London, Ontario – July 13, 2025: A historic new chapter began for the Knanaya Catholic community in Canada as the Knanaya Catholic Youth League – Western Ontario (KCYLWO) was officially inaugurated during the Unarvu 2025 Youth Camp at Knai Thomman Parish Hall, London. The event, filled with tradition, inspiration, and celebration, marked the formal launch of a vibrant youth movement dedicated to empowering the next generation of Knanaya Catholics to grow in faith, lead with purpose, and embrace their shared cultural heritage.
The creation of KCYLWO represents the culmination of months of planning and dedication by the Knanaya Catholic Congress – Western Ontario (KCCWO) executive committee. Recognizing the growing needs of young Knanaya Catholics in Western Ontario, the committee worked tirelessly to establish a platform where youth could find mentorship, build community, and actively engage in cultural, spiritual, and service-oriented initiatives. The result was the birth of KCYLWO—a group poised not just to organize programs, but to inspire a generation of leaders who will carry forward the faith and traditions of the Knanaya community for years to come.
The inauguration ceremony itself reflected the spirit of this mission. Serving as the Master of Ceremonies was KCYLWO Vice President Ashitha Anish Chettiyath, who welcomed the gathered community with warmth and energy. Her opening remarks captured the mood of the evening, as she greeted the audience with enthusiasm and highlighted the significance of the event, describing it as “not just an event, but the birth of a movement poised to carry forward a proud legacy of faith, empowerment, and cultural unity.” Her words set the tone for a program that was both celebratory and deeply meaningful for those in attendance.
To honor the rich heritage of the Knanaya community, the ceremony began with a traditional Knanaya song, Marthoman, performed by vocalist Angelina Mekkara. The soulful rendition, steeped in cultural pride, created an atmosphere of reflection and reverence, connecting the present generation of Knanaya youth to the traditions of their ancestors. The performance drew warm applause from the audience, serving as a reminder of the community’s deep roots and cultural continuity.
Following the opening, KCYLWO Secretary Edwin Sibu Thalivelil took the stage to deliver the official welcome address. Introduced by the MC as a dedicated and humble leader whose quiet work often goes unseen, Edwin reflected on the journey leading to KCYLWO’s formation and the vision it represents. His speech, marked by sincerity and gratitude, expressed the hope that KCYLWO would be a source of unity, growth, and inspiration for youth, encouraging them to take active roles in both faith and community life.
The evening continued with a Presidential Address from KCYLWO President Christy Jijo Attummel, a leader widely recognized for his vision and commitment to fostering a spiritually grounded, active, and united youth community. In his remarks, Christy spoke about the
responsibility and privilege of leading the first KCYLWO executive team and emphasized the importance of youth leadership in building a stronger, more connected Knanaya Catholic presence in Canada. He expressed confidence that under the guidance of KCYLWO, Knanaya youth would grow as leaders, strengthen their faith, and embrace opportunities to serve their community and Church.
A defining moment of the evening came with the inaugural address delivered by Knanaya Catholic Youth League of North America (KCYLNA) President Alvin Pinarkayil, who traveled from Chicago to participate in the ceremony. His presence highlighted the solidarity between Knanaya youth across borders and the importance of KCYLWO as part of a larger North American network. Alvin congratulated the newly formed unit, commended its leadership for their dedication, and encouraged the youth to embrace their dual calling as cultural ambassadors and faith leaders. He spoke of KCYLWO’s potential to foster strong ties between Knanaya youth across Canada and North America, ensuring that young members remain connected, united, and equipped to serve both their community and the broader Church.
The program transitioned to a spiritual highlight with the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, a sacred and symbolic act representing the light of Christ that guides all endeavors. Leading the ceremony was Rev. Fr. Saji Chazhizheril, Vicar of Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Church, London.
Rev. Fr. Saji Chazhizheril, affectionately known as Fr. Saji Achan, serves as the Vicar of Sacred Heart Knanaya Catholic Church in London, Ontario. He has been a guiding spiritual presence for the Knanaya community, particularly for its youth, offering unwavering support and encouragement through various ministries. Known for his approachable nature and deep commitment, Fr. Saji actively engages with the youth through catechism classes, pastoral counseling, and community events. His prayers, blessings, and thoughtful guidance have been instrumental in nurturing the faith and unity of the Knanaya Catholic youth in Western Ontario, making him a cherished and respected leader within the community.
The graceful event was joined on stage by the executives of KCYLNA and KCYLWO, KCCWO President Feby Thykakathu, KCWFWO President Jesly Shelly Puthenpurayil, and KCCNA Canada Regional Vice President Minnu Sony. As the lamp was lit, the hall grew still, and the glowing flame stood as a visible reminder of the faith and values that will guide KCYLWO’s mission in the years to come.
The event also featured a series of felicitations from distinguished leaders, each offering encouragement and blessings for the new unit. Among the speakers were Rev. Fr. Saji Chazhizheril; KCYLNA Secretary Sneha Palapuzhamattom; KCYLNA Treasurer Michelle Parampettu; KCCNA Canada RVP Minnu Sony; KCCWO President Feby Thykakathu; KCWFWO President Jesly Shelly Puthenpurayil; KCYLWO Director Josemon Thekkilakattil; and KCACYL President Ishitha Jaice Chelambath. Many of these leaders, including Sneha Palapuzhamattom and Michelle Parampettu, traveled from the United States to participate in the ceremony, demonstrating the unity and commitment of the Knanaya Catholic community acrossNorth America. Their speeches underscored a shared vision: that KCYLWO would serve as a beacon for Knanaya youth, strengthening their faith, cultural pride, and commitment to service.As the evening drew to a close, KCYLWO Treasurer Milan Raju Kalarickal delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the collective efforts that made the inauguration possible. He extended heartfelt gratitude to the clergy, dignitaries, performers, volunteers, and attendees, noting that this event marked not only the formal creation of a youth unit but the beginning of a movement dedicated to empowering young Knanaya Catholics in Western Ontario. Milan’s words captured the sentiment of the evening: gratitude for the past, celebration of the present, and optimism for the future.

Looking ahead, KCYLWO is set to embark on an ambitious path, with plans to host spiritual retreats, leadership development workshops, cultural celebrations, and community service initiatives in the coming months. Through these programs, the organization aims to deepen the faith and cultural identity of its members while building connections within the Knanaya community and across the wider North American Knanaya network. The newly installed leadership team—President Christy Jijo Attummel, Vice President Ashitha Anish Chettiyath, Secretary Edwin Sibu Thalivelil, Joint Secretary Angel Vinu Vadakkemaniyamkunnel, Treasurer Milan Raju Kalarickal, Joint Treasurer Elizabeth Saji Mulloor, and Director Josemon Thekkilakattil—has pledged to guide the unit with dedication and vision, ensuring that KCYLWO becomes a pillar of strength and inspiration for youth in the region.
The inauguration of KCYLWO stands as a milestone in the story of the Knanaya Catholic community in Western Ontario. More than the formation of a youth group, it represents the start of a new era defined by unity, service, and cultural pride. With the support of the wider Knanaya network and the commitment of its leaders and members, KCYLWO is poised to become a driving force in shaping the next generation of Knanaya Catholics—faithful, proud of their heritage, and ready to lead with purpose.