Blessing of the New Church in Houston

A long cherished dream of the St. Peter’s Malankara Catholic parish in Houston came true on March 7, 2015 with the blessing of the newly built church of the parish. His Excellency the Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Eusebius, Bishop of the Exarchate presided over the liturgy of the blessing. His Excellency the Most Rev. George Shelz, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and His Excellency the Most Rev. Joy Alappatt, Auxiliary Bishop of the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Chicago were concelebrants. Many priests of the Exarchate, namely, Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Mangalath, Rev. Fr. Joseph Nedumankuzhiyil, Rev. Fr. Babu Madathilparambil, Rev. Fr. Abraham Lukose, etc. were also present, besides Rev. Fr. Job Kalluvilayil, the former pastor of the parish and Rev. Fr. John Puthenvilayil, the present pastor. After the ceremony of the church blessing, there was a public meeting in which besides the bishops, the Mayor of the city of Stamford also participated. The blessing of the church marked a moment of fulfilment for the St. Peter’s Syro-Malankara Catholic parish community of Houston and for the whole Malankara Catholic Church in America. If the parish community has been able to construct a magnificent church in God’s providence, it is largely because of this community’s remarkable sense of dedication and generosity. The participation of the parishioners in this great attempt has been total. Every family of the parish, in its own way, contributed to this noble cause. The parishioners have been amazingly generous in sparing their energy, time, wealth and good will for this project. It was Rev. Fr. Job Kalluvilayil, who initiated the construction. Rev. Fr. John Puthenvilayil brought the construction to completion. On March 8 the Holy Eucharist was celebrated in the new church for the first time. His Excellency Mar Eusebius presided over the celebration. During the Holy Eucharist, 5 children of the parish received the first communion.