. ktlm- Z-c-s\-Xntc hmfp-b¿Øp-∂-h≥ “\ns‚ ktlm-Z-c-s\-hnsS?” (D¬]. 4,9) F∂ ssZh-i-_vZ-Øn\v adp- ]Sn ]d-tb≠n hcpw. F∂m¬, C∂v Hcp `mKØv kmwkvIm-cnI aqey-ßfpw aX-hn-izm-k-ßfpw \jvS-s∏-Sp-Ibpw a\p-jy≥ [m¿ΩnI A[x]-X-\-Øn-te°v Iq∏p-Ip-Øp-Ibpw sNøp-tºmƒ, adp-`m-KØv aXm-‘-Xbpw kmwkvIm-cnI Ak-ln-jvWp-Xbpw a\p-jys\ A{I-a-am¿§-ß-fn-te°p X≈n hnSp-∂p. a\p-jy-hw-i- Øns‚ \ne-\nev]p Xs∂ A]-I-S-s∏-Sp-Øpw-hn-[-ap≈ `oI-c-amb Hc-hÿ kwPm-X-am-bn-cn-°p-∂p. At\Iw \q‰m-≠p-Iƒ {InkvXym-\n-Ifpw ap…o-ßfpw a‰p aX-hn-`m-K-ßfpw kam-[m-\-]q¿hw kl-h¿Øn-®n-cp∂ Cdm-°ns‚ hS-°≥ {]hn-iy-I-fn¬ \n∂v ]Xn-\m-bn-c-°-W-°n\v ss{IkvX-hcpw bm o-Zn-I-fp-apƒs∏-Sp∂ \yq\]£-߃°v hoSp-hn-t´m-tS≠n hcp-∂p. hoSp-Ifpw I®-h-S-tI-{µ-ßfpw sIm≈-b-Sn-°-s∏-Sp-Ibpw Bcm-[-\m-e-b-߃ A·n-°n-c-bm-hp-Ibpw sNøp-∂p. kv{XoIfpw Ip´n-Ifpw F√m-Ø-c-Øn-ep-ap≈ ]oU-\-߃°pw `oI-c-Xbv°pw Cc-I-fm-bn-s°m-≠n-cn-°p-∂p. aX-Xo-{h-hm-Zn-I- fmb Hcp-]‰w A{I-an-Iƒ X߃ ]nSn-s®-SpØ Cdm-°n-s‚bpw kndn-b-bp-sSbpw `q`m-K-߃ tN¿Øv C…m-anIv tÉv F∂ Hcp Imen-t^‰v ÿm]n-°m-\p≈ ZrV-{]-Xn-⁄-bp-ambn apt∂-dp-∂p. sFIy-cm- jv{S-k-`-bpsS t\Xr-Xz-Øn¬ \S-°p∂ Zpcn-Xm-izmk {]h¿Ø-\-ßfpw GXm\pw temI-cm-jv{S-ß-fpsS t\Xr-Xz-Øn¬ \S-°p∂ ]cn-an-X-amb anen-´dn CS-s]-S-ep-Ifpw C\nbpw ^ew I≠p XpS-ßn-bn-´n-√. HmKÃv amkw 10-˛mw XobXn Rmb-dmgvN B©-eqkv {]m¿∞-\-bv°p-tijw temI-tØmSp ]cn-ip≤ {^m≥knkv am¿∏m∏ ]¶p-h® hm°p-I-fn¬ Hcp henb {]hm-N-I-i_vZw \nd™p \n¬°p- ∂p-≠v. Cdm-°n¬ ss{IkvX-h-cpƒs∏-Sp∂ \yq\-]-£-߃°p t\tc \S-°p∂ A{I-a-ßsf A]-e- ]n-®p-sIm≠v ]cn-ip≤ ]nXmhp ]d™p: “am\hnI-Xbv°pw ssZh-Øn-\p-sa-Xn-cmb Ahtlf\-am-Wn- Xv. ssZh-Øns‚ t]cn¬ Hcn-°epw hntZz-jhpw shdp∏pw kq£n-°-cp-Xv. ssZh-Øns‚ t]cn¬ bp≤- ߃ D≠m-I-bp-a-cp-Xv”. At±lw XpS-cp∂p: “Cdm°n¬ \n∂pw e`n-°p∂ hm¿Ø-Iƒ sR´n-°p-∂Xpw hniz-kn-°m≥ Ign-bm-Ø-Xp-am-Wv. ss{IkvX-h-cpƒs∏sS aX-\yq-\-]-£-ß-fmb Bbn-c-߃ AXn-{Iq- c-ambn ]oUn-∏n-°-s∏-Sp-∂p. X߃°p-≈-sX√mw Dt]-£n®v Ah¿ e£y-an-√msX ]em-b\w sNøp- ∂p. c£-s]-Sp∂Xn\n-S-bn¬ Ip™p-߃ hni∏pw Zml-hpw-sIm≠v acn-®p-ho-gp-∂p. kv{XoI-sfbpw Ip´n-I-sfbpw X´n-s°m-≠p-t]mbn F√m-Øcw {Iqc-X-Iƒ°pw hnt[-b-cm-°p-∂p. aX-kzm-X{¥yw \ntj- [n-°p-∂p. Ncn-{X-]-chpw kmwk-Im-cn-I-hp-amb k¿hXpw XI¿°-s∏-Sp-∂p”. “ssZhw X∂ Aaq-ey-Po-hs\ kwc-£n-°m≥ IS-s∏-´-h¿ AXns\ \njvI-cpWw Nhn´n saXn- °p-∂p. Bbp[w Xmsg-bn-Sp-hm≥ ]Tn-∏n-°p∂ aX-߃ ChnsS i‡n {]m]n-°-Ww. ktlm-Z-cs\ tXmtfmSp tN¿Øv Biz-kn-∏n-°p∂ aX-t\-Xm-°ƒ DW¿s∂-gp-t∂¬°-Ww. sshcm-Ky-Øn-s‚bpw {Iqc- X-bp-sSbpw apJw-aq-Sn-Iƒ Agn-s®-Sp-sØ-¶nte ChnsS ]pXnb Hcp `qanbpw ]pXnb BIm-ihpw

70 71 ]p\x-ÿm-]n-°-s∏-Sp-I-bp-≈q. kam-[m-\-{i-a-ßfpw {]m¿∞-\-bp-amWv A{I-a-Øn-s\-Xn-tc-bp≈ G‰hpw ^e-{]-Z-amb Bbp-[w. a\p-jy-\-∑-bn-ep≈ hnizmkw \jvS-s∏-Sm-sX, ssZh-Øn-em-{i-bn®v \ap°v {]m¿∞n-°mw. a\p-jy-cm-in-°p-t\tc Cdm-°nepw kndn-b-bnepw Km -bnepw \S-°p∂ A{I-a-ßsf k¿h-i-‡n-tbm-Spw-IqsS \ap°v A]-e-]n-°mw”. ]cn-ip≤ ]nXmhv {^m≥knkv am¿]m-∏m-bpsS Blzm\w kzoI-cn®v tIc-f-k-`-bnse F√m CS-h-I-Ifpw ÿm]-\-ßfpw 2014 HmK-k‰v 17 Rmb-dm- gvNtbm 24 Rmb-dm-gvNtbm {]m¿∞-\m-Zn-\-ambn BN-cn-°-sW∂v sI.-kn-_n.-kn. Blzm\w sNøp- ∂p. ]oU-\-ß-tf‰v acn-®p-hoW Ip™p-ß-fp-sSbpw AΩ-am-cp-sSbpw Bflm-°sf ]cn-ip≤ AƒØm- c-bn¬ ka¿∏n-°mw. A{I-a-Øn-\n-c-bm-b-h-cpsS \oXn-°p-th-≠n-bp≈ \ne-hnfn ssZh-k-∂n-[n-bn¬ kzoIr-X-am-Ip-∂-Xn-\p-th≠n Ah-tcmSv \ap°p tN¿∂p \n¬°mw. hoSpw kºm-Zyhpw Bcm-[-\m-e-b- ßfpw ]nd∂ aÆp-ap-t]-£n®v ]em-b\w sNøp-∂ amXm-]n-Xm-°-sfbpw a°-sfbpw ktlm-Z-c-ß-sfbpw \ΩpsS lrZ-b-tØm-Sp-tN¿Øv {]m¿∞n-°mw. ssZhm-e-b-ßfpw B{i-a-ßfpw aT-ßfpw ÿm]-\-ßfpw A·n-°n-c-bm-Ip-∂-Xp-I≠v Icƒs\m¥p Xß-fpsS P\-ß-tfm-sSm∏w Cd-ßn-Øn-cn® At\Iw sshZn- I-scbpw k\y-kvX-scbpw \ΩpsS {]m¿∞-\-I-fn¬ A\p-kva-cn-°mw. Blm-chpw sh≈hpw acp∂pw In´msX hgn-b-cn-Inepw ae-tbm-c-ß-fnepw Xf¿∂p hogp∂ Ip™p-ß-fpsS thZ-\sb KmKp¬Øm- bnse Ipcn-in≥ Nph-´n¬ ka¿∏n-°mw. aXhpw `oI-c-Xbpw Hcp-an-°p-∂Xv a\p-jysc aX-Øn¬ \n∂pw ssZh-Øn¬ \n∂pw AI-‰mt\ D]-I-cn°q F∂ Xncn-®-dnhv F√m-h¿°pw D≠m-Ip-∂-Xn-\p-th≠n ssIIƒ Iq∏mw. aX-Xo-{h-hm-Zhpw aX-\n-tj-[hpw Hcp-t]mse B]-Øm-sW∂ Xncn-®-dnhv a\p-jy-hw- i-Øn-\p-≠m-Im-\mbn a\-ap-cpIn {]m¿∞n-°mw. at[y-jy-bnepw kpUm-\nepw temI-Øns‚ a‰p `mK-ß-fnepw Nhn´n Ac-bv°-s∏-Sp∂ a\p- jys‚ thZ\ G‰p-hm-ßp-∂-Xn-\mbn Cu Znh-ksØ \ap°v am‰n hbv°mw. HmKÃv 17/24 Pohs‚ kwc-£-W-Zn-\-ambn \ap°v BN-cn-°mw. aX-Xo-{h-hm-Z-Øn-\n-c-bm-bn-s°m-≠n-cn-°p∂ F√m-h¿°pw- th≠n {]m¿∞-\-Ifpw ]cn-lmc I¿Ω-ßfpw A\p-jvTn-°m\pw {]m¿∞-\m-k-tΩ-f-\-߃ \S-Øm\pw Blzm\w sNøp-∂p. 17/24-˛mw Xob-Xn-bnse hnip≤ Ip¿_m\ hnizm-k-Øn-\p-th≠n ]oU-\-ta¬°p- ∂-h¿°pw c‡-km-£nXzw hcn-°p-∂-h¿°pw-th≠n ImgvN-hbv°mw. Cu Hcm-gvN-°mew IpSpw_ {]m¿∞-\-bn¬ Ahsc {]tXyIw kvacn-°p-Ibpw sNømw. “\ns‚ ktlm-Z-c-s\-hnsS?” F∂p tNmZn-°p∂ ssZh-Øn-\p-ap-ºn¬ Bbp[w Xmsg hbv°m≥ A{I-an-Iƒ Xøm-dmtb Xocq. ico-c-Ønepw a\- nepw apdn-th‰ Bbn-c-ß-fpsS Bflm-°ƒ CXn-\p-th≠n \ne-hn-fn-°p-∂p. A[n-Im-c-Øn-s‚bpw Al-¥-bp-sSbpw t]cn¬ \S-Øp∂ A{I-a- ߃ aX-Øns‚ t]cp-]-d™v \ymbo-I-cn-°m≥ bYm¿∞ aX-hn-izm-kn-Iƒ Iq´p-\n¬°cpXv. a\p-jy- c-ln-X-amb CØcw Xn∑-Isf A]-e-]n-°m≥ F√m aX-hn-izm-kn-Ifpw k∑-\- p≈ F√m a\p-jycpw apt∂m´p-hcpw F∂p {]Xym-in-°p-∂p. tIc-f-I-tØm-en-°m-sa-{Xm≥ kan-Xn-°p-th≠n I¿±n-\mƒ _tk-en-tbmkv am¿ ¢oaokv ImtXm-en-°m _mh sI.kn.-_n.-kn. {]kn-U‚v B¿®v _nj∏v am¿ tPmk^v s]cp-t¥m´w _nj∏v tPmk^v Icn-bn¬ sshkv {]kn-U‚v sk{I-´dn P\-d¬ ]n.-H.-kn., tIcf ItØm-en-°m-k-`-bpsS Bÿm-\-Im-cym-ebw sIm®n ˛ 682 025/14.08.2014/Ref: 2820/K 35/OL/KCBC/DS

71 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

Circular No. 19/2014

Dear Rev. Fathers, Religious and Laity, Mar Joy Alappatt: Auxiliary Bishop-Elect “Glory to God in the highest”, Amen.

am really glad to announce the good news that our diocese is getting an Auxiliary Bishop, Mar Joy Alappat. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis Ihas appointed Rev. Joy Alappat as Titular Bishop of Bencenna and Auxiliary Bishop of St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago. The formal announcement of this appointment was done on July 24, 2014, in Rome, Major Archiepiscopal Curia, Kakkanad and Chicago. With prayerful and joyful greetings let us welcome our Auxiliary Bishop – Elect, Mar Joy Alappat. Mar Joy Alappat was born September 27, 1956, as a second son of late Mr. Varghese and late Mrs. Rosy Alappat at Parappukara. He has two brothers and two sisters. After his high school education at Parappukara, he joined St. Mary’s Minor Seminary, Thoppil, Trissur and then he had his Major Seminary formation at St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor, Kottayam. He was ordained priest on December 31, 1981 by His Excellency James Pazhayattil, then Bishop of Irinjalakuda. As an assistant parish priest, he served in the following parishes, Chalakudy, Mala and St. Thomas Cathedral, Irinjalakuda. He had his Masters

72 73 in Theology from St. Joseph’s Pontifical Institute, Aluva and his Masters in Sociology from Andhra University. He served as the Syro-Malabar Mission Director in Chennai, for six years, from 1987-1993. He came to the U.S. in 1994 and served as Associate Pastor in Staten Island, New York and New Milford, New Jersey. He completed his Clinical Pastoral Education Program and worked at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. as a certified chaplain. I had invited him to serve in our diocese in 2002 and he was given the charge of the Syro-Malabar Mission of Newark. He was convener of the Syro-Malabar Convention 2003 in New Jersey. He was appointed as the Director of the Syro-Malabar Mission of Garfield and Administrator of our Lady of Sorrow Catholic Church in Garfield, New Jersey. Since 2011, he is serving as the pastor (Vicar) of Mar Thoma Sleeha Syro-Malabar Cathedral, Bellwood, Chicago. He has written lyrics for several Christian devotional songs and published a few music albums. Our Auxiliary Bishop-Elect, Mar Joy Alappat, will be ordained a Bishop on September 27, 2014 at our Cathedral in Bellwood. His Beatitude Mar George Cardinal Alencherry will be the main celebrant. Let us prepare for this great event through our prayers and other means of support. His Episcopal Ordination is a great spiritual event of our diocese. Further details of the Episcopal Ordination will be announced later. Your presence, prayers and support are earnestly solicited.

Mar Jacob Angadiath Bishop

73 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

Circular No. 20/2014 Episcopal Consecration of August 08, 2014 Mar Joy Alappatt-Auxiliary Bishop-Elect

Dear and Rev. Fathers, Rev. Sisters, and Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, “Glory to God in the highest”, Amen. s we welcome our Auxiliary Bishop-Elect, Mar Joy Alappatt, I would like to inform you of the date of his Episcopal Ordination. It will be held on Saturday, ASeptember 27, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. at our Mar Thoma Sleeha Cathedral, 5000 St. Charles Road, Bellwood, Illinois-60104. His Beatitude Mar George Cardinal Alencherry will be the celebrant and bishops Mar Jacob Angadiath and Mar Pauly Kanookadan will be the con-celebrants. This will be a special occasion of God’s blessings for the diocese. So let us prepare for this great spiritual event with earnest prayers. The Ordination ceremony will be followed by lunch and a public meeting to felicitate the new bishop. Your presence and prayers are earnestly requested. I most cordially invite all of you to the solemn ceremonies of September 27, 2014. Since Episcopal Ordination is a great event of our diocese, we need generous support of our Priests, Religious and Laity. Spiritual, physical and financial support is solicited from all. Various committees are to be formed to organize this. Very Rev. Dr. Augustin Palakaparambil, Vicar General, will be the General Convener of this event. Priests of our diocesan Curia and Cathedral Parish will assist him in forming committees and organizing various aspects of this event. Our Auxiliary Bishop-Elect and I will be attending the Synod of Syro Malabar Bishops, August 18 to 30, 2014, at Mount St. Thomas Kakkanad, Kochi. Please pray for the success of this Synod of our Bishops, which is the supreme Body of the Church. Let us invoke the help of our Blessed Mother, St. Thomas the Apostle and St. Alphonsa for the Episcopal Ordination and for the growth of our diocese.

Yours sincerely in the Lord,

Mar Jacob Angadiath Bishop

74 75 Bishop’s Diary

April 5 Sat Celebrated memorial Holy Qurbana for Rose Mary Thariath at Mar Thoma Sleeha Cathedral Bellwood, IL. Sat 12 Sat 8.30 am: Celebrated Memorial Holy Qurbana for the father of Georgekutty Ambatt at Cathedral. 10.00 am: Officiated a betrothal ceremony at Cathedral. 13-20 Holy Week celebrations at Cathedral 21-May 2 Participated in the Canonization ceremony of Pope John 23rd and Pope John Paul II in Rome May 4 Sun 10.00 am: administered the sacraments of first Holy Communion and Confirmation at Sacred Heart Syro-Malabar Knanaya Catholic Church, Maywood, IL. 2.00 pm: Officiated a wedding ceremony at Cathedral. 10 Sat Administered the sacraments of first Holy Communion and Confirmation at St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Church, Atlanta, GA. 11 Sun Celebrated Holy Qurbana in connection with Mothers Day at St. Alphonsa Syro- Malabar Church, Atlanta, GA. 17 Sat Administered first Holy Communion at Cathedral. 18 Sun Administered the sacrament of Confirmation at Cathedral. 24 Sat 11.00 am: Officiated a wedding in Chicago. 25 Sun 2.00 pm: Blessed the marriage between Jovin and Tania Nadackapadam at Cathedral.

June 1 Sat Administered first Holy Communion in connection with the feast of St. Alphonsa at St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar mission, Minneapolis, MN. 7 Sat 11.00 am: Administered the sacrament of Baptism with Holy Qurbana at St. Thomas Syro-Malabar church, Garland, TX. 8 Sun Administered the sacraments of first Holy Communion and Confirmation and did the ground breaking for the new parking lot at St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Church, Coppell, TX.

75 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

12 Thu Inaugurated Sixth Family Renewal Convention at Cathedral. 13 Fri Participated in a prayer meeting at St. Thomas Syro-Malabar church, Detroit, MI. 14 sat Attended the Episcopal Ordination of new Chaldean bishop in Detroit. 15 Sun Officiated the sacrament of Baptism at Cathedral. 16-19 Attended Priests’ Retreat at Cathedral, preached by Rev. Dr. Mani Puthiyidom. 19 Thu 4.00pm: Presided over Forane Vicars’ Meeting at Cathedral. 21 Sat 3.00pm: Blessed the marriage between Daisy and Archy at St. Thomas Syro- Malabar Church, Garland, TX. 22 Sun 2.30 pm: Blessed the marriage between Tiffany and Dennis at Cathedral. 23 Mon 7.00 am: Meeting and Dinner with Priests and Religious Sisters at Bishop’s house. 24 Tue 8.00 pm: Officiated the wake service for Antony Vadakkumchery at Cathedral. 25 Wed 10.00 am: Celebrated Holy Qurbana for Antony Vadakkumchery. 26 Thu Celebrated Holy Qurbana at DST convent, Chicago. 29 Sun Blessed priestly cassock and conferred the Order of Karoya to Rev. Bros. Kevin Mundackal and Rajeev Valiyaparambil at Cathedral.

July 3 Thu Celebrated the feast of Dukhrana at Infant Jesus Syro-Malabar Mission, Sacramento, CA. 4-7 Celebrated the feast of St. Thomas at Cathedral. 12 Sat Administered the sacrament of Confirmation at St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Forane church, Somerset, NY. 13 Sun Celebrated the feast of St. Thomas and St. Aphonsa at St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Forane Church, Somerset, NY. 18-20 Attended Safe Environment Trainers’ Training at Cathedral. 24 Thu 9.30 am: Announced the appointment of Very Rev. Fr. Joy Alappatt as the Auxiliary Bishop of St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago. 25 Fri Feast of St. Jacob

26 Sat Consecrated the newly built St. Alphonsa church, Baltimore, MD.

76 77 27 Sun Administered the sacrament of first Holy Communion and Confirmation in connection with the parish feast at St. Alphonsa church, Baltimore, MD. 31 Thu Inaugurated the North East Youth Conference in NY. August 1 Fri Celebrated Holy Qurbana at Youth Conference in NY. 2 Sat Administerd the sacrament of first Communion at St. Jude Syro-Malabar Mission, Northern Virginia, VA. 3 Sun Celebrated Holy Qurbana at St. Jude Syro-Malabar Mission, Northern Virginia, VA. 5 Tue Meeting with the Kaikkarans and Mission Council members of Bl. Mother Theresa Syro-Malabar Mission, LAS Vegas, NEV. 8 Fri Flag hosting with the celebration of Holy Qurbana at St. Mary Syro-Malabar Knanaya Catholic Church, Morton Grove, IL. 9 Sat Administered the sacrament of Baptism with Holy Qurbana at St. Thomas Forane Church, Garland, TX. 10 Sun Celebrated Holy Qurbana at St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Forane Church, Garland, TX in connection with Shalom Fest. Aug 12-Sept 10 Syro-Malabar Bishop’s Synod at Mount St. Thomas at Kakkanad, Ernakulam. 13 Sat Rededicated the renovated church of St. Thomas Syro-Malabar parish, Detroit, MI. 14 Sun Administered the sacrament of first Communion and Confirmation in connection with the feast of St. Thomas and St. Alphonsa at St. Thomas Syro-Malabar mission, Hartford, CT. 21 Sun Celebrated Holy Qurbana in connection with the feast of Vincent De Paul at Cathedral. 22-25 Inaugurated and attended Presbyterium-2014, at Techny Towers Conference Center, Chicago. 26 Fri Celebrated Holy Qurbana at Cathedral with Rev. Fathers who are serving in the diocese. 27 Sat Concelebrated in the Episcopal Ordination of Mar Joy Alappatt, the Auxiliary Bishop of St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago together with Mar George Cardinal Alencherry, Major Archbishop of Syro-Malabar Church and Mar Pauly Kannookadan, Bishop of Irinjalakuda. 28 Sun Participated in the rededication ceremony of the renovated church of St. Alphonsa parish, Coppell, TX together with Mar George Cardinal Alencherry, Major Archbishop of Syro-Malabar Church.

77 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago St. Alphonsa NEWS Syro-Malabar Catholic AT A GLANCE Church, Baltimore, MD 33rd Parish of Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

t. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Catholic and a rectory. Just eight months later, with Church in Baltimore, Maryland was overwhelming support from the community, Sdedicated on Saturday, July 26, 2014 the renovations of church and the rectory and was elevated as the 33rd parish within were completed. the Diocese. Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath officiated the Solemn Holy Qurbana of The church can seats up to 225 worshipers Consecration and Dedication at this newly with the overflow people can watch the purchased and renovated church along Holy Qurbana live on the large screen at with Auxiliary Bishop Denis J. Madden, the basement of the church, where at least Archdiocese of Baltimore and 21 priests. 175 people can comfortably seated. The Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Thomas Mulavanal; rectory which is adjacent to the church has Chancellor, Rev. Dr. Sebastian Vethanath; two bedrooms, an office room, a large living Forane Vicar, Rev. Fr. Johnykutty Pulleessery; and dining room, kitchen and a finished Mission Director and the first Vicar of basement hall. The paved parking lot has the newly elevated parish Rev. Fr. James more than 67 parking spaces. Nirappel were some of the concelebrants. The almost $1 million project was completed The St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Catholic with the help of approximately 100 Syro Church of Baltimore started as a Mission Malabar Catholic families in and around for the faithful in and around Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland. The sanctuary was built Maryland area on April 14th 2004 and in the Syro-Malabar style of architecture, Rev. Dr. George Kallampally CMF as its first arches, pews with kneelers and shrines. Director. On December 2005 Fr. James The overall design is intended to preserve a Nirappel was appointed as the Mission sense of community and authentic eastern Director. The Mission was named after St. rite tradition. Alphonsa by Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath on July 2013, during its 10th anniversary The parish has a vibrant CCD program, of existence, and soon thereafter Almighty Diocesan Youth Apostolate, Jesus Youth, God blessed the Mission with a 2.5 acre Malayalam School, Women’s forum and property which includes a church building other lay ministries.

78 79 HmÌn³ skâv AÂt^m³km kotdm ae-_mÀ kaql¯n\v ]pXnb tZhm-e-b-w

ta-cn-°-bn¬ AXn-thKw hnI-kn-®p- sIm-≠n- C∂v sk‚v A¬t^m≥km kotdm ae-_m¿ CS-h- A cn-°p∂ ]´-W-ß-fn¬ G‰hpw ap≥\nc-bn- Ibv°v kz¥w. emWv sSIvkm-kv Xe-ÿm-\-amb HmÃn≥. HmÃns‚ ae-bm-fn-Iƒ Pohn-°m≥ G‰hpw CjvS-s∏- hf¿®bv°v H∏w sk‚v A¬t^m≥km kotdm ae- Sp∂ Imem-h-ÿ-bpw, G‰hpw Ipd™ PohnX _m¿ kaq-lhpw hf¿®-bpsS ]S-hp-I-fn-eqsS AXn- sNehpw, G‰hpw PohnX kpc-£y-X-bp-ap≈ HmÃn- thKw apt∂-dp-I-bm-Wv. \n¬ Nn°mtKm cq]-Xbv°v A`n-am-\-am-bn, hf-sc- amk-Øn¬ Hcp Rmb-dmgvN am{Xw Ip¿_m- tbsd hnI-k\ km≤y-X-Iƒ D≈ Cu 23 G°¿ \-bp-ambn 2001-˛¬ Bcw-`n® Hcp sNdnb kaqlw ÿehpw at\m-l-c-amb Cu tZhm-e-bhpw Cu CS- ]Øp h¿j-߃ ]n∂n-´-t∏mƒ 2011-˛¬ 50 IpSpw- h-Ibv°v hmßm≥ km[n-®Xv A¬t^m≥km-Ω-bpsS _-ßfpw F√m Rmb-dm-gvNbpw Ip¿_m-\-bp-ambn Hcp A¤p-X-am-bmWv F√m-hcpw ImWp-∂-Xv. hf¿∂p. B h¿jw Xs∂ kz¥-amb tZhm-e-b-Øn- A¬t^m≥km-Ω-bpsS A\p-{K-l-߃ tXSn \nc- \p-th≠ ]cn-{i-a-߃ Bcw-`n-®p. 2013-˛-emWv h[n IpSpw-_-ß-fmWv HmÃn-\n-tebv°v h∂p-sIm-≠n- BZysØ hnIm-cn-bmbn ^m. tUman-\nIv s]cp-\new cn-°p-∂-Xv. \nb-an-X-\m-Ip-∂-Xv. AtXmsS hf¿®-bpsS thKX Cu t\´-߃ F√mw CS-h-I-bnse 70-˛¬ IqSn. At±-l-Øns‚ ]cn-{ia ^e-ambn Cu h¿jw ]cw IpSpw-_-ß-fpsS H∂n-®p≈ A£oW ]cn-{i-a- 2014 BK-Ãn¬ kz¥-ambn Hcp tZhm-ebw F∂ 13 Øns‚ ^e-am-bn-´p-≈-Xm-Wv. 75-˛¬∏cw Ip´n-Iƒ h¿jsØ kz]v\w k^-e-am-bn. F√m Rmb-dm-gvNbpw thZ-]mTw ]Tn-°p-∂p-≠v. CS- HmÃn≥ ]´-W-Øns‚ lrZ-b-`m-KØv hnI- h-I-bnse F√m Bflob {]h¿Ø-\-ßfpw hnImcn k-\-Øn¬ IpXn®v apt∂-dn-s°m-≠n-cn-°p∂ am\-dn¬, tUman-\nIv A®s‚ t\Xr-Xz-Øn¬ hnP-b-I-c-ambn \S- {]IrXn ca-Wo-b-amb 23 G°¿ ÿehpw AXn¬ °p-∂p. 7000 NXp-c{i ASn Np‰-f-hn¬ F√m kuI-cy-ß- Cu tZhm-e-b-Øns‚ IqZmibpw CS-hI tfmSpw IqSnb 2010˛¬ ]Wn ]q¿Øn-bm-°nb at\m- a[y-ÿ-bpsS Xncp-\mfpw \hw-_¿ 8˛mw XobXn i\n- l-c-amb Hcp tZhm-e-bhpw A\p-_‘ sI´n-S-ßfpw bmgvN 2 aWn°v Nn°mtKm kotdm ae-_m¿ _nj∏v IqSmsX AXn-hn-im-e-amb ]m¿°nwKv kuI-cy-ßfpw am¿ tP°_v Aßm-Sn-bØv \n¿h-ln-°pw.

79 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago TEXAS/OKLAHOMA REGION INTER PARISH SPORTS FESTIVAL (IPSF-2014)

he first ever Inter Parish Sports brethren gifted in sports and athletics to Festival of Texas/Oklahoma Syro- showcase their talents and get recognized. TMalabar region was hosted by Holy The most important aspect noted was the Family Syro-Malabar Catholic church resurgence of youth, specially college in Oklahoma City on August 15, 16 and goers in church activities and their active 17. Five Syro-Malabar churches from representation of respective churches. the region participated in Basketball, There were trials and triumphs, those who Volleyball, Throwball, Table Tennis, won know that they have had a good fight Shuttle Badminton, Tug of War, Chess, to win that trophy, and those who missed Caroms and Playing Cards competitions. it this time are looking forward to win it back in 2016. IPSF-2014 was not just On Friday, August 15, the competitions about games; the Syro-Malabar catholic commenced with prayers and blessings community in the region was coming led by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Paul Kottackal closer as good friends, establishing deeper and Fr. Wilson Antony, Assistant Vicar of bonds with churches and member families; St Joseph’s Forane Church Huston, TX. making sure that our proud Syro-Malabar IPSF-2014 was formally inaugurated on traditions and heritage are passed on to Saturday, August 16 by Rev. Fr. Paul Zahler, the generations to come. St. Gregory’s University, Shawnee, OK. Fr. Kurian Neduvelichalumkal, pastor, St. Alphonsa Church Coppell, clinched St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Forane the overall championship by amassing Church, Garland, TX and Fr. John Thomas 122.5 points. St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Thachara, pastor, St. Alphonsa Church Forane Church, Garland came second; Coppell, TX also were present, inspiring St. Mary’s Church Pearland, St Joseph’s all athletes and teams. Church Huston, and Holy Family Church Oklahoma City came in third, fourth and These three days witnessed several fifth position respectively. spirited competitions and spectacular sportsmanship and team performances. IPSF-2016 is tentatively scheduled to As envisioned, IPSF-2014 was a be held in Garland, TX under the aegis of wonderful opportunity for Syro-Malabar St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Forane Church.

80 81 Interior view of the renovated St. Alphonsa Church, Coppell, TX

Interior view of the renovated St. Thomas Church, Detroit, MI

Interior view of the newly consecrated St. Alphonsa Church, Baltimore, MD

81 St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago

DYA National Team, 2014-15

Participants in the Youth Conference for the Midwest Region

Participants in the Youth Conference of Northeast Region 82 83 Canonization of Bl. Kuriakose Elias Chavara

(1805-1871) 22 – 25

and Bl. Euphrasia Eluvathingal (1877-1952) 2014 November 23, 2014 at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican

Prayer Priests’ Conference Priests’ Lord, we thank you for raising Blessed Euphrasia and Blessed Chavara to sainthood. Give us the grace to be inspired by their ardent life of faith to follow you wholeheartedly. Lord, bless all programs happening all over Participants of the of Participants the world over the canonization process. May peace of Christ reign in all hearts as we celebrate this holy occasion. We ask this in held at Techny Towers Conference Centre, IL on September IL on Centre, Conference Towers Techny at held the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Amen.

83

OCTOBER 2014 COVER.indd 2 10/18/14 8:17 AM