April 2025 - Volume 1
Greetings of the Great Sunday of the Kyamtha of our Lord
ܕܡܲܓܵܗܲܝ ܚܲܕܒܿܫܲܒܵܐ ܪܲܒܵܐ ܕܲܩܝܵܡܬܹܿܗ ܕܡܵܪܲܢ
Contents
- 1. Season of Resurrection (Qyamtha)
- 2. Message from Fr. Binoy Nilayattingal
- 3. Events in March at a glance
- 3.1 International Women’s Day
- 3.2 General Body Meeting
- 3.3 Way of the Cross
- 3.4 Chayachitra Prayanam
- 3.5 Mother’s Day celebration
- 3.6 Altar Servers Training
- 4. Catechism
- 5. Upcoming Events
- 6. Know a Saint, Be a Saint
- 7. Kids Corner
1. Season of Resurrection (Qyamtha) ܩܝܵܡܬܵܐ
The period of the Resurrection comprises seven weeks starting from the feast of Resurrection (Easter) and extending to the feast of Pentecost. It is a time of joy recalling the new life obtained through the resurrection of the Saviour. The hymns and prayers of this season reflect this joy. Some of the important themes of this liturgical season are the resurrection of Christ, his victory over sin, death and Satan, the Cross, which was a sign of folly becoming the sign of redemption and glory, the resurrection of Christ as a pledge of our resurrection, His resurrection as a basis of Christian faith, etc.
The resurrection of Jesus is the central point of the entirety of salvation history (I Cor 15:14, 16). It is the climax of the Christ-event and the basis for the Christian faith. The period of resurrection demonstrates the glorification of Christ attained through resurrection. For God’s plan of salvation reached its culmination in the mystery of the resurrection and ascension of Christ. The Syro-Malabar Church wants to confirm her children in faith during this season. Christ’s resurrection is the foundation of her faith, and each Christian is reminded of that he or she is baptised into the death and resurrection of Christ. The early Syro-Malabar Church administered the sacrament of baptism in connection with Easter. The week after Easter was set apart for the newly baptized.
Main Feasts celebrated in the season:
- Feast of Resurrection (Great Feast of our Lord) - The only feast in the early Church was the feast of Resurrection
- Feast of the Ascension of the Lord – 40th day after the feast of Resurrection
- First Friday of the season- Memorial of ‘All Saints and Martyrs’
- The Sunday after the feast of Resurrection (New Sunday/ Puthu Njayar)- commemorates the proclamation of faith in Jesus by St. Thomas, the Apostle.
- Feast of Mar Addai – 5th Sunday of Qyamtha
- Feast of St. George- April 24
- Feast of Bl. Virgin Mary (Our Lady of fields)- May 15
This season gives the good news that the Risen Lord, who entrusted Simon Peter and other Apostles and their successors with the task of leading the flock, is with them till the end of the world. This season asks the faithful to ponder on heaven, resurrection and eternal life. It is only through Jesus Christ, the savior, that one can attain eternal life. The Church upholds the example of the Apostles who spent their whole time in the Temple as per the command of Jesus at the time of His Ascension. The Church asks us to wait hopefully for the joy of the Pentecost in the Church where heaven and earth unite.
2. Message from Fr. Binoy Nilayattingal
The risen Christ is the center of the Christian faith. Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins and rise again from the dead to give us a new birth into a living hope and to make us heirs of an eternal life. As we remember his passion and glory of his resurrection, it’s a time to surrender all our sufferings on his cross and to believe that our Lord is the only one capable of leading us into a new life of peace and joy.
Reflecting on the words of St. Paul "We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him."(Romans 6:9). Since his death had power over all the sins and he was raised from dead by the glory of the Father, let us count ourselves dead to the sins and live to God.
Our Lord is now alive, and he will be with us as he promised. May the peace and joy of the risen Christ fill your hearts and let his light shine in your way. Wish you all a glorious Easter!
3. Events in March at a glance
3.1 International Women’s Day
“Woman is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future”. (Proverbs 31:25)
International Women’s Day is celebrated at our mission on 8 March, 2025. Our community honored all women and girls specially by handing over a flower as a token of admiration. Fr. Binoy congratulated and thanked all the women who are the strong pillars of the families, church and society.
The theme for International Women's Day 2025 was "For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment." This theme emphasizes the need for action to achieve equal rights, power, and opportunities for all, and to empower the next generation, particularly young women and girls.
3.2 General Body Meeting
The General Body meeting was conducted on 8 March, 2025 at Our Lady of Health Mission. Election of new trustees were conducted during this time. The registered families at our mission voted for two trustees from the list of shortlisted candidates. Ms.Noble Varghese and Mr. Saji Thadathil were elected as the new trustees based on the majority votes. The church account was presented by accountant Mr. Jijo Arayathu.
Congratulations and prayers for the newly elected trustees Ms.Noble Varghese and Mr. Saji Thadathil. May Holy Spirit guide you and lead you in the new role.
3.3 Way of the Cross
“We Adore You Oh Christ and We Bless You: Because By Your Holy Cross You Have Redeemed the World”
Season of Great Fast was a time of spiritual preparation, repentance and renewal before the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord. Our community joined the prayers and meditated upon the Passion of Jesus Christ through the Way of the Cross conducted on every Saturday after mass during the Lenten season. The prayers were led by Men’s forum, St Sebastian Unit, St Joseph Unit, Holy Family Unit, Holy Communion Children and Church Choir.
3.4 Chayachitraprayanam
Chayachitraprayanam (ഛായാചിത്ര പ്രയാണം) of St. Therese of the child Jesus is conducted at Our Lady of Health Mission, Haywards heath on 22 March, 2025 by Cherupushpa Mission League (CML) members.
The program commenced with the CML declaration rally with the image of St Theresa of the Child Jesus by the CML members (children in year 5 – 10) in our mission. Lighting of the lamp was done by Fr. Binoy Nilayattingal, Denzel Arun, Sam Issac, Adelbert Sajan, Jiya George, Juana Joshy, Oksana Somy (House leaders) Silvy Lukose (Head teacher), Shiji Jacob, Julie Arun, Ansamma (CML teacher’s representatives). Fr. Binoy consecrated the image of St Theresa of the Child Jesus. As part of the event, CML members took the pledge led by CML president Jiya George followed by a video presentation on St. Therese of the child Jesus. The program concluded with CML anthem and a photo session of the CML members.
3.5 Mother’s Day celebration
Mother’s Day is celebrated at our mission on 29 March, 2025. All mothers in our community are honoured on the occasion as an expression of gratitude and appreciation recognizing their profound influence and the positive contributions they make to the families and our community. Fr. Binoy appreciated and honoured all mothers with a flower.
3.6 Altar Servers Training
A training session was arranged for the altar servers in our mission on 5th April Saturday from 12.00-3.00 PM. Dn. Joice J Pallickamyalil delivered the training to the altar servers which helped the children to understand more deeply regarding their duties, the meaning of liturgical objects, and their specific roles while serving at the Altar of the Lord.
4. Catechism
Catechism classes were conducted on 15th March, 22nd March and 5th April during March-April month. Classes usually starts with assembly, prayer followed by classroom session. Children in each class learn through stories, discussions and presentations.
Catechism department in Our Lady of Health Mission submitted its report of 2023-2024 for accreditation in bronze category.
Catechism classes for next month:
- 3rd May 2025
- 17th May 2025
5. Upcoming Events
- 3rd May 2025 - Saturday:
- Catechism class at 3:30pm
- Holy Mass at 5 pm
- 9th May 2025 - Friday
- 12 hours Japamala at Siju Philip & Nisha’s house
- 10th May 2025 - Saturday
- Adoration at 4 pm – Led by Holy Family Unit and St Sebastian Unit
- Holy Mass at 4.30 PM
- After Mass, Farwell to Fr. Binoy and welcoming our new Parish Priest Fr Jimmy Mattathil
- 17th May 2025 - Saturday
- Catechism class at 3:30pm
- Holy Mass at 5 pm
- 24th May - Saturday
- Holy Communion Mass at 3pm
- 31st May 2025 - Saturday
- Aylesford Pilgrimage
- Holy Mass at 5pm
6. Know a saint, Be a saint
St Therese of Lisieux was born in France. She always wanted to become a nun and joined the Carmelites in Lisieux when she was 15. She was only 24 when she died.
Therese helped others with small acts of kindness. She is known for her "Little Way," which is about doing small acts of kindness and love with great dedication. She believed that even the smallest actions could be very meaningful and pleasing to God. She often called herself a "little flower" in God's garden, meaning she wasn't trying to be a big or special flower, but instead, she focused on being a good, small flower. She saw herself as a child who lived in complete dependence on God. Therese acknowledged her littleness and believed this showed more clearly God’s greatness. She once said, “If all the lovely flowers wished to be roses, nature would lose its springtime beauty.” Therese saw herself as a tiny flower in the garden of God and believed His power shone more clearly through her weakness. She had a practice that helped her count her little deeds for God that is simple and perfect for children of all ages. She taught that we don't need to do extraordinary things to be close to God. Instead, we can show our love through small acts of kindness, like being patient with our siblings, helping a friend, or doing chores with a smile.
St. Therese believed that even after she died, she would continue to work for good in the world. Her writings, especially her autobiography "The Story of a Soul," are very popular and help people learn about her life and her "Little Way”.
Saint Therese’s feast day is October 1, but her message always reaches all people. God wants to meet us wherever we are, and He is accessible to all who seek Him. The little way is a way of forgiveness, confidence, trust, and love. It is selfless and simple. St. Therese of Lisieux is a great saint who arrived at holiness by a simple path we all can follow. She is with us and will help us.
Watch the movie on the life of the little flower on YouTube - ST. THERESE OF LISIEUX Miracle of St. Therese (1952)
Activity for kids: Take a printout and color the picture (Click here to view the image)
7. Kids Corner
Art work by Ewan Bibin Thomas and Evelyn Anna Thomas in preparation for Palm Sunday.
Inviting entries from children and adults with their creativity to publish in our Newsletter.
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