St. Thomas Malankara Catholic Church of New Jersey Sanctuary Rededication

The renovated sanctuary consecration of the recently purchased St. Thomas Malankara Catholic Church was presided over by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos, Bishop of St. Mary, Queen of Peace Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy of USA and Canada on Saturday, November 11, 2017, with Most Rev. Dr. Kurt Burnette, Bishop of Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic as the concelebrant. The Pastor and entire parish community was truly blessed to have many of the Northeast Malankara priests, Rev. Sisters Benedica and Jocelyn participate during the solemn service.

The ceremony commenced at 10:00 AM with liturgical reception accorded to the prelates which was followed by welcome speech by Mr. Sunny Thomas, Parish Council Secretary. At the conclusion of the ceremony both Bishops spoke and reaffirmed the bonds between the local Malankara and Byzantine Catholic Eparchies - the present church property was purchased from the Passaic Eparchy. The Parish gave a small gift as a token of their affection to Most Rev. Kurt Burnette, Rt. Rev. Msgr. James Hayer (Passaic Eparchy Vicar General) and Rev. Dn. Robert Shalhoub (Passaic Eparchy Finance Officer). The Parish expressed their great gratitude to His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Eusebius who initiated the project to purchase the property and Mr. K.J. Peter (Architect) who designed the new sanctuary. Mr. George Kostalas (General Contractor) and Mr. Vincenzo Scotto Di Cesare (Master Carpenter) were recognized for the professional contributions and were given plaques.

The ceremonies concluded with the Bishops blessing the entire congregation and an agape organized by the Parish Council.

Additional photos may be accessed at: https://stthomascatholic.church/gallery/