Chicago: All Saints Day was celebrated with great devotion on Sunday, November 1, at St. Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church in Morton Grove, Chicago. The Holy Qurbana and homily at 10:00 a.m. were led by Rev. Fr. Tomy Theruvallakottayil.

Following the Holy Qurbana, an All Saints Day parade was organized under the leadership of the teachers of Morton Grove St. Mary’s Sunday School, the largest Sunday School under the Knanaya Catholic Region of North America. Children from preschool through the senior grades participated in the parade dressed as saints associated with their names. Their colorful and meaningful participation made the occasion a memorable experience for everyone.

As the children entered the church, the Litany of All Saints was sung by the choir. All the children then assembled at the altar and took the All Saints Day pledge together. Pastor Rev. Fr. Siju Mudakodiyil and Assistant Pastor Rev. Fr. Aneesh Maveliputhenpurayil blessed the children. Both priests highly appreciated the parents for their efforts in preparing the children so beautifully in the attire of various saints.

Special classes and exhibitions highlighting the lives of saints were also organized in the Sunday School classrooms.

As a symbol of peace and purity, balloons were released into the sky under the leadership of the priests, Sunday School teachers, trustees, and parents. Sweets were distributed to the children at the conclusion of the celebrations.

Sunday School Principal Saji Puthrikayil, Assistant DRE Manish Kaimoolayil, Secretary Binu Edakkara, and other teachers coordinated the programs along with trustees Xavier Naduparambil, Sunny Kannala, Joby Polakkal, Majo Kunnassery, and Felix Palakan.