Chicago: The faithful of St. Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church solemnly observed Ash Monday, marking the beginning of the Great Lent in the Syro-Malabar Church, with deep devotion and prayer.

The morning liturgical services held on February 16 were led by Assistant Vicar Rev. Fr. Aneesh Maveliputhenpurayil. The evening Ash service at 7:00 PM was presided over by Vicar Rev. Fr. Sijo Mudakkodiyil. Delivering the homily, Fr. Aneesh encouraged the faithful to make this Lenten season a time of repentance, inner purification, prayer, and spiritual renewal.

During the service, as the hymn reminding the faithful of human mortality and repentance was sung, the celebrants marked the foreheads of the congregation with ashes in the sign of the Cross. Hundreds of parishioners participated in both the morning and evening services, including the Holy Qurbana that followed.

The ceremonies were assisted by Rev. Fr. Sijo Mudakkodiyil, Rev. Fr. Aneesh Maveliputhenpurayil, Sr. Shalom, Sr. Silverius, Sr. Jessina, trustees Xavier Naduparambil, Sunny Kannala, Joby Polackal, Majo Kunnassery, Felix Palackan, and the parish choir led by Anil Mattathikunnel.