The Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM) North American delegation has returned with renewed enthusiasm and inspiration from the World Youth Day (WYD) 2023 event. The pilgrimage, which took place from August 1 - 6 in Lisbon, Portugal, brought together young Catholics from around the world for a week of spiritual enrichment and community building.
Farewell to Rev. Fr. Liju Thundil
For the past five (5) years, Rev. Fr. Liju Thundil has been an indispensable part of our Eparchy serving as the Pastor of St. Mary's Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Yonkers, New York and as the Director of the Faith Formation (Catechism) program of our Eparchy. The Eparchy extends its heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Liju for his selfless service and unwavering devotion during his time with us. We sincerely wish him abundant blessings, resounding success, and boundless happiness as he embarks on his future pastoral endeavours.
The tranquil surroundings of the Don Bosco Retreat Centre in Stony Point, New York, bore witness to a spiritually enriching experience as the Clergy of St. Mary Queen of Peace Eparchy gathered for a transformative retreat. The retreat, led by the esteemed Dr. Ralph C. Martin, aimed to rejuvenate the clergy's spiritual journey and foster a deeper connection with their faith and vocation.
Clergy members from various parishes across the Eparchy came together to participate in the four-day retreat, which took place from Sunday, July 23 to Wednesday, July 26, 2023.
The Hilton Parsippany in New Jersey became a hub of spiritual rejuvenation and communal joy as the Syro-Malankara Catholic community of North America gathered for its 11th Family Convention. From July 20th to 23rd, 2023, this triennial event embraced the central theme of "Rooted In Christ, and Sacred Traditions," captivating hearts and fostering a deep sense of unity among attendees.
The St. Mary Queen of Peace Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy in the USA & Canada is pleased to inform its faithful that Rt. Rev. Msgr. Gigi Philip has been appointed as the Rector of the prestigious St. Mary's Malankara Major Seminary, located in Pattom, Trivandrum.
As he prepares to embark on this new journey as Rector of St. Mary's Malankara Major Seminary, the Eparchy extends its heartfelt gratitude for his invaluable contributions to the Eparchy and wishes him every success in his future endeavours.
The St. Mary Queen of Peace Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy in the USA & Canada is delighted to announce the appointment of Rev. Fr. Jobin Thomas as the new Director of Faith Formation. He will be replacing Rev. Fr. Liju Thundiyil, who has been recalled to his home Archeparchy of Tiruvalla, Kerala, to take on new responsibilities in service to the Church.
The Eparchial Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos, announces the following clergy appointments which are effective as of July 1, 2023, unless otherwise noted:
1. Rt. Rev. Msgr. Gigi Philip is relieved as Syncellus of the Eparchy and Pastor of St. Mary’s Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, Toronto.
2. Rev. Fr. Abraham Lukose is appointed as the Moderator of St. Mary’s SyroMalankara Catholic Church, Toronto, and Rev. Fr. Varghese Anchanithadathil as the Administrator of the same parish.
Rev. Fr. Jobin Thomas, our dedicated Eparchial Safe Environment Coordinator, attended the prestigious 2023 Child & Youth Protection Catholic Leadership Conference (CYPCLC) in San Diego, California from April 16 to 19, 2023. This significant event brings together leaders, experts, and advocates from across the Catholic Church to address the crucial topic of child and youth protection.
St. Mary, Queen of Peace Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy in the USA & Canada extends hearty congratulations and prayerful best wishes to His Excellency Most Rev. Francis (Frank) Leo, who was appointed Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Toronto on February 11, 2023, by His Holiness Pope Francis.