Competitions were held across four categories based on age groups and skill types, with participants representing Knanaya parishes from across the United States.
Grade 3–5: Mantra Recitation
First Place: Jennifer Joseph Kochikunnel – St. Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church, Chicago
Second Place: Joshua Chackalayil – St. Stephen’s Knanaya Catholic Forane Church, Long Island
Third Place: Charlotte Kaithakathottiyil – St. Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church, Chicago
Grade 6–8: Essay Writing
First Place: Philip Nedumthuruthil Puthenpurayil – St. Mary’s, Chicago
Second Place: Jash Thottumkal – St. Mary’s, Chicago
Third Place: Isaac Pullanapallil – St. Stephen’s, Long Island
Grade 9–12: Essay Writing
First Place: James Kunnassery – St. Mary’s, Chicago
Second Place: Betsy Kizhakkepuram – Christ the King Knanaya Catholic Church, New Jersey
Third Place: Sandra Kunnassery – St. Mary’s, Chicago
Adult Category: Essay Writing
First Place: Rani Noby Kochuveettil – St. Mary’s Forane Church, Houston
Second Place: Bibita Cijoy Parappallil – Sacred Heart Forane Church, Tampa
Third Place: Cisy John Moolakkattu – St. Mary’s, Chicago
Prizes were sponsored by Shibu Kulangara, Job Makil, Jaibu Kulangara, and Thomas Kallidukkil. The competition was organized by the Visitation Congregation, founded by Mar Mathew Makil. Fr. Thomas Mulavanal, Vicar General and Director of the Knanaya Region, extended his heartfelt congratulations to all participants and winners, applauding their commitment and creativity.
Mar Mathew Makil was born on March 27, 1851, in Manjoor, Kottayam, India, and was ordained a priest on May 30, 1874. In 1896, he became the first Indigenous Bishop of the newly established Changanacherry Vicariate. In 1911, he was appointed the first Vicar Apostolic of the newly formed Kottayam Vicariate, created exclusively for Knanaya Catholics. A tireless servant of the Church and the founder of the Visitation Congregation, he passed away on January 26, 1914. He was declared a Servant of God by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009 and was elevated to the status of Venerable by Pope Leo XIV on May 22, 2025.
