St. Thomas Forane Church
Jalahalli, Banagalore, Karnataka 560 013
Holy Week Celebrations at St. Thomas Forane Church, Jalahalli – 2025
Holy Week began with a solemn Palm Sunday celebration. The faithful gathered at St. Claret PU College, where palm branches were blessed and distributed. A prayerful procession followed to the church, recalling Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
The day began with ward-wise Eucharistic Adoration at the Adoration Chapel. In the evening, the parish gathered for common adoration at 5:30 PM followed by Holy Qurbana at 6:00 PM. During the service, Msgr. Sunny Mathew (James Kunnampadavil) CMF, Parish Priest, washed the feet of 12 altar servers, reflecting Jesus’ humility and servant leadership. At the end of the Qurbana, he cut and distributed the Pesaha Appam, encouraging families to follow this tradition at home.
The solemn Good Friday service began at 7:00 AM at St. Thomas Forane Church, Jalahalli. It included the Passion reading and Way of the Cross, helping the faithful reflect deeply on Christ’s suffering and death.
On Holy Saturday morning, the faithful gathered at the church for the blessing of candles and holy water. Parishioners also renewed their baptismal promises, embracing the joy of new life in Christ and preparing spiritually for Easter.
The Easter Vigil began on Saturday night at 9:00 PM, followed by a festive Holy Qurbana on Easter morning at 7:00 AM. A symbolic representation of Golgotha was displayed inside the church by the altar servers. The celebrations concluded with the joyful distribution of Easter eggs, symbolizing resurrection and new life.
Blessing of the Madbha and Consecration of the New Altar at St. Thomas Forane Church, Jalahalli – 26th May 2025
A moment of deep spiritual significance unfolded at St. Thomas Forane Church, Jalahalli on Saturday, 26th May 2025, as the newly built Madbha (Sanctuary) and Altar were blessed and consecrated by His Excellency Mar Sebastian Adayanthrath, the Bishop of the Diocese of Mandya.
The ceremony commenced at 6:00 PM, with the faithful gathering in large numbers to witness and participate in this sacred occasion. The atmosphere was filled with prayer, reverence, and gratitude as the Bishop led the solemn rites of blessing and consecration. The rituals included the anointing of the altar with holy oil, the incensation, and the adorning of the altar, symbolizing the presence of Christ at the center of our worship and community life.
The event marked a milestone in the history of St. Thomas Forane Church, strengthening the bond of the community and rekindling the spirit of devotion and commitment among the parishioners. The beautifully consecrated Madbha now stands as a testament to the living faith of the people and their dedication to building the Body of Christ.
Following the solemn ceremony, a Sneha Virunnu (fellowship dinner) was joyfully organized for all the parishioners and guests, providing an opportunity to come together in celebration, thanksgiving, and community spirit.
The parish extends its heartfelt thanks to Bishop Mar Sebastian Adayanthrath, all the priests, religious, parishioners, and benefactors who made this blessed day possible.
May this newly consecrated altar continue to be a source of grace, unity, and inspiration for generations to come.
Inauguration of the Cemetery Chapel at Lakshmipura – 21-Apr-2025
A moment of grace and solemnity was witnessed at the Lakshmipura Cemetery on Monday, 21st April 2025, as the newly constructed chapel was blessed and inaugurated by His Excellency Mar Sebastian Adayantharath, Bishop of the Diocese of Mandya.
The faithful gathered in prayerful assembly to witness the blessing ceremony, thanking God for the gift of this sacred space. Our Vicar, Msgr Sunny Mathew CMF, along with all the parish priests from our Forane, were present to grace the occasion and concelebrate the service. Their presence added great joy and spiritual strength to the event.
In his address, Bishop Sebastian Adayantharath highlighted the importance of having a place of prayer and remembrance within the cemetery, where families can come to pray for the departed souls with reverence and hope.
The inauguration of the chapel marks a significant step in serving the spiritual needs of the community, offering a peaceful sanctuary for prayer and reflection.
The parish community extends its heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Mar Sebastian Adayantharath, Msgr Sunny Mathew, all the Forane priests, parishioners, and benefactors who contributed towards making this blessed day possible.
Society of St Vincent De Paul
As part of the Year of Care initiative, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Thomas Forane Church, Jalahalli, actively engaged in several charitable and spiritual activities during the month of March 2025. On March 2nd, ten members visited the Akashaparavakal Thirumugham Ashram in Lakshmipura, extending support in the form of monthly groceries worth ₹25,000 and an additional cash donation of ₹5,000. The visit included Adoration at the chapel and a fellowship meal with the residents, fostering a spirit of compassion and connection.
The Annual Lenten Retreat was held on March 9th, 2025 at St. Sebastian Forane Church, Mathikere, and was attended by 20 members. Rev. Fr. George Kannanthanam led the retreat, offering members a time of spiritual reflection and renewal during the Lenten season.
On March 15th, 2025 the Society organized the annual Elders’ Day Celebration, dedicated to the elderly and bedridden members of the parish. The day included opportunities for confession, Holy Qurbana celebrated with their family members, and medical assistance provided by parish nurses and doctors. Rev. Fr. Joseph Thoompanal and Rev. Fr. Mathew Muthaedath were the main celebrants, while Rev. Fr. Sunny Mathew CMF blessed the meal. The event brought immense joy to the participants, who expressed their heartfelt gratitude and hope for more such gatherings.
On March 26th, seven SSVP members visited Vimalaya Orphanage in Mandya, home to 13 girls and run by the Schoenstatt Fathers. Recognizing the urgent need for infrastructural support, the Society donated groceries worth ₹8,000, books and bedsheets worth ₹17,000, and ₹10,000 in cash. The team also met Rev. Fr. Joby Pothen to discuss ongoing and future support.
March 2025 proved to be a month rich in acts of service and spiritual grace, reflecting the Society’s unwavering commitment to caring for the less fortunate.
Lenten Acts of Mercy by Mathruvedi Members
As part of their Lenten observances, members of Mathruvedi undertook meaningful acts of mercy by visiting various shelter homes. During their visit, they offered heartfelt donations and spent time in prayerful solidarity with the residents.
In addition, a special Holy Qurbana, adoration, and the Way of the Cross were organized exclusively for Mathruvedi members. The members participated devoutly, deepening their spiritual journey during the sacred season of Lent.
മാതൃവേദി
നോമ്പുകാല പരിത്യാഗപ്രവർത്തികളുടെ ഭാഗമായി മാതൃവേദി അമ്മമാർ അഗതി മന്ദിരങ്ങൾ സന്ദർശിക്കുകയും സംഭാവനകൾ നൽകുകയും ചെയ്തു. മാതൃവേദി അംഗങ്ങൾക്ക് മാത്രമായി നടത്തിയ കുർബാന, ആരാധന ,കുരിശിന്റെ വഴി എന്നിവയിൽ അംഗങ്ങൾ ഭക്തിപൂർവം പങ്കെടുത്തു.
