Chicago: The ‘Share with Joy – Prayer with Care’ charity project, organized by the Cherupushpa Mission League (CML) Unit of St. Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church, Chicago, will conclude with a special program at Mar Makil Balikabhavan, Punnathura, Kottayam, on September 20.
Inspired by the biblical message, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), the year-long initiative was launched with the aim of transforming birthday celebrations into occasions of love, compassion and sharing. The project sought to extend the joy and sweetness of birthday celebrations to orphaned and underprivileged children who may not have the opportunity to celebrate their birthdays.
The project, which began in October 2025 and concludes in September 2026, was officially inaugurated by Fr. Thomas Mulavanal, Vicar General of the Knanaya Region, in connection with the annual general meeting of the CML Unit at St. Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church, Chicago. CML Unit Director Jojo Aanayil explained the objectives and activities of the project to the children, while CML Vice President Abigail Kannanchamparambil introduced the initiative to the parish community after Holy Mass.
As part of the project, special blessing prayers were conducted after Holy Mass every month for parishioners celebrating their birthdays during that month. At the same time, prayers were offered for orphaned and underprivileged children who were unable to enjoy birthday celebrations, and assistance was extended to bring joy into their lives.
Each month, the CML Unit selected an orphanage or deserving institution and organized birthday celebrations for the children, including gift sharing, a feast and cake cutting. During the year, similar programs were conducted at 12 institutions, bringing happiness and smiles to the faces of many children.
The project also provided opportunities for the entire parish community to participate. A donation box was placed in the church hall, and parishioners and CML members were encouraged to contribute to the project as part of their own birthday celebrations.
The initiative conveyed the message that celebrating one’s birthday can also be an opportunity to bring happiness into another person’s life and that true celebration lies not merely in receiving, but in giving and loving.
The concluding program at Mar Makil Balikabhavan will be held in the presence of the children, with the CML members sharing joy with them and participating in various activities. Fr. Sunil Perumanur, Vicar of St. Thomas Church, Punnathura, and Assistant Vicar Fr. Moses Stephen Puthuppallimyalil will attend the program. Sr. Immaculate, Superior General of the Visitation Congregation, Sr. Silverius, former Parish Secretary of St. Mary’s Church, and representatives of St. Mary’s Church, Chicago, will also join the celebrations with the children of Balikabhavan.
Under the spiritual leadership and guidance of Vicar Fr. Siju Mudakodiyil and CML Spiritual Director Fr. Aneesh Maveliputhanpurayil, CML Director Jojo Aanayil is coordinating the concluding program in consultation with Sr. Rosemy, Director of Mar Makil Balikabhavan.
The organizers expressed gratitude to all those who supported the CML children’s compassionate initiative and participated in its various stages. Vicar Fr. Siju Mudakodiyil called for continued cooperation to carry forward the mission of love, compassion and sharing.
The ‘Share with Joy – Prayer with Care’ birthday charity project is one of the major activities undertaken during the current working year by the St. Mary’s Mission League Unit led by President Isaac Mattathil, Vice President Abigail Kannanchamparambil, Secretary Shobin Kannambally, Joint Secretary Elizabeth Shibu Panikkaparambil, Treasurer Joshua Kizhavallil and Joint Treasurer David Kalappuraykkal.