St. Thomas Forane Church
St. Thomas Forane Church
Jalahalli, Banagalore, Karnataka 560 013

PARISH DIARY – OCT’24

OCTOBER – MONTH OF THE HOLY ROSARY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

The month of October is dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary, primarily because October 7 is the feast day of Our Lady of the Rosary. This feast, also celebrated as Our Lady of Victory, was established by Pope St. Pius V in 1571 to honor the miraculous victory of the Catholic naval forces in the Battle of Lepanto on October 7 of that year. Prior to the decisive battle, Pope St. Pius V, aware of the Christian forces’ disadvantage, called for all of Europe to pray the Rosary for victory.

At the moment of victory, Pope St. Pius V, who was hundreds of miles away at the Vatican, is said to have risen from a meeting, gone to a window, and proclaimed with supernatural insight, “The Christian fleet is victorious!” He shed tears of gratitude to God, attributing the triumph to the power of the Holy Rosary.

At St. Thomas Forane Church, Jalahalli, we celebrate the Month of the Rosary by reciting the Rosary regularly before the morning Holy Qurbana. Beginning on October 21, 2024, we held special evening Holy Qurbana, with the Rosary led by each ward. October 31, 2024, shall mark the conclusion, featuring the Rosary at 6:00 PM, followed by Holy Qurbana, Ladeenju, and Nercha.

CATECHISM

SOLEMN HOLY COMMUNION – 27th Oct 2024

Preparation for the Solemn Holy Communion began in July 2024, under the dedicated guidance of Sr. Stephy DM and Ms. Lidiya P. On 15th September 2024, an orientation program for students was conducted by Fr. Xavier Manavath. This was followed by an orientation program for parents on 6th October 2024. Fr. Paul Manjooran, Catechism Director of the Mandya Diocese and Assistant Rector of the Mother Theresa Minor Seminary, spoke to parents about the importance of nurturing strong faith in their children. He shared real-life examples of common challenges faced by modern parents and offered practical guidance on creating awareness and supporting their children to face these challenges with a faith-filled approach.

On 27th October 2024, 26 students from our parish celebrated their Solemn Holy Communion, and 18 of them received Confirmation, with both sacraments conferred by His Excellency Mar Sebastian Adayanthrath, Bishop of Mandya.

FEAST OF ST. LITTLE FLOWER CELEBRATED WITH A STREET PLAY – 29TH SEPTEMBER 2024

The children of CML performed a street play based on the life of St. Therese of Lisieux for the entire parish, celebrating her feast day on September 29th. The play illustrated how the “Little Way” contributed to St. Therese’s path to sainthood, and concluded with the children encouraging everyone to follow her example and strive for a holy life.

 

LOGOS QUIZ – 29TH SEPTEMBER 2024

More than 20 adults and students from our parish participated in the Logos Quiz 2024 organised by Kerala Catholic Bible Society, taking the quiz in both Malayalam and English. Held on September 29th, the quiz was conducted from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM, with invigilation duties conducted by teachers under the leadership of our catechism secretary, Ms. Sarita Biju.

Class 10th, 11th, and 12th Students Visit Aakashaparavagal – 6th October 2024

Accompanied by members of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul, students from classes 10, 11, and 12 visited Aakashaparavakal on 6th October 2024 to spend time with the residents. They distributed collected goods and toiletries, assisted in serving food, and engaged in meaningful conversations, giving the students a chance to serve those less privileged.

Library Session for Young Children – 13th October

A special library session was organized on October 13th, featuring a display of storybooks and books on the lives of saints after the children’s mass. Children from all classes were encouraged to borrow books, inspiring a love for reading and learning about saints.

 

Society of St. Vincent De Paul, St. Thomas Forane Church, Jalahalli

Visit to Akashaparavakal – 1st September 2024

As part of the ongoing “Year of Care Programme,” the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP) organized a visit to Akashaparavakal’s Thirumugha Ashrama in Lakshmipura. Twelve members from our SSVP conference participated, bringing monthly groceries valued at ₹20,000, funded through offerings collected at weekly ward prayers in our Church.

During the visit, members took part in the monthly adoration at the Ashrama chapel, spent meaningful time with the residents, and shared lunch with them. The visit concluded on a high note, offering the residents both physical and spiritual support.

Mission Station Visit to Anchettihalli – 14th September 2024

On 14th September, eight members of our Society, including our Parish Priest Msgr. Fr. Sunny, visited the mission station in Anchettihalli, Mandya district. The focus was on assessing the station’s support needs.

One key area of need was assistance in selling 2,000 liters of coconut oil produced by the mission’s oil mill. The Society committed to aiding in this endeavor. Additionally, a decision was made to sponsor the education of a student from a family reliant on the mission station.

The visit concluded with prayers led by Fr. Reubin and the sisters of the mission, followed by fellowship over lunch, strengthening our dedication to supporting the mission’s goals.

Feast of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Annual Day Celebration – 29th September 2024

The Annual Day of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was celebrated on 29th September 2024, marking the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul. The day began with Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Sunny, Fr. Mathew, and Fr. Thomas Thennady. Fr. Thomas delivered an inspiring sermon that set a motivational tone for the day.

 Following Mass, Nercha (blessed food offering) was distributed to all parishioners. A public meeting with beneficiaries was held afterward, attended by church priests, nuns from various congregations, trustees, and presidents of all pious organizations. A total of 175 beneficiaries and their family members joined the event.

 During the celebration, the Annual Jacob Memorial Scholarship was awarded to top academic performers supported by our Society for their outstanding SSLC results in 2024. The chief guest, Fr. Joseph Thoompanal, delivered an uplifting address, joined by Dr. Sanjanna, a doctor who had been supported by the Society in the past. Br. Isaac also shared insights on new government health insurance benefits for the elderly.

 A health camp was organized for senior beneficiaries, offering blood sugar and blood pressure screenings, along with free consultations by three doctors. Children enjoyed games organized by the STYF, adding joy to the event.

 The celebration concluded with a communal lunch, bringing together beneficiaries, guests, and Society members to share in the spirit of the day. The event was well-received, with beneficiaries expressing their appreciation for the ongoing support and services provided.

The celebration concluded with a communal lunch, bringing together beneficiaries, guests, and Society members to share in the spirit of the day. The event was well-received, with beneficiaries expressing their appreciation for the ongoing support and services provided

Pithruvedhi

Parish Sports Competitions

The Parish Sports Competitions, organized by the STARS Pithruvedhi, were launched on September 22 with an inaugural ceremony led by the Parish Vicar. The event featured a series of sports contests spread over several days, beginning with indoor games on September 22. The competition reached an exciting peak on October 13 with a lively tug-of-war match, where winners were recognized and awarded. The events will conclude on November 10, 2024 with track and field competitions.

21st Annual STARS Pithruvedhi Celebration and Parish Onam Festival

The 21st Annual Celebration of the STARS Pithruvedhi and Parish Onam Festival took place on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at St. Thomas Forane Church, Jalahalli. Led by STARS Pithruvedhi President Mr. Anoj Philip, the celebration opened with a public meeting presided over by Parish Vicar Rev. Msgr. Sunny Mathew. Distinguished guests included Mrs. Mary Joseph, Sub-Editor of Vijaya

Karnataka, and Rev. Fr. Roy Vattakunnel, former Director of Pithruvedhi of the Mandya Diocese, who delivered a heartfelt felicitation address.

Following the meeting, attendees enjoyed a vibrant cultural program, including a musical performance by Angel Voice from Muvattupuzha and a Shingari Melam (traditional drum performance) by the Kalathandan Arts Society from Meppadi. Additional cultural performances added to the celebration, creating a joyful atmosphere.

The event concluded with a grand Onam feast, expertly prepared by chef Mr. Suraj Namboothiri from Changanassery, featuring a rich variety of traditional dishes. With over 2,000 attendees, the event was a memorable success, highlighting the spirit of community and tradition.

Mandya Diocese Mathruvedi Annual Day and Parish Onam Celebration Highlights

On October 2, 30 members from our parish participated in the Mandya Diocese Mathruvedi Annual Day, “Esperance.” As part of the cultural program, the members presented a group dance and received a consolation prize in the Rosary-making competition. The group also celebrated a proud achievement, securing third place in the Best Unit Award for the year 2023-24.

On October 20, the members contributed to the parish Onam celebrations with a Thiruvathira performance and a lively group dance. As part of the October Rosary devotions, they joined the diocesan leadership on October 22 for a full-day, continuous Rosary prayer from morning until evening, dedicating prayers and intentions in a spirit of faith and unity.

ജാലഹള്ളി  സെന്റ് തോമസ് ഇടവക പിതൃവേദിയുടെ കഴിഞ്ഞ ഒരു മാസത്തെ പ്രവർത്തന  റിപ്പോർട്ട്‌ October 2024

ഇടവക   സ്പോർട്സ്

ജാലഹള്ളി സെന്റ് തോമസ് ഇടവക സ്പോർട്സ് മത്സരങ്ങൾ സ്റ്റാർസ് പിതൃവേദിയുടെ നേതൃത്വത്തിൽ നടന്നു

സെപ്റ്റംബർ 22ന് ബഹുമാനപ്പെട്ട വികാരിയച്ഛൻ മാത്സരങ്ങൾക്ക് ഉദ്ഘാടനം നിർവഹിച്ചു. പല ദിവസങ്ങളിലായി വിവിധ ഇനങ്ങളിൽ മത്സരങ്ങൾ നടക്കുകയുണ്ടായി. സെപ്റ്റംബർ 22ന് ഇൻഡോർ മത്സരങ്ങളും, ഒക്ടോബർ 13ന് വാശിയേറിയ വടംവലി മത്സരങ്ങളും നടന്നു വിജയികൾക്ക് സമ്മാനങ്ങൾ നൽകിനവംബർ 10ന് ട്രാക് & ഫീൽഡ് മാത്സരങ്ങളോടെ സ്പോർട്സിന് പരിസമാപ്തിയാകും.

ജാലഹള്ളി സെന്റ് തോമസ് ഫോറോന പള്ളി ഇടവക സ്റ്റാർസ് പിതൃവേദിയുടെ 21-മത് വാർഷികാഘോഷവും ഇടവകയുടെ ഓണാഘോഷവും ഒക്ടോബർ 20 ഞായറാഴ്ച കൊണ്ടാടി.

സ്റ്റാർസ് പിതൃവേദി പ്രസിഡന്റ്ശ്രീ അനോജ് ഫിലിപ്പിന്റെ നേതൃത്വത്തിലാണ് പരിപാടികൾ സംഘടിപ്പിച്ചത്. ഇടവക വികാരി റവ ഫാദർ സണ്ണി മാത്യുവിന്റെ അധ്യക്ഷതയിൽ ചേർന്ന പൊതുയോഗത്തിൽ വിശിഷ്ടാഥിതിയായി വിജയ കർണാടക സബ് എഡിറ്റർ ശ്രീമതി മേരി ജോസഫ് പങ്കെടുക്കുകയും, മാണ്ട്യ രൂപത  പിതൃവേദി മുൻ ഡയറക്ടർ റവ ഫാദർ റോയ് വട്ടക്കുന്നേൽ മുഖ്യഥിതിയായി ആശംസ പ്രസംഗം നടത്തുകയും ചെയ്തു. പൊതുയോഗത്തിന് ശേഷം മൂവാറ്റുപുഴ ഏയ്ഞ്ജൽ വോയിസ്അവതരിപ്പിച്ച ഗാനമേള, മേപ്പാടി കലന്തണ്ടൻ കലാ സമിതി അവതരിപ്പിച്ച ശിങ്കാരിമേളം, മറ്റു കലാപരിപാടികൾ എന്നിവയും, പാചക വിദഗ്ധൻ ചങ്ങനാശ്ശേരി ശ്രീ സൂരജ് നമ്പൂതിരി ഒരുക്കിയ വിഭവ സമൃദ്ധമായ ഓണസദ്യയും ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നു. രണ്ടായിരത്തിലധികം ആളുകൾ പരിപാടികളിൽ പങ്കെടുത്തു.

മാതൃവേദി

ഒക്ടോബർ രണ്ടിന്  നടന്ന മാണ്ഡ്യാ രൂപത മാതൃവേദി ആനുവൽ ഡേഎസ്പേരെൻസയിൽ 30 അംഗങ്ങൾ  പങ്കെടുത്തു.കൾച്ചറൽ പ്രോഗ്രാമിൽ അംഗങ്ങൾ ഗ്രൂപ്പ്ഡാൻസ് അവതരിപ്പിക്കുകയും റോസറി മേക്കിങ് കോമ്പറ്റീഷനിൽ കോൺസൊലേഷൻ പ്രൈസ് ലഭിക്കുകയും ചെയ്തു. 2023-24 വർഷത്തെ ബെസ്റ്റ് യൂണിറ്റ് അവാർഡിൽ മൂന്നാം സ്ഥാനം ലഭിച്ചത് അഭിമാനർഹമായ നേട്ടമായി. ഒക്ടോബർ മാസം 20 ന് നടത്തിയ ഇടവക ഓണാഘോഷത്തിന് അംഗങ്ങൾ തിരുവാതിരയും ഗ്രൂപ്പ്ഡാൻസും അവതരിപ്പിച്ചു. കൊന്തമാസാ ചാരണത്തിന്റെ ഭാഗമായി രൂപത നേതൃത്വത്തോട് ചേർന്ന് ഒക്ടോബർ 22 ന് രാവിലെ മുതൽ വൈകിട്ട് വരെ അഖണ്ഡ ജപമാല ചൊല്ലി നിയോഗങ്ങൾ കാഴ്ചവെച്ചു പ്രാർത്ഥിച്ചു