Thursday, April 19, 2012

Washington D.C.

Yesterday made a visit to St.Patrick's church and concelebrated the noon mass. Very delighted to be there for the mass since I served the church for more than five years in the nineties.Most of the parishioners are new but they gave me rounds of applause when they heard that I had served the parish.Went after the mass to the Rectory and met Bp.Oliveir, Msgr.Sal and Sue Bosma. Had a very good time there sharing all the news about many of the people associated with the parish.
Was cold and windy.Had to buy an umbrella to walk to the Church.Had a very delicious lunch and returned to my room.In the evening, went with Mr.Thomas Kallarakal and celebrated the birthday of Marymol with the family.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

New York,2012

Will be staying at Fishkill on April 12.Can be contacted at Jogy's tel.no. (H) 845-896-0106;(C) 203-585-4201.
My cell no.708-334-5083( same as the old one)
Hope and pray that the time to be spent in Ny will be beneficial.

Holy Week,2012

By the grace of God, was able to participate in the Holy Week celebrations at different places.On Holy Thursday mass, I was called to concelebrate with the Major Archbishop,Mar George Cardinal Alencherry.The Basilica was well packed and the holy ceremonies passed very smoothly with the Major Archbishop giving a beautiful homily,bringing out the meaning of the various parts of the ceremony.It was well coordinated and held in a very disciplined manner.The advantage was that the Basilica had enough chairs and benches for the people to sit.Several TV channels were there , but they were not allowed to move around.
I went to my parish church at Thathampally and was asked to be the the main celebrant for the Good Friday ceremonies at 3p.m.On Easter Sunday, I went again to Thathampally and said the 7 a.m. mass.The church was packed with the faithful.It also gave me  a chance to meet the people of my parish.Thus, the Holy Week passed  very smoothly and I could participate in the ceremonies with great devotion.
Fr.Mepreth , in spite of his illness, came for the Sunday mass at Thathampaly.
Lord, thank you for giving us the grace to participate in your life and experience the grace of your presence in our life.It is not our love of you that counts, but your love for us.As long as you love us, there will be no darkness in our life.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Holy Thursday celebration at the Basilica

The Holy Thursday mass was celebrated by the Major Archbishop Mar George Cardinal Alencherry.It was a solemn mass and the Basilica was packed with people.The short  but beautiful Eucharistic proccession was very moving. It was his first Pesaha after being elected as the Major Archbishop.Seven of us , priests, concelebrated with him.I spent an hour in adoration after the mass. It is also my first Holy Thursday celebraton after I decided to stay back in Kerala.
Thank you ,Lord, for your blessings.To know you and to love you is the greatest happiness we can have in our life. I know you will never forsake us.You will keep all those who call out your name in your love and protection.