Holy Family

SANCTIFYING THE FAMILY

Dear brothers and sisters, today we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family. We all belong to a family consisting of our parents, brothers and sisters and we are aware how much they care for us and how much we owe to our families. The Holy Family of Nazareth was also a well-knit unit. Each member of the Holy Family excelled in his/her own way each upholding the values of Family life to the maximum level possible and thereby providing a model for all families to imitate. There was perfect harmony, understanding and freedom in the holy Family. The Book of Genesis narrates very vividly that Adam felt lonely and his loneliness could be removed only when God created Eve. The family that God envisaged for his Son consisted of his mother Mary and foster father Joseph. Are our families suitable dwelling places for their members?

Liturgical materials for the Feast of the Holy Family.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11tc0YjbIGgHuA7KKfH1w_Sv-FRtiXsUd?usp=sharing

Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/ixEGWLtrfEg 

Christmas

GOD IS WITH US

Dear brothers and sisters, the birthday of Jesus for which we have been preparing has arrived. Tonight, we celebrate the Lord’s nativity. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the city of David, because the census ordered by the emperor necessitated Joseph to travel to his ancestral city. He took along with him Mary, his betrothed. Though the Jewish people were eagerly waiting for their Messiah, they remained unaware of his birth. The shepherds in the field rushed to meet the child following the announcement of the angels who appeared to them. The birth of Jesus was a joyous event and the heavenly hosts in unison praised and glorified God for the magnificent event that took place on that night. Christmas continues to be a joyful event and the entire world rejoices at his birth. Let us approach the new-born child with grateful hearts and ask him for the graces we need to live our lives as his worthy disciples.

Christmas Liturgy for the Mid-Night & Day Mass.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12l_FAkVNaktcs3LXdokJFzwrYeRt_zyd?usp=sharing

Christmas Song - https://youtu.be/yIHSJ-f0bA0

Christmas Song - https://youtu.be/hMJWanWwioE

Advent 4th Sunday

“YES” TO GOD AS MARY DID

As we are approaching the Nativity of the Lord Jesus, the Gospel lays before us the scene of the annunciation. When the angel approaches Mary and announces to her that she will conceive a child, Mary’s reaction is to ask how the conception will take place for her marriage has not taken place. When the angel clarifies that the conception will take place through the power of the Holy Spirit Mary is convinced and gives her consent. Here we encounter a Divine-human partnership which lays the foundation for a new era in Salvation history. It is our faith and belief that Jesus is our Saviour and he will lead us to eternal life. In the First Reading we see David’s plan to build a temple for the Lord, but the Lord does not approve it, instead David receives an assurance about the continuation of his dynasty. In the Second Reading Paul says that through the preaching of the gospel a mystery which was kept secret for long ages has been made known to all nations. Let us recall to our mind our sins and short comings in order to celebrate this Eucharist worthily.

Liturgical materials for the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1myEr5WCit4Q2U9VaCunOkLRp4TEhq53_?usp=sharing

Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/CuaE8TzJpf4

Christmas Novena

COME LORD JESUS! MARANATHA!

We are now invited to enter into a very solemn part of our journey through Advent; it is a time to get ready, with minds and hearts open to the impending message. Catholics in many cultures have prayed the Christmas Novena (nine consecutive days of prayer) from December 16-24 as part of their Christmas preparation during the season of Advent.

How can one explain the greatest, most singular event in human history? How can the extraordinary event of God becoming man in a Child be described? How do we account for the fact that God revealed His love in Jesus Christ?

The Advent Liturgy invites us to prepare our hearts to welcome the gift of the Baby Jesus with the stupor that we express with the exclamation “O”. In fact, these invocations are enshrined in the so-called major antiphons, or O Antiphons that are celebrated during the 9 days that proceed the Solemnity of Christmas.

All these antiphons start with the emphatic expression “O” which is an expression which arises from a heart that is filled with stupor. They are a series of Messianic invocations which call out to the promised One of the Old Testament to come and save His people.

The historic origin of these invocations dates back to the time of Gregory the Great around the start of the seventh century A.D. Even today, they maintain all their original beauty. Studies have noted that there is an acrostic that is formed from the reverse order of the antiphons.

O Sapientia – Wisdom

O Adonai – Lord

O Radix – Root

O Clavis – Key

O Oriens – Morning Star

O Rex – King

O Emmanuel – Emmanuel

Starting from the last antiphon, the first letter of the Latin word used to describe the Messiah spells “ERO CRAS” which means “I will come tomorrow”. It is the comforting response of the Messiah who accepts the plea of mankind to come. Whilst we invoke Him, He is already responding to our invocation with the promise which concludes the Book of Apocalypse “I am indeed coming soon” (Ap 22:20). The O Antiphons forcefully underline the fact that the Child placed in the manger is truly the God that we have desired and awaited through the centuries. He is the Eternal Wisdom, Our Lord, the long-awaited Messiah, the Root from the tree of Jesse, the Morning Star, the God with us – the Emmanuel. He has brought to fulfilment the awaiting of His people with the Incarnation.

Over time, other invocations were added to the seven original ones to take the form of a Novena – the Christmas Novena. These nine days of invocation are a truly Christological compendium to prepare for the coming of the Messiah who is about to arrive.

“Come Lord Jesus.” This is our joyous cry of Advent! Come Lord Jesus! Maranatha!

Christmas Novena -

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sHiOPN9oetW0qEL9RaZoKcT3poTvhGIB?usp=sharing

Advent 3rd Sunday

ILLUMINATING THE PATH

We are preparing for the Nativity of the Lord Jesus. With his birth the prophecy of Isaiah in the First Reading of today finds its fulfilment. According to Isaiah the future Messiah will bring good news to the poor and liberate people who are downtrodden and oppressed. The authorities in Jerusalem notice that there is a movement around John and set themselves on a fact-finding tour. They question John about what is happening around him. John says that he is merely preparing the way for the One who is much greater than him. He confesses his unworthiness to even untie the strap of the sandals of the One coming, who is Jesus the Messiah. The point is, if John can evoke such a response from the religious authorities, Jesus who is the Son of God can evoke even greater response. Hence let us prepare ourselves for his coming which is imminent. In the Second Reading St Paul exhorts the Thessalonians not to quench the Holy Spirit but to keep their bodies and souls blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Meanwhile they have to hold fast to what is good and abstain from every form of evil.

Liturgical materials for the Third Sunday of Advent.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vajopYZBDXNryP-hffsfwuoay5hseSh7?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/qz7EU_Zo53s

Advent 2nd Sunday

A TIME FOR BECOMING

Before Jesus begins his public ministry John the Baptist arrives to prepare the people to receive him. John impresses the people with his austere lifestyle and invites them to repentance and conversion. To this end he administers the baptism of repentance telling the people that when the Messiah arrives, he will baptize them with the Holy Spirit. In the First Reading Isaiah speaks tenderly to the Israelites who are captives in Babylon and promises them that their suffering will come to an end. In the Second Reading Peter writes that God is not slow about his promises but God’s way of reckoning time cannot be compared to ours. God wishes to save all and urges everyone to repent. Let us prepare ourselves to welcome the Lord as we place before the Lord our sins and short comings.

Liturgical materials for the Second Sunday of Advent.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1tTgdoXC4Abz51OxKj8dGXIaqC8MdINt9?usp=sharing

Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/MQfap9u5BBI

Immaculate Conception

MARY, THE BEST OF US

Today we celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast celebrates God's choice of Mary to be the mother of Jesus. God preserved Mary from the stain of original sin from the moment of her conception. Thus, Mary was the first to receive the benefit of the redemption that her Son would merit for all.

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is a Catholic feast celebrating Mary's conception without sin. Even though this feast day occurs in the liturgical season of Advent, which prepares for the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Immaculate Conception refers to the conception of Mary in the womb of her mother, St. Anne. The dogma of the Immaculate Conception asserts that, "from the first moment of her conception, the Blessed Virgin Mary was, by the singular grace and privilege of Almighty God, and in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of Mankind, kept free from all stain of original sin."

The observance of this feast began with a Papal encyclical by Pope Pius IX, when he formally defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, INEFFABILIS DEUS, on December 8, 1854. Several years later, in 1858, the Blessed Mother gave her name to St. Bernadette at Lourdes stating, "I am the Immaculate Conception."

Mary is a model of discipleship for us because she said yes to God and cooperated with God's plan by becoming the mother of Jesus. We honor Mary because she is the Mother of Jesus and our Mother as well. We pray that we will be like Mary, open to God's call and willing to cooperate with whatever is God's plan for our lives.

Liturgy for the Feast -

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1To8Al5mURuyLALlrCIimfczE1DgNlXYa?usp=sharing

Amala Annai Song - https://youtu.be/r-ZTGw3kQNk

Advent 1st Sunday

FAITHFUL AND WATCHFUL

With the First Sunday of Advent, we begin a new Liturgical Year. Advent is a period of time to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. Jesus Christ was born two thousand years ago, and his parents were from a remote village in Northern Palestine. The Child born is the Son of God in whom we hope for salvation and eternal life. Jesus lived major part of his life among his people. His life ended abruptly at the prime of his youth. This indicates that we too should live our lives always keeping in mind our own encounter with Christ which is sure to take place but the timing of which we do not know. Hence the need for preparedness and vigilance as we live our lives. The First Reading contains the sincere confession of the Israelites returning from the Babylonian exile. In the Second Reading St Paul tells the Corinthians that they are enriched in every way. In the Gospel Jesus tells the parable of the man going on a journey after having entrusted his home to his servants to look after it and warned them of his unexpected return.

Liturgical materials for the First Sunday of Advent Year B.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_nBDsj3vElKw-VwG1US0nmr7ZPjdoedZ?usp=sharing

Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/uZTxQY2WBkE

Advent Season Liturgy

A SEASON OF WAITING

Beginning the Church's liturgical year, Advent (from, "ad-venire" in Latin or "to come to") is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas.

The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36). Like Lent, the liturgical color for Advent is purple since both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas.

Liturgical collection fo the Advent season.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HHLoU-Z5k0RNa1drU0QIUjfA4Mfg14nU?usp=sharing

Christ the King Feast

KINGSHIP OF CHRIST

Each one of us comes under some authority or the other. There are parents and in-laws in the family, principals, teachers in the schools and professors in the colleges, superiors in our workplace; there is also religious authority, like the Holy Father, the Bishop and the Parish Priest in the Catholic Church. We do have to submit ourselves to some authority or the other in our life. We know that the supreme authority is God. Jesus is given all authority in heaven and on earth. The Solemnity of Jesus Christ as the Universal King invites us to recognize this authority of Jesus. Jesus spoke with authority while on earth and now we are told that he will come with all his power as a King to judge the living and the dead. Let us be sorry for the times when we have taken this authority of Jesus for granted or have even rejected it for our vested interests.

Liturgical materials for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1iEe4gOj4zpOQOMLhlytv6wtZjy6lKMEi?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Psalm - https://youtu.be/XZX7Bm3fs0o

Christ the King Song - https://youtu.be/5tne72iBeW0

33rd Ordinary Sunday

USING OUR GIFTS

Our earthly life is very fragile and short. St Paul brings to us the truth about the vulnerability of human life on earth. St Paul, therefore, makes a passionate appeal to us not to be asleep or be lazy since we are children of the light. We should stay alert and work hard and put all our resources to the best use. This calls for prudent investment of our time in the service of God and our fellow human beings. In the Gospel, Jesus tells us to be fruitful and productive in the exercise of our stewardship of God’s resources that are entrusted to our care. He tells us the story of a wealthy land owner who entrusts his resources with three of his servants, to each according to his ability – five, two and one talents respectively and expects them to administer the same wisely. The parable of the Talents teaches us about our responsibility of investing all of God’s gifts to promote God’s Kingdom.

Liturgical materials for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1SXRQgJy5ydKh_lHri7dOjnL0ToDfs7xk?usp=sharing

Diwali - Festival of Lights

BE A LIGHT

The people who walk in darkness have seen a dazzling brightness. A great light has dawned in the east, mocking the sun and the moon, putting the stars of heaven Christ the Lord. “In his light we see light”. Enter without pretensions into this joyful encounter with Him. Myriad little lamps illumining millions of our homes proclaim the festival of lights. We rejoice with all the people of our land and bring to the altar our own little lamps.

The Hindu tradition reveals an underlying theme: Diwali is rejoicing at the victory of good over the forces of evil. For us Christians, Christ is the true light who came to dispel darkness. It is in His light, we see light. In His light, there is no darkness. Bask in its shadow it is brighter than sun. As we have gathered around this Eucharistic table let us pray that this light of Christ may fill our house and soul, purify it of dross and decay, equipping us with everything that is good through Jesus Christ. Let us also pray for our Hindu brethren who celebrate their festival during this Eucharistic celebration.

Diwali Liturgy - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-bJsj2HBlL4FmculzDnDm01MueCCaDNr?usp=sharing

Jesus the Light Tamil Song - https://youtu.be/N1kQYatE0xM

32nd Ordinary Sunday

BE PREPARED

The many challenges that life places before us require a certain amount of wisdom to understand them and face them. Each person is endowed with an intellect that will assist him/her to face the challenges great and small. The parental care under which a child grows until reaching the age of maturity is a guarantee that the child is well equipped with the wisdom to chalk out life’s plans. Jesus our great teacher uses wisdom to take his message forward. Through the parable of the Ten Maidens, he teaches that the maidens who did not take flasks of oil – a foolish act – with them were excluded from the wedding feast. God is pleased when we ask for an increase of wisdom and generously, He grants it to us. Do we pray for the gifts of discernment and knowledge? Are our actions guided by God’s wisdom?

Liturgical materials for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ggRXMmnMrkk4I0WayqXP1SjBN8ct2Fnd?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/5OqRCG-_cHo

31st Ordinary Sunday

A CALL TO HUMILITY AND HOLINESS

The First Reading and the Gospel of today describe what a disciple of Jesus in the Catholic Church should not be. Persons consecrated to God, or spiritual leaders in the Church ought to be lights that lead others to God, living a faithful and holy life. In the First Reading, Yahweh warns the priests of their disobedience to the Covenant and scandalous living. Jesus cautions his disciples not to fall prey to the hypocrisy of the Scribes and the Pharisees who never practise what they preach. Though called to be light to the people of God, they were darkness themselves. Their wrong interpretation of Torah made the life of ordinary people miserable and unliveable. On the contrary, St Paul and his team, living holy and exemplary life, lead many people to faith and commitment to God by their preaching of the Word of God. They are indeed, men of God and exemplary missionaries. Let us turn to God in faith and repent for our lack of faith and commitment to our Christian and religious vocation.

Liturgical materials for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15oPHYym4hoUs-8CfGtsFcTzHuubdDnKT?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/vEOw8c8csaU

30th Ordinary Sunday

LOVE OF GOD AND NEIGHBOUR

The liturgy of the Word invites us to reflect about love, to understand its true meaning and to love God and neighbour with a sincere love. The First Reading portrays certain expressions of love: justice for all, compassion towards the helpless and kindness towards the poor. The Second Reading reveals the Thessalonian community as example of love of God manifested in receiving the Word with the joy of the Holy Spirit, abandoning idols and embracing the true God; their examples help others to strengthen their love for God and neighbour. In the Gospel, Jesus gives love of God and neighbour as the greatest commandment of the Law and invites all the listeners to love with all their being. Jesus is the embodiment of love and he gave expression to that love by dying on the cross to save humanity. For our failure to love God and others according to the commandment of God, we shall seek God’s forgiveness.

Liturgical materials for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11bCN1heJAb6wz3oh1ZuXSIEQ9VKc0GEl?usp=sharing

Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/KST0RLherOc

29th Ordinary Sunday

TO SANCTIFY THE WORLD

Today’s Gospel passage describes an attempt made by the enemies of Jesus to trap him into saying something incriminating. But Jesus is more than a match for his enemies. Well aware of their malicious intent, Jesus deftly escapes the trap and teaches them where their true allegiance should be. It is pointless to pit our allegiance to God against our obligations to those who rule us. We give to God something that we do not give to any earthly ruler. That is our worship. And it is precisely for this we are gathered here as a community – to worship God, Creator of the universe and Lord of all. But sadly, in practice we don’t always do it with an undivided heart, putting God first in our lives.

Liturgical materials for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Z2DEcsYR4BYfaDKAJ4rrt1fDmGPqiqOH?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/t8iF_L5muVo

New Song on Word of God - https://youtu.be/7OPPtqX_ec8

28th Ordinary Sunday

WEDDING GUEST

Dining together in Israel was one the most profound gestures of intimate relationship with others. The Jewish hospitality had no parallel in the world. We see this happening in the time of Abraham who gave a banquet to the three angelic figures who came to his tent to predict the birth of Isaac. In Exodus (24:11) we read about seventy elders eating and drinking on the mountain. This banqueting also had a spiritual connotation. Partaking of the sacrificial meal was part of the ritual offering. The Eucharist is a sacrificial meal in memory of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. It presupposes purity of heart of the ones participating in it through the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance. After opening our hearts with the Word of God, we are united to the Body of Christ through Communion. In and through today’s Readings the Lord is inviting us to join this divine banquet in a worthy manner. It is possible that we have not accepted this invitation wholeheartedly in the past or have participated in this banquet without proper preparations. For this let us now ask God’s pardon and mercy.

Liturgical materials for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fAVeoDZQs9nKStdN_a6K1ZJ7Ke83NEFR?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/1kwMk1GDdfM

27th Ordinary Sunday

BEARING FRUIT

‘What are we built on? What are we building?’ are the questions that haunt us today as Christians. In the First Reading of the day, Isaiah sings of God as a friend who bestowed care on a vineyard and got only sour grapes. Through the Second Reading of the day, we have the most touching scene of Paul’s tender and caring encouragement and advice to the Philippians. The Gospel of the day sternly warns us of the dire consequences of constructing our life’s foundation on the cornerstone of jobs and money, and family and activities. Rather, Jesus invites us to build our lives on him who is the cornerstone of our eternal life.

Liturgical materials for 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UnBpbls0Ik4BIyAsFpbWWXzOah_DwecJ?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/1gT_ynQs41Y

26th Ordinary Sunday

OBEY THE LORD

Obedience is one of the unpopular words in our modern culture but it is a non-negotiable of Christian life. The dominant theme of today’s Scripture Readings is to live a life by being obedient to the will of God. Obedience to God proves our love for Him, demonstrates our faithfulness to Him and opens avenues of blessings for us. According to St Thomas Aquinas, “Obedience unites us so closely to God that it transforms us into Him, so that we have no other will but His.” Being Christians we cannot settle for selective obedience. Rather, we are to obey all the commandments of God, not merely the convenient ones, and our obedience should be manifested both in words and actions. As we prepare to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, let us quietly listen to God with the desire of knowing His will for us and translate it into our life through loving obedience. For the times we have failed to discern His will and adhere to it let us ask His pardon and mercy.

Liturgical materials for 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1uVmPlOzLKpU5qc-3bxpiXvP6V_Sv8ksi?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/qLtcMv2fS-c

25th Ordinary Sunday

GOD'S GENEROSITY

We all agree that we do not think or act as God thinks and acts for God’s ways are superior. The fact of the matter is that the higher ways and thoughts of God are not meant to subdue human beings or to gain superiority over them and control them. From what we read in today’s Readings it becomes clear that when God wants the wicked people to get away from their wicked and unrighteous ways, it is to help these people to repent and to turn away from their bad ways. When they do these forgiveness and pardon will follow them. When the owner of the vineyard representing God wishes to pay to the last worker as much as the one who worked the whole day, it shows the generosity of God who cares for the last worker as much as he cares for the first. The last man too needs a denarius to feed his family. What we need to learn is that we have a God whom we can trust, for He works for our benefit. Are we willing to change our outlook towards God who cares for us?

Liturgical materials for 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1oYPtlZXwlL8fFdOin3YOyufcpU1iPEOv?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/1PcUmYZgi0Q

24th Ordinary Sunday

UNLIMITED FORGIVENESS

The liturgy of the Word deals with the theme of forgiveness. The First Reading states that anger and wrath are abominations; the measure in which we forgive others will be the measure that we experience the forgiveness of the Lord. Experience of healing in our lives too will depend upon our willingness to let go of the various hurts in our lives. The Second Reading reminds us to do everything including forgiveness by being conscious of the fact that we belong to the Lord. In answering the question asked by Peter in the Gospel, Jesus reiterates the need to forgive without conditions. Humans as we are, we have experienced hurt. We also have hurt others. Experience of forgiveness helps us to live our Christian life more meaningfully. When we forgive, we experience forgiveness from God and others. Let us feel sorry for the revenge and ill-feelings that we have nurtured in our hearts.

Liturgical materials for the 24th Ordinary Sunday.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/119tueHrR4ytGEOLrA987m4G3n-hqcWyF?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/lb59Ij1rlgo

23rd Ordinary Sunday

PRAY TOGETHER

Today’s liturgical Readings teach us that we are children of God, bound together in love. We are mutually responsible for the good of each other. The commandments of God are meant not only to help us live a harmonious social life but also to help and support one another in the bond of love. That is why all the commandments can be summarised into just one: love of God and love of neighbour. “Love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law,” says St Paul. Mutual love, help and support also should include mutual and brotherly/sisterly correction. If a member of our community goes astray, the entire community is responsible because each one of us is a ‘watchman of the house of God’. On the contrary, if a member of our community does good and grows in holiness, the entire community is to have the credit. Let today’s Eucharistic celebration reinforce our sense of community and increase our responsibility towards one another.

Liturgical materials for the 23rd Ordinary Sunday.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19zrXvLfJEt5YRivzPm_zf2HqYQxgfhnA?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/ReDnrH4N1sY

Nativity of Mother Mary

CHOSEN BY GOD

The liturgy today commemorates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast, very important to popular piety, leads us to admire in Mary the Child, the purest dawn of the Redemption. We are contemplating a little girl like every other, yet at the same time the only one who was "blessed among women" (Lk 1: 42). Mary was the immaculate "Daughter of Zion", destined to become the Mother of the Messiah.” (St. Pope John Paul II)

To celebrate the Nativity of Mary is, in a very human way, to celebrate her birthday. And we all like to celebrate the anniversary of those we hold dear! ... Mary was born like all of us: she is the fruit of love between a man and a woman. She lived with her family and like every young girl of her time, she dreamed of marrying one day and form her own family. It would have been a completely normal life, anonymous, if she had not fully and freely accepted the will of her Lord. Mary - chosen by God to be the mother of His Son, incarnated for the salvation of mankind - welcomes His proposal, but not before questioning - what is proper to human nature - while being profoundly open to the path that the Father would show her.

Therefore, to celebrate the Nativity of Mary is to celebrate a fundamental mark in the History of Salvation. Essential element of this story, Mary is the link of connection between the Trinity and the humanity. Through her body, prepared by God without sin, Jesus comes into the world and fulfils His saving mystery.

May the Feast of the Nativity of Mary make us aware of this story so special, with grateful eyes to those who accepted to say YES and, thus, became the mother not only of Jesus, but of all mankind.

Sept. 8 - Nativity of BVM -

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/190xSqX9njSloY4XxRv5g7V8uPE6bXz2r?usp=sharing

Our Lady of Velankanni Song - https://youtu.be/-FMxZ5u_SEI

22nd Ordinary Sunday

FOLLOWING THROUGH SUFFERING

Prophet Jeremiah was a true patriot who loved his people and his country dearly and no one could doubt his loyalty. The prophet felt that God had not been fair to him and called him to be a prophet against his wishes. When he faithfully announced God’s message, the people mocked and cursed him and even his friends turned against him. In fact, Jeremiah was tempted to give up his work as a prophet but deep within himself, he felt a strong force urging him to go on with his work and felt Yahweh was by his side, like a mighty hero, giving him strength. The suffering of the Messiah and his death could not enter the mind of Peter or any Jew of his time. For them, the Messiah had to be victorious, always living and reigning. Jesus made known to his apostles three times that he would suffer and die and each time he took good care to add that he would rise again from the dead. Peter was shocked to hear his Master speaking about his own suffering and death, and he felt that it could not happen, and he was there to see to it that it would never take place. Only after the resurrection did the apostles understand the meaning of Jesus’ passion and death. Are we able to accept our daily suffering?

Liturgical materials for 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OvUvR9VSDo55TaLsYsdQvCsfLODghmP-?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/5a3j1hJTpfE

21st Ordinary Sunday

UNVEILING OUR UNDERSTANDING

God calls people and empowers them who are cooperating with him in his mission but thrusts out those who are not doing so. The First Reading speaks of God expelling Shebna, the royal steward of the palace, during the reign of king Hezekiah of Judah, for his arrogance and pride, and replacing him with Eliakim the son of Hilkiah. St Paul sees God as beyond all definitions, imaginations, and human concepts. God is really all pervading, omniscient and omnipotent. No humans can know God fully: what God thinks and what His ways are. God is not indebted to anyone in any way. Therefore, we can only praise, thank and glorify God. When Jesus asks Peter a question about his identity, Peter answers correctly, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus re-names Simon into Peter, to signify what he is going to be: ‘the rock-like foundation of the Church.’ Jesus empowers Peter and his successors with heavenly powers to bind or lose anything on earth and in heaven. Let us believe in God and cooperate with Him in his mission.

Liturgical materials for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Q-rky22SlUB2eTRaCFv9MFzm4uCqUIjX?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/cGUBvs0gsvk?feature=shared

Shorts for WhatsApp status & FB Stories - 

https://youtube.com/shorts/3EqLITbGO5w

Queenship of Mary

MARY OUR MOTHER AND QUEEN

Pope Pius XII established this feast in 1954. But the Blessed Virgin Mary’s queenship has roots in Scripture. At the Annunciation, Gabriel announced that Mary’s Son would receive the throne of David and rule forever. At the Visitation, Elizabeth calls Mary “mother of my Lord.” As in all the mysteries of Mary’s life, she is closely associated with Jesus: Her queenship is a share in Jesus’ kingship. We can also recall that in the Old Testament the mother of the king has great influence in court. In the fourth century Saint Ephrem called Mary “Lady” and “Queen.” Later Church fathers and doctors continued to use the title. The Dominican rosary and the Franciscan crown as well as numerous invocations in Mary’s litany celebrate her queenship.

The feast is a logical follow-up to the Assumption and is now celebrated on the octave day of that feast. In his 1954 encyclical To the Queen of Heaven, Pius XII points out that Mary deserves the title because she is Mother of God, because she is closely associated as the New Eve with Jesus’ redemptive work, because of her preeminent perfection, and because of her intercessory power. As we celebrate the Queenship of Mary, Let us honour Our Mother and Queen and imitate her in the closeness of God in our lives.

Feast of Queenship of Mary -

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_vfRdmW1a9_4lHE5ORYFCECz8fKUfPaC?usp=sharing

Mary's Queenship Song - https://youtu.be/J-9YRUUM2IA

20th Ordinary Sunday

PERSEVERENCE IN FAITH

Today, the gospel speaks about the virtue of perseverance. Perseverance in prayer with faith is the sign of deep faith. The Canaanite woman sets an example in this regard. In spite of Jesus’ repeated negative answers to her plea, she kneels before Jesus and says “Sir, help me”.This gesture of humility made her persevere in her asking and win favor.

According to Isaiah’s understanding everyone who keeps the Sabbath and holds fast to God’s decrees and covenants will encounter God’s favour. The Canaanite woman whose daughter is possessed by a demon probably knows that she too has a right before God. What Jesus is checking as he interacts with the woman is whether she has faith in him which is the sole condition to win God’s favour in the new era of salvation brought by Jesus for admittance into the new community of believers. The woman passes the test brilliantly as she has a tremendous understanding of the God of Israel and gets her daughter healed. Faith is our deciding point in our relationship with Jesus. What is the quality of our faith? Does it match the faith shown by the woman who was not of Jewish faith?

Liturgical materials for 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EHmdPLLvF5HogsAanF8iad81gUerK2PB?usp=sharing

August 15 Twin Feasts

FREEDOM TO FREE OTHERS

The feast of the Assumption of Mary and the Indian Independence Day occurring on the same day is a happy coincidence. Incidentally these two events also share a common theme which is Freedom. India became an independent nation on 15 August 1947 after almost a century of active British rule over India. The Assumption of Mary was declared a dogma of faith on 1st November 1950 by Pope Pius XII and the feast was to be celebrated on 15 August. Mary was assumed into heaven because she was totally free from sin, even from the original sin as her immaculate conception testifies. The dogma of Assumption states that Mary after finishing the course of her life on earth was taken up in body and soul to heavenly glory. Mary’s glory is associated with her Son Jesus. Mary not only gave birth to Jesus but also accompanied him as a faithful disciple. From the cradle to the tomb Mary remained as a pillar of strength for her Son. It is only fitting that God the Father did not allow her body to be corrupted for she is the only one preserved from the stain of any sin.

Liturgy for August 15 Twin Feasts - 

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19x4iuh900Ho1VdL-9LsdhebyZNhTSTh2?usp=sharing

Assumption Song - https://youtu.be/sNQzWy8BNj8

Patriotic Song - https://youtu.be/zpcs8iUawYI

Bless our Country - https://youtu.be/16YLCO0J9oM

Wish you all a very Happy Feast of Assumption & Independence Day. 

19th Ordinary Sunday

STRENGTHENING FAITH AMID STORMS

Do we encounter God in the midst of the trials and storms of our lives? The Prophet Elijah in the First Reading is terrified as he flees for his life and desperately seeks God’s presence. The disciples in the Gospel are gripped by the fear of a storm, and Peter while walking on the waters sinks fast as fear overwhelms him. In both instances, they experience the presence of the Divine who comes to them as refuge and deliverer. God comes to us in the middle of our storms of sin, suffering, brokenness, depression and darkness. Some storms of life are part of God’s sanctification plan for us, compelling us to trust Him. Let us, therefore, learn to listen to the invitation of God and depend on Him who always extends a loving hand towards us, especially during the storms in our lives.

Liturgical materials for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dGXpET1kW710qezR3y-NRlBSMX_0_9ZQ?usp=sharing

Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/1nKMf-fAGes

Transfiguration of the Lord

A TIME FOR TRANSFORMATION

The Transfiguration of Jesus is one of the major mysteries in the life of Jesus. Jesus takes with him the trio Peter, James and John, up the mountain of Tabor and reveals to them the glory of his true identity as the Son of God. The experience gives the threesome a foretaste of heaven. This is signified by his dazzling white clothes. Peter wants to preserve the moment. He wants to erect tents. He is overwhelmed and terrified by the experience, yet he does not want it to end. The experience strengthens the faith of the disciples Peter, James and John. Their experience is narrated to us so that we too can deepen our faith. Let us pray that our faith may be increased and thus we may experience the Lord in the celebration of this Holy Eucharist and in the events of our everyday life.

Liturgical materials for the Feast of Transfiguration of the Lord.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HcH_2zY7g03xvqPK-8TTv9ul_bU940rM?usp=sharing.

The feast due to its importance in the Liturgical calendar replaces the 18th Ordinary Sunday Liturgy.

Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/Ght5hGxA8V0

17th Ordinary Sunday

PEARL OF WISDOM

We are called to reflect on the God-given gifts of wisdom, faith and the Kingdom of God itself. From the First Book of Kings we understand that Solomon has understood the ways of God and the usefulness in his life and therefore he asks God for wisdom so that he can discern the will of God. He does not need honours or luxury goods. Solomon is aware of the situation of God’s people but how is he to know what is right and just? God also promises that there will never be anyone else wiser and more discerning than Solomon. Paul tells us that we also shall share his glory if we love him. God will turn everything to their good as He co-operates with all those who love Him. Our faith will not be in vain. Jesus uses four short parables to tell us about the Kingdom of Heaven and its meaning in our life. It is a great opportunity for us to think about the gifts of faith and wisdom. How do they help us bring about the Kingdom of Heaven on earth for the people around us, especially for those who are searching for the Lord?

Liturgical materials for 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18KLb6FEMTK1nV5CjUbg0pIT5hGVgIz37?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/1ZnpG1YFg-o

16th Ordinary Sunday

TO PRODUCE FRUITS

God sows the seeds of holiness in our hearts. These seeds have the potential to grow and produce fruits of goodness. By growing in holiness, we become shade and shelter to others. Thus, the reign of God grows and takes root in us, producing fruits of goodness. But the enemy of God, the devil, is also active and he sows the weeds of destruction in our hearts. The moment we cooperate with evil, it gains an upper hand and chokes the goodness in us. But when we, in the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, cooperate with God, goodness grows and evil fades away. Let this Eucharistic celebration help us identify the destructive weeds in us, so that in the power of the Holy Spirit we may outsmart and outgrow them and gain victory of good over evil.

Liturgical materials for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DhUgtrvCMrt8PzNrkyHMaSRWuJVavH0o?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/VlR7VJhYb38

15th Ordinary Sunday

WORD OF GOD

Dear brothers and sisters, God’s Word has been sown into our hearts. But too often our hearts have not been the ideal soil for the growth of the Word. We have proved ourselves to be infertile and arid ground. Not only have we been indifferent and cold towards the Word but at times we have even deliberately choked its growth. The Readings of today speak of the effectiveness of God’s word. Isaiah plainly tells us that God’s word won’t return unless it has “accomplished” its purpose. St Paul describes salvation using the imagery of “waiting with eager longing” in confident hope that creation itself, being freed from “corruption” will “obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God”. The Gospel points to how the Word of God, despite encountering obstacles, will continue to flourish and bear fruit a “hundredfold”.

Liturgical materials for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18NFnOo0J3UCkVyGYW18RSJj5n7DQKWaX?usp=sharing

Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/4bF3dM-q8Uc

14th Ordinary Sunday

COME TO ME!

The Gospels present Jesus as a person of power, an able teacher and a powerful healer. No sooner Jesus begins his ministry, than his fame spreads all over Palestine and in the neighbouring cities and towns known as the Decapolis. Jesus does things that nobody else has ever done or can do, such as exercising power over demonic spirits, exercising control over the sea and the winds and healing people affected by various illnesses. Yet Jesus is a humble person and for his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, he chooses an ass to ride as visualized by prophet Zechariah concerning the future Messiah. Hence when Jesus invites the weary and troubled to come to him for comfort and rest, they are very realistic invitations. Generations after generations of Christians have given heed to the voice of the Lord Jesus and have found rest for their souls. What are our experiences?

Liturgical materials for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1A-WMsdVC_BDipgvtxZLqpcf7l9gqzOdX?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/7MJtfz3m8mg

13th Ordinary Sunday

THE CHOICE TO FOLLOW

We are advised: “Don’t enter Christianity under false pretences. Living as a Christian is living as Christ in the world.” Christianity is thus a matter of choice and not an accident. The First Reading reminds us of the unique relationship God has had with His people. God comes to the rescue of His people and gives them His blessings and graces. Saint Paul tells us that we are made right with God through Jesus Christ. He challenges us to be dead to sin and be alive to God. Jesus tells us, “One who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and one who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Through this teaching of Jesus, he invites us to a profound union with him that may even lead us to take up the cross. We need to humble ourselves, let go of everything in this world, and cling to Jesus and him alone.

Liturgical materials for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1A8Tf1sTHUzi8esV99idAYVwBOLXLJhfz?usp=sharing

Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/QfO0cWE6mfM

12th Ordinary Sunday

CARE & PROTECTION OF THE LORD

The Readings of the day invite us to give testimony to the Lord before others without fear. When we stand for the Lord, we are sure to invite enemies. There will be hardships and hurdles. There will be oppositions and humiliations. However, we are assured of the care and protection of the Lord in the midst of every obstacle that comes on our path. In the First Reading, the prophet Jeremiah finds himself opposed to his foes and even to his friends. But he is confident of his safety under God’s protection. In the Gospel, Jesus exhorts his disciples not to fear anyone or anything in the world. Every single person is precious and of infinite value in the eyes of God. God is so intimately involved in our life that His knowledge of us is deep and minute. What is required of us is to place our full trust in him and proclaim him with courage and confidence. After all, we have the promise of his never-ending presence with us in all situations of life. Let’s be sorry for the times we have failed to stand for the Lord during fear and insecurities.

Liturgical materials for 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ignkPKRS3gNPiE6P0AA5aQuZe9A89y15?usp=sharing

Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/bsN77s3KO7Q

11th Ordinary Sunday

HARVEST IS PLENTY

The main theme of today’s readings is that we are commissioned or sent, to transform others with the “Good News” of God’s love, mercy, forgiveness, and salvation through Jesus His Son. We are called to be God’s people. The needs of God’s people are great. In a world of addiction, suicide, confusion, poverty, injustice and many other big needs, Jesus still looks and sees people ‘like sheep without a shepherd’. He calls each of us, male and female, young and old into his service. Let us abide to his call and live a life of truth and worthy of him. Today’s Gospel recounts the call and commissioning of the Twelve Apostles. Jesus gathers around him a community with a mission, a community sent to practise compassion to all. The Christian community is a community of service, imitating the Lord who came to serve.

Liturgical materials for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1JLqiTwVy10ROBg_JhtJxfArq5JuGWzxG?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/nZGXMWI9T0U

Feast of the Sacred Hearts

HEARTS BURNING WITH LOVE

The feast of Sacred Heart is the feast of God’s love for mankind as manifested through Jesus Christ. Today’s celebration is an echo of Good Friday; an invitation to immerse ourselves in the source of that immense love which brought about our salvation. The Church calls us to discover God’s love as reflected in the heart of Jesus. The liturgy reminds us that “lifted high on the cross, Christ gave his life for us, as much did he love us. As we prepare to celebrate the Eucharistic sacrifice, the sacrament of Christ’s love for us, let us be sorry for all our sins of ingratitude and coldness towards Him and His sacrament of love.

Close to the Heart of the Son is the Heart of the Mother whom the Church celebrates the day after the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Let it again be the Holy Father who illuminates us with regard to this mystery: “The heart that resembles that of Christ more than any other is without a doubt the Heart of Mary, his Immaculate Mother, and for this very reason the liturgy holds them up together for our veneration. Responding to the Virgin's invitation at Fatima, let us entrust the whole world to her Immaculate Heart, which we contemplated yesterday in a special way, so that it may experience the merciful love of God and know true peace”.

Liturgy for the Sacred Hearts Feast -

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xlAVvD7IBznMlgwtEzecROzZ8fmJMiPF?usp=drive_link 

Feast of the Corpus Christi

SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT

This feast is being celebrated in the Church with a twofold purpose: first, to praise our Lord for having given himself as our spiritual food and drink in the Holy Eucharist, and second, to help us realize the absolute necessity of the Eucharist for our Christian life. Today, we are not only celebrating the reception of the body and blood of Christ in holy communion but also the fact that we are the Body of Christ. At the end of every celebration of the Eucharist, we are sent out with this great prayer of mission, ‘let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord.’ On this wonderful day, as we honour the real presence of the Body of Jesus in the Eucharist, the source and summit of Christian life, may each of us be fed and nourished through the body and blood of Christ. Pope Francis says: “The Eucharist is not a prize for the perfect, but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak.” Do we realize our unworthiness and weakness?

Liturgical materials for the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (The Corpus Christi).

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_ssia02Ahs5IL93EtjjXpHW-4F5XQ6DF?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/5vgZrcVHczA

Feast of the Most Holy Trinity

THREE IN ONE

Today’s liturgy commemorates the greatest mystery of Christian faith – the Trinity. God the Father is the Creator, God the Son is the Redeemer and God the Holy Spirit is the Sanctifier. The First Reading underlines the Father’s love, mercy, patience, faithfulness and forgiveness. God is worthy of all our love and worship. In the Second Reading, St Paul makes certain practical suggestions to manifest our faith in God with corresponding actions. God who is full of love and compassion invites all the faithful to become aware of His nature, to believe in Him and to imitate Him by living a life worthy of the Trinity. For our failures to have a strong foundation for our faith and to live by true faith, we shall implore God’s forgiveness.

Liturgical materials for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1an3lb1J6wNGmCqOMnFknAPjiAYpO09dI?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/5itbGvdvy7U

Holy Trinity Song - https://youtu.be/Np6imu3y0qM

Feast of the Pentecost

FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

The First Reading and the Gospel of today agree on the fact that the arrival of the Holy Spirit set the fearful disciples on the path of mission. Today’s liturgy is based on the tradition described by Luke in the Acts of the Apostles that Jesus continued to appear to his disciples for several weeks after his resurrection. There are alternative traditions in the other Gospels that the ascension took place on the same day as the resurrection. Today we come to celebrate that important event in the early Church that changed the timid disciples to enthusiastic promoters of Jesus’ life and message. God gives us His Spirit to strengthen us and also to motivate us in our lives. We have received this gift at our baptism and we do not lack this gift as we continue to live our lives. Does the Spirit motivate us?

Liturgical materials for the Feast of the Pentecost.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ztXqhHauHRs0BFrCZ9arpEVmeyl6TSri?usp=share_link