Chicago: The first-ever gathering of Malayalam religious sisters serving in the United States and Canada began in a vibrant manner at the Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Church in Bensenville, Chicago. The event is organized in connection with the Silver Jubilee of the establishment of the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Diocese and the episcopal ordination of Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath.

The inaugural public meeting was attended by several clergy and representatives of over 28 religious congregations. Bishop Robert Pipta of the Ruthenian-Byzantine Catholic Diocese officially inaugurated the gathering.

A seminar held in the afternoon was led by Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield. The solemn Holy Mass at 5 PM was celebrated by Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt as the main celebrant, with Bishop Robert Pipta delivering the homily. Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath and several priests concelebrated the Mass.

More than 250 religious sisters who participated in the gathering were led in a grand procession to the venue, accompanied by traditional Kerala cultural elements including ceremonial umbrellas and chenda melam.

During the public function, Bishop Robert Pipta lit the traditional lamp to mark the formal inauguration, with Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt presiding. Jubilee Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath, Rev. Fr. Alexander Kurien (Liaison Officer for Interfaith Relations at the White House Faith Office and member of the Malankara Orthodox Church), Dominican nun Sr. Amelia, and Sr. Annie Serene delivered felicitation addresses.

A special ceremony honoring the organizers and sponsors was led by Fr. Abraham Kalarickal, Vicar of Sacred Heart Knanaya Forane Church. Key leadership was provided by Vicar Generals of the Chicago Syro-Malabar Diocese, including Fr. Thomas Mulavanal, Fr. John Meleppuram, Fr. Thomas Kadukappillil, and Chancellor Fr. Johnson Kovoor Puthenpurayil.

Fr. Thomas Mulavanal, Chairman of the conference, delivered the welcome address, while General Coordinator Tony Pullappallil expressed the vote of thanks. Elaine Ottathaikkal served as the Master of Ceremonies.

The cultural evening that followed featured performances by artists from Chicago Cathedral, St. Mary’s, and Sacred Heart parishes, which received wide appreciation. The programs were coordinated by Danny Pullappallil and Chinnu Thottam, with Nia Chellakandathil serving as MC.

This historic gathering will conclude on Saturday afternoon.