july 2014 bulletin
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July 2014 Newsletter Volume 6 Issue 1
Contact Information:
Fr. John Kuriakose,
222 Ridley Blvd,
Toronto, ON, M5M 3M6
Tel: (416) 485 7781
daijuak@gmail.com
Inside the Issue
MCYM Discerning Vocations 2
Reunion (Commemoration of
Mar Ivanios)
4
Saint of the Month 7
Malankara Madness 9
MONTHLY EVENTS
JULY 05 Parish Picnic @ Richard’s Memorial Park 10AM—8PM JULY 06 Sunday School Anniversary JULY 12 Monthly Parish Prayer Meeting @ Babu & Kunjumol’s Home 6.30PM JULY 13 Servant of God, Mar Ivanios Perunaal JULY 26-27 Midwest Regional Family Conference @ Seneca College - Newnham Campus: Residence & Conference Centre
3:00 PM Adoration of the
Blessed Sacrament
4:00 PM Morning Prayers
(Namaskaram) & Confession
4:30 PM Holy Mass (Qurbana)
Catechism will resume on the
first Sunday of September 2014
Sunday Liturgy
© St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church, Toronto
Dear Readers,
A big congratulations goes to the Malankara Catholic Mission
in Toronto, as this officially marks the fifth anniversary of our Bulle-
tin! Summer is finally here and Sunday school has come to an end
having completed a full year of studies and its examinations. This
month we commemorate two important days in our Malankara
Church – St. Thomas Day and Mar Ivanios Day. Adding to the
heavenly host of saints from ‘God’s own country’, preparations have
begun for the canonization of His Grace Mar Ivanios. Additionally,
two other Indians, both from Kerala, have been announced to be
declared saints — Blessed Fr. Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Blessed
Mother Eufrasia Eluvathingal of the Sacred Heart. We give thanks to
God and pray for His blessings through the intercession of all these
saints. This past month, our youth were blessed to take part in a day
dedicated to discernment of vocation, on June 28th, to help us discern
what path God has chosen for us to take in our lives, whether it be to
join a religious order or become a spouse through the sacrament of
marriage, or to lead a celibate, ascetic life dedicated to God. Also
last month, our youth boys attended the third annual Malankara
Madness regional basketball tournament in Chicago on June 21st, and
although they were eliminated they had a wonderful experience there
for a wonderful cause. Finally, we take a look inside the life of the
Saint of the month, the first saint from our motherland, St. Alphonsa.
We hope that you continue to support us and keep us in your prayers
during these summer holidays. God bless!
- The Editorial Team
Malankara Catholic Church St. Mary’s Mission Toronto
St. Eugene’s Chapel ◊ 13 Regina Avenue ◊ Toronto, Ontario ◊ M6A 1R2
www.stmarysmalankaracatholicchurchtoronto.ca
torontomalankaramission@gmail.com
5th Anniversary
© St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church, Toronto
Page 2
MCYM Discerning Vocations: An Open Mind and Heart to God’s Call and Signs
For the purpose of discernment in their
vocations, the older youth of St. Mary’s
Malankara Catholic Mission gathered at St.
Eugene’s Chapel, Saturday morning on June
28th. As many of the MCYM members are
progressing into a new phase of their life, it
was appropriate to dedicate a day to recollect
on the discernment process to lead a certain
vocation. We had talks from a priest from the
Archdiocese, our own senior youth, Sebin,
and had discussions among our youth, Rajesh
Jacob, our youth animator, Br. Jobin and Fr.
John on the relevant topics. We concluded the
the event with Adoration of the Blessed
Sacrament. The whole day was an opportune
time to seek the intercession of
Mar Ivanios, the Servant of God,
with his approaching commemoration on July
15. By seeking heavenly help from above,
and also those whom God gave us
on Earth, we can better answer God’s call.
Coming to provide insight on
discernment using the church’s wisdom and
his own experience was Fr. Thomas Lim.
Before beginning to share, Fr. Thomas invited
us to keep an open mind, not only as the
means to fully understand what he about to
tell us, but also the key to understanding
God’s plan. After instructing to be open to the
possibilities of one’s vocation and way of life,
Fr. read an excerpt from the Gospel of John,
from Chapter 14. From verses 1 to 6, Jesus
tells his disciples that they should not be trou-
bled and believe in Him. God has prepared a
place for us in His house, where He will re-
ceive us. Jesus was also speaking to us, and
he speaking about heaven. This passage re-
minds us of our purpose in life and with a pur-
pose, we find meaning and then, direction.
Continued on next page...
© St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church, Toronto
Page 3
Continued...
Using this faith, Fr. Lim explained that
our life on Earth is a journey, the Church pro-
vides assistance on our journey and that the
Father’s house is our destination. Whether we
answer the vocation from God will determine
if we are on the right path to Him. And for
this, we need to open our senses, our mind,
and soul to the path He made for us. Fr. Lim
went to tell us what his journey was till now.
As an immigrant boy from a poor family, he
was shown worldly signs, as well as, signs
from God. For the first part of his life, he
followed the vocation of the world seeking a
life of wealth. Leading an unfulfilling life,
through regular attendance of Sunday Mass
and one Sunday Mass and one homily, he
came to a turning point and began recognizing
and responding to the signs from God. He
answered his vocation from God, which was
to become a priest. He has served in the
Church as a parish priest, studying Canon Law
and working in the Church’s marriage tribunal
and soon, he will be living, working and help-
ing form seminarians.
Fr. Thomas Lim began and ended, with
the same theme throughout his talk —
keep an open mind and heart for
what heaven has in store for us.
As those who profess the faith, we must
listen to His voice for what God needs us to
do.
- Neil Thazhamon
© St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church, Toronto
Page 4
Reunion: How do I fit in?
We are all familiar with the recent
events of how the tomb of Servant of God Mar
Ivanios was reopened and mortal remains were
examined as per canonical rules in the process
towards canonization of this great soul. The
vast number of faithful who turned up from
different parts of India, and even state
dignitaries present later during the day, who
paid their respects, was a testimony to the
legacy this holy soul has left behind.
However as a Malankarite of the present
millennium I would like to pause for a moment
and ask myself, the following:
How does the ‘Reunion’, that happened
around 75 years ago, influence my faith,
my life and my upbringing in North
America?
Though I have not met this holy soul,
how does his vision, and his spiritual
practices shape the way I practice my
faith?
It was not long ago, that I emigrated from
Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala, the
prominent city that beholds the seat of the
Catholicos and the Catholicate Center for the
Syro-Malankara Catholic church. The city
providentially disposed to embrace the tomb of
Mar Ivanios Pithavu. Growing up in this city
little did I realize the bountiful resources of
faith the church had to offer.
But as I became miles and miles away from it,
I realized all the more, the richness of the soil
that I was brought up in, the bounty of the
liturgy, that my grandmother so painstakingly
made sure that I learn, a tradition and way of
spiritual life that my ancestors were proud of.
If it was not for the ‘Reunion’ would I have
been able to enjoy being a part of this liturgy
and yet be part of a church that is universal?
Continued on next page...
Commemoration of Archbishop Mar Ivanios, the Servant of God
July 15
© St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church, Toronto
Page 5
Continued...
Till very recent years, to me the Reunion
Movement was a thing of the past for which I
was grateful for, but I felt no appreciation or
sentiments for the people who sacrificed and
worked relentlessly for it. In my diary of
events, Mar Ivanios Pithavu was a bishop of
the past. I feel deeply grateful to God that in
the recent years, God in his mercy has opened
my eyes to the spiritual insights and prophetic
vision Mar Ivanios Pithavu has had for our
church and the generations to come.
‘Girideepam’ - a honest, illustrative and
exhaustive autobiography of how a devout and
spiritual man surrenders all his worldly desires
and aspirations, but trusts in God alone to build
and establish what God asks for, will inspire
anybody who reads it with an open mind.
Likewise the narrative account of his
contemplative meditations before the Holy
Eucharist, and exhortation about the Holy
Qurbono, ‘Vishudha Qurbana – Oru Dhyana
Padhanam’ and other didactic writings on the
sacraments of the church and a collection of the
daily prayers he recited are all eye-openers to
the holy and rigorous spiritual life Mar Ivanios
Pithavu has lead and paved as a path to follow.
It often helps me to experience a personal
relationship, that I have built with him, and he
in turn prays for me and guides me to God.
Continued on next page...
First Bethany Ashram at Mundanmala
‘Nagari Kanikkal’ — The funeral procession of then Archbishop Mar Ivanios
© St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church, Toronto
Page 6
Continued...
I would want to conclude with this prayer,
recited by Mar Ivanios Pithavu:
“O God we are yours. We have been called out
from this world, and consecrated for you, so
that you may use us according to Your will. O
most loving Father in heaven, instruct us to
love You with all our heart, mind and strength.
Instill in us the grace to renounce any selfish
desire and surrender ourselves to You.
Teach us to do Your holy will and to suffer for
You no matter how much it might hurt us. Let
us not calculate how much we have to spend
for You. The only gain we ask of You is the
conviction and knowledge that we are doing
Your holy will. Give us the grace to love You
and glorify You by leading a life as per the
design You have intended it to be in
Your abundant love for us. Amen.”
(Not an official translation)
- Rajesh Jacob
After the Opening of the Tomb of Servant of God Mar Ivanios
with the Major-Archbishop Catholicos and all Bishops of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church and 20,000 faithful present
© St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church, Toronto
Page 7
‘Dukhorono’— Feast of St. Thomas July 3
St. Thomas, who cried out the faith, pray for us!
‘God’s Own Country’ —
Two Indians, from Kerala, to enter Sainthood On November 23rd, Pope Francis
has declared that Blessed
Kuriakose Elias Chavara and
Blessed Eufrasia Eluvathingal,
among four other Blesseds, will
take the next step and enter into
Sainthood. Let us thank God for
for blessing Kerala, India, and
the world. To read more: http://
www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/two-
indians-among-six-new-blesseds-approved-
for-canonization/ Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara of the
Holy Family, Indian priest and
founder of the Congregation of the
Carmelites of Mary Immaculate
Blessed Eufrasia Eluvathingal
of the Sacred Heart, Indian
professed religious of the
Congregation of the Mother of
Carmel
© St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church, Toronto
Page 8
Saint of the Month — St. Alphonsa
St. Alphonsa is the first native saint from
India. She was named Anna Muttathupadathu
and born on August 19, 1910. Her mother died
when she was very young and so she was
raised by her maternal aunt. Anna was educat-
ed by her great uncle, Fr. Joseph Muttathupa-
dathu. In 1916 Anna started school in Ar-
pookara.
Because she was born to a rich family,
she received many marriage proposals. She
had different plans however, and wanted to
dedicate her life to Jesus. In 1923, she had a
major accident in which she burned her feet
and this event left her permanently disabled.
When she was able, she joined the Fran-
ciscan Clarist Congregation. She arrived at the
Clarist convent at Bharananganam, Kottayam
district on Pentecost Sunday 1927.
She received her veil on August 2, 1928 and
took the name “Alphonsa of the Immaculate
Conception”. On August 11, 1931 she com-
pleted the novitiate and took her first vows.
She took her permanent vows in 1936.
It was on June 14, 1939 that she got a
case of severe pneumonia, which left her inca-
pable of doing many things. Her health con-
tinued to decline from this point and she
passed away on July 28, 1946.
St. Alphonsa is attributed to many physi-
cal healings, especially those of the foot.
She is recognized for patience in her life of
suffering. Pope Benedict XVI announced
her canonization of October 12 2008.
Let us continue to ask for her intercession for
blessings in our life and for others,
especially those who may need it the most.
- Jonathan Mani
Feast of St. Alphonsa
July 28th
© St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church, Toronto
Page 9
Malankara Madness Tournament 2014
Toronto MCYM participated in the
Malankara Madness regional basketball tour-
nament hosted by Chicago MCYM on June 21,
2014! This was the 3rd annual tournament for
all Midwest regional teams. Although Toronto
MCYM played with intensity and passion,
they were eliminated from playoff contention.
The 2-time defending champs Chicago Syro
Malabar Warriors won the tournament once
again this year! They will be participating in
the national basketball tournament in New
York on August 16. Even though Toronto
MCYM did not advance to the next round, it
was an incredible experience for them. Teams
from many denominations came together be-
cause of their shared interest in basketball, and
all the participants were able to have a great
time and develop new friendships along the
way!
Malankara Madness is a non-profit annu-
al sports tournament run by MCYM members
of the Malankara Catholic Exarchate,
for the competing teams of the New York,
Midwest, Philadelphia regions, to culminate in
one national event. Running for three years
now, this initiative uses sports, a common
thread among church communities, as a way to
tie together the many denomination in friendly
and brotherly competition. Such tournaments
also bring opportunity to better the body, the
mind, and the soul of the athlete, as well as en-
hance the relationship within and between the
youth and parish communities. All proceeds
are donated to Sneha Veedu. Located in Na-
lanchira, this home provides food, shelter,
medication, counselling and mental rehabilita-
tion to the mentally challenged, the poor, the
aged and the orphans, by the work of Fr.
George John, three Holy Spirit nuns and two
lay people. Let us pray that this event
continue to remain a staple in our
Malayalee Christian communities to
bring forward brotherly love and
witnessing to Christ and the gospel values.
- Lynn Babu
LITURGY OF THE MONTH Date Gospel Reading Old Testament Reading 1 Old Testament Reading 2
July 06
Luke 6:27-36
Saji Elavanal
(Exodus 20: 1-17,
Job 9: 1 - 10)
Ansu Roy
(Isaiah 65: 1 - 9)
July 13
(Servant of God,
Mar Ivanios
Perunaal)
Luke 9:57-62
Simon Plamthottam
(Exodus 25: 1-9,
Isaiah 65: 13 -16)
Nisha Thomas
(Hosea 14: 1 - 9)
July 20
Luke 15:1-7
Lini Jose
(Deutronomy 21: 18 - 21,
2 Chronicles 4: 1 - 22)
Tanya Mamoottil
(Isaiah 43: 22 - 28)
July 27
Matthew 12:22-32
Francis Thazhamon
(Exodus 34: 29 - 35,
1 Samuel 4: 12 - 18)
Divya Mamoottil
(Ezekiel 16: 1 - 14)
Fifteen Days Fast (Nombu) begins on August 1st in preparation for the Assumption of Mary, Mother of God
ALTAR SERVERS SCHEDULE—JUNE 2014 DATE CANDLE
1 & 2 MARUVAHASA
1 & 2 THUBDEN
II & III THUBDEN
IV & V BELL SCRIPTURE
READINGS DEACON
READINGS THURIBLE
July 06 Abin &
Alister
Aliston &
Joel
Alexi Alvin Alvin 1st: Tom (Sarath) (Acts 6: 1 - 7)
2nd: Alexi (1 Corinthians
10: 14 - 22)
Jerome Samson
July 13 Matthew &
Alan
Alexi &
Alvin
Cyrus Richu Aaron 1st: Aaron (Acts 9: 10 - 19)
2nd: Cyrus (Hebrews 13:
7 - 16)
Christopher
Neil
July 20 Abin &
Alexi
Tom (Sarath) &
Aliston
Alister Cyrus Alan 1st: Alan (Acts 17: 22 - 34)
2nd: Alister (1 Corinthians 12: 12 – 26)
Samson Jerome
July 27 REGIONAL FAMILY CONFERENCE
(TBD)
© St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church, Toronto
Page 10
© St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church, Toronto
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