Chicago: St. Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church Chicago Mission League unit has launched a meaningful new initiative in the field of social service. The food drive titled “Hands of Mercy” was prayerfully inaugurated in connection with Divine Mercy Sunday this year.
The initiative is organized in collaboration with Uncle Pete’s Brown Bag Ministry (UPM), a well-known volunteer organization actively engaged in food assistance programs. As part of the project, brown bag meal kits prepared by parish members will be distributed to those in need across the North and West regions of Chicago through UPM’s extensive network.
UPM has been serving communities for years by preparing and distributing brown bag sack dinners. With the support of churches, schools, youth groups, organizations, and companies, these meals reach more than 15 centers, including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, families in need, and rehabilitation centers for formerly incarcerated individuals. In 2025 alone, the organization distributed over 40,000 meal packs, with significant participation from youth.
Each brown bag typically includes two meat sandwiches, a boiled egg, fruit, water, and snacks. By partnering with such a large-scale service network, the “Hands of Mercy” food drive is expected to have a wider and more effective impact.
The official launch took place on Divine Mercy Sunday, when specially prepared brown bag kits with menu stickers were handed over by Mission League Spiritual Director Fr. Aneesh Mavely Puthenpurayil to Unit President Isaac Mattathil. Following the Holy Mass, Mission League members introduced the project to the parish and distributed brown bags to parishioners in preparation for the food drive scheduled on April 19.
Fr. Aneesh appreciated the initiative and encouraged wholehearted participation from all parish members. The Mission League aims to collect at least 300 brown bag meals through this effort.
As the name “Hands of Mercy” suggests, the project seeks to extend compassion to those in need while instilling values of empathy, sharing, and humanity in the younger generation, organizers said. Parish Vicar Fr. Siju Mudakkodiyil expressed hope that this noble initiative would inspire many, reminding everyone that even small acts of kindness can bring about significant change.
The smooth coordination of the program is being carried out by executive members Isaac Mattathil, Shobin Kannampally, David Kalappurackal, Elizabeth Panikkaparambil, Abigail Kannachamparambil, and Joshua Kizhavally, along with directors Jojo Analil, Bibi Nedumthuruthi Puthenpurayil, and Soorya Karikulam. Religious instructors and coordinators including DRE Saji Poothrikkayil and Maneesh Kaimoolayil, along with parish leaders, also played key roles in organizing the kickoff event.
