Chicago, IL:The Cherupushpa Mission League (CML) unit of St. Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church, Chicago, has launched CML – AROHA ’25, a heartfelt Christmas charity initiative, marking the beginning of the parish’s Christmas preparations with creativity, compassion, and faith.
As part of the project, children have begun depositing Christmas greeting cards—beautifully designed with Bible verses reflecting the birth of Christ and their own creative artwork—into a special collection box placed in the church hallway, starting December 7.
On December 21, CML children will visit nearby senior homes within the parish neighborhood. During the visit, they will sing Christmas carols and distribute the handmade greeting cards to the elderly residents. The objective of AROHA ’25 is to nurture in children a deep sense of love, care, and empathy toward elderly individuals who may often feel lonely or isolated.
In addition, a Family Greeting Card Making Challenge has been launched. Families were provided with plain card kits by the Mission League and are encouraged to create meaningful and artistic greeting cards together. Families who deposit their cards into the AROHA box will be eligible for special Christmas Eve prizes.
“With the message ‘Love and kindness are never wasted; they always make a difference,’ CML Secretary Shobin Kannampalli addressed parents, urging them to actively involve their children in this noble initiative. He stressed the importance of parental support for ensuring the success of the senior home visit and Christmas caroling on December 21.
Addressing the children, CML President Isaac Mattathil said, “This simple act of love will bring comfort and joy to the hearts of our elderly community members. Through AROHA ’25, you become little missionaries of love. Every card you make and every song you sing becomes a gift to Jesus.”
To mark the official beginning of the project, CML executive members crafted greeting cards after Holy Mass on November 29, and a dedicated AROHA drop box was installed in the church hallway for collecting children’s cards.
AROHA ’25 aims to deliver the true spirit of Christmas—love, compassion, and hope—to those who need it most. Parish Vicar Fr. Siju Mudakkodiyil encouraged parents and children alike to ensure active participation in this meaningful charity mission.
To support the successful execution of the program, CML Spiritual Director Fr. Anish Maveliputhenpurayil, Unit Director Jojo Analyil, coordinators, catechism teachers, and parish trustees have organized all necessary arrangements.
