Thank You 2024


A JOURNEY OF GRATITUDE AND HOPE

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, we pause to reflect on the blessings, challenges, and lessons that 2024 has brought into our lives. This is a time to offer heartfelt gratitude to God for His abundant grace and guidance throughout the year. It is also a moment of hope and anticipation as we step into 2025, entrusting our dreams, plans, and aspirations to His divine providence.

The Thanksgiving and New Year Liturgy invites us to come together as a faith-filled community to thank God for the past and seek His blessings for the future. This special liturgy is designed to help you reflect on the joys and trials of the year gone by and to renew your faith and trust in God’s plan for the year ahead.

Join us in prayer and celebration by accessing the liturgical resources for this occasion, available on the Smart Liturgy blog or through our Google Drive link. Let us come together to thank 2024 and welcome 2025 with hearts full of faith, gratitude, and hope.

Liturgy for Thanking 2024 Adoration -

Feast of the Holy Family


A MODEL OF LOVE AND UNITY

The Feast of the Holy Family invites us to reflect on the virtues of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, who exemplify love, faith, and obedience in their lives together. This feast serves as a powerful reminder of the sanctity and importance of family life, rooted in faith and mutual care. It calls us to strive for harmony, forgiveness, and understanding within our own families, inspired by the Holy Family’s example of unwavering trust in God and selfless love for one another.

This year, our celebration centers on the theme "Building Our Families in Faith and Love." Through prayer and reflection, we honor the Holy Family and seek their intercession to strengthen our families as spaces of peace, joy, and spiritual growth. To aid in your celebration, we have shared special liturgical materials, including reflections, hymns, and worship guides, on the Smart Liturgy blog and through our Google Drive link.

Let us join together in celebrating this beautiful feast and embrace the values of the Holy Family in our daily lives.

Liturgy for the Feast of the Holy Family -

Holy Innocents (Dec. 28)


CELEBRATING THE SACRIFICE OF INNOCENCE

The Feast of the Holy Innocents commemorates the young martyrs who lost their lives in King Herod's ruthless attempt to eliminate the infant Jesus. These innocent children, though unaware, bore witness to Christ through their silent sacrifice, becoming the first martyrs of the Christian faith. This feast invites us to reflect on their pure and untainted witness and challenges us to stand against injustice in our own lives, embracing the values of humility, innocence, and unwavering faith.

This year, our celebration focuses on the theme "Innocence Redeemed in Christ". It reminds us that even the most fragile lives are part of God's salvific plan, calling us to cherish the gift of life and to protect the vulnerable. Through prayer, reflection, and worship, we unite with the Holy Innocents, seeking their intercession for a world that upholds justice and peace.

To help you celebrate this feast meaningfully, we have shared special liturgical materials including reflections, hymns, and resources for worship. Access them through our Smart Liturgy blog or Google Drive link. Let us come together to honour these young saints and renew our commitment to faith and compassion.

Liturgy for the Feast -

Christmas


EMMANUEL: LOVE THAT TRANSFORMS

Christmas is a time to celebrate the profound mystery of Emmanuel—God with us. In the humble birth of Christ, we witness the transformative power of love, a love that bridges the divine and the human, bringing hope and renewal to a weary world. This love calls us to open our hearts, embrace its light, and allow it to transform our lives and communities.

The celebration of Christmas invites us to reflect on how God’s love manifests in the simplicity of a manger, offering peace and salvation to all. It is a call to not only rejoice in this great gift but to let its transforming power guide our actions, renew our faith, and deepen our commitment to sharing Christ’s light with others.

As we prepare to celebrate this sacred season, we are delighted to share liturgical materials that reflect this theme. May they help you immerse more deeply in the joy and wonder of Christmas, drawing you closer to the transformative love of Emmanuel.

Fourth Sunday of Advent


GOD IS WITH US

The Fourth Sunday of Advent invites us to reflect on the profound mystery of Emmanuel—God is with us. This Sunday’s liturgy highlights God’s faithfulness to His promises, as seen in the courageous "yes" of Mary, whose trust in God brought salvation into the world. It is a time to open our hearts to the presence of God in our lives and to recognize His love in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of our journey.

The theme reminds us that the incarnation is not just a historical event but an ongoing reality. God chooses to dwell among us, bringing hope and redemption to our lives. As we prepare for the birth of Christ, this Sunday challenges us to respond to God’s call with the same openness and trust as Mary, allowing His will to unfold in our lives.

To help you celebrate this sacred day, we are pleased to share a collection of liturgical materials crafted to enrich your worship. These resources include readings, sermons, theme posters, responsorial psalms, and PowerPoint presentations, ensuring a meaningful and participatory liturgy for all.

Let us prepare our hearts with faith and joy, welcoming the Child Jesus into our lives. May this Sunday inspire hope, peace, and love as we draw closer to the wonder of Christmas.

Liturgical materials for the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/NjY8pjmWOeE

Christmas Novena


A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY TO THE MANGER

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,As we prepare to celebrate the joyful mystery of Christ’s birth, the Christmas Novena invites us to embark on a nine-day spiritual journey to the manger. These days of prayer and reflection help us deepen our faith, strengthen our hope, and renew our love as we await the coming of the Emmanuel – God with us.

The Novena is a time to meditate on the promises of God fulfilled in Jesus, the Savior of the world. It is a moment to pause amidst the busyness of the season and prepare our hearts to welcome the Prince of Peace with gratitude and reverence.

We are delighted to share the materials for the Christmas Novena to enrich your prayer experience. May these resources guide you closer to the heart of Christ and fill your days with the joy, peace, and blessings of His coming!

Third Sunday of Advent


REJOICE, THE LORD IS NEAR!

The Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday, is a joyful pause in the midst of our Advent journey. The liturgy calls us to rejoice as we draw closer to the celebration of Christ’s birth. The pink candle of the Advent wreath is lit, symbolizing joy and hope.

This Sunday’s readings remind us of God’s nearness and invite us to prepare our hearts with faith and anticipation. The First Reading proclaims God’s delight in His people, while the Second Reading calls us to rejoice always in the Lord. The Gospel challenges us to bear fruits of love and repentance as we ready ourselves to welcome Christ.

As we continue our Advent journey, let us reflect on the joy that comes from knowing the Lord is near. May this joy inspire us to share His love with others, bringing hope and light into their lives. We are pleased to share the materials for this Sunday’s liturgy on our blog. May these resources inspire and enrich your celebration as we await the coming of the Lord with hearts full of joy and thanksgiving.

Liturgical materials for the Third Sunday of Advent.

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/XFeJE8vFJw4

Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8)



IMMACULATE GRACE: A CALL TO HOLINESS

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on December 8, is a solemn and joyous occasion for the Catholic Church, commemorating the doctrine that the Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin. This profound truth highlights Mary as the pure vessel chosen by God to bear His Son, Jesus Christ.

The Immaculate Conception reflects God's boundless grace and the fulfillment of His divine plan for humanity's redemption. Mary's unique privilege was granted in anticipation of Christ's merits, making her the perfect model of faith, purity, and obedience to God's will.

As we prepare to celebrate this feast, let us draw inspiration from Mary's unwavering 'Yes' to God and her role as our Mother and intercessor. Through her Immaculate Heart, we are invited to grow closer to Christ and embrace a life of holiness and virtue.

May this feast strengthen our devotion to Mary and inspire us to live out her example in our daily lives. "O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."

Liturgy for the Solemnity of Immaculate Conception.

Tamil Song for the Feast - https://youtu.be/r-ZTGw3kQNk

Second Sunday of Advent


PREPARE THE WAY

The Second Sunday of Advent invites us to reflect on hope and preparation as we journey toward the celebration of Christ's birth. The readings focus on the prophetic voice of John the Baptist, calling us to prepare the way for the Lord through repentance and renewal of heart.

This Sunday reminds us that Advent is a time to smooth the rough paths in our lives, allowing God's grace to transform us. It is a season of anticipation, encouraging us to embrace peace, justice, and unity in our hearts and communities.

As we light the second candle of the Advent wreath, symbolizing faith, let us commit ourselves to deeper prayer, reflection, and action, making room for Christ to enter our lives anew.

Liturgical materials for the Second Sunday of Advent.

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/4-YUeOuQzOw

Francis Xavier (Dec. 3)


APOSTLE OF ZEAL AND FAITH

The Feast of St. Francis Xavier invites us to reflect on the life and mission of one of the most remarkable saints in the history of the Church. A man of profound faith and tireless zeal, St. Francis Xavier heeded Christ's call to "go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation" (Mark 16:15). His missionary journey took him from his native Spain to far-off lands, including India, Japan, and Southeast Asia, where he shared the love of Christ with countless people, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.

As we celebrate this great feast, we are reminded of the universality of the Gospel and our own call to be missionaries in our unique contexts. To help us enter more deeply into this celebration, we offer liturgical materials including readings, prayers, and reflections. These resources aim to inspire us to embrace the missionary spirit of St. Francis Xavier and to live our faith with renewed fervor and commitment. May his life and intercession guide us in our journey of faith.

Liturgy for the Feast of St. Francis Xavier -

First Sunday of Advent


PREPARING OUR HEARTS

Welcome to the season of Advent, a time of joyful hope and spiritual preparation as we begin a new liturgical year. This season invites us to embrace a spirit of watchfulness and readiness as we prepare for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The First Sunday of Advent reminds us of the importance of living with alert hearts, open to the grace and presence of God in our lives. It calls us to reflect on how we can better prepare our lives to receive Christ not only in the celebration of His birth but also in His glorious return.

The theme of the First Sunday of Advent is rooted in hope and vigilance. As the Church leads us into this sacred time, we are invited to step away from the distractions of daily life and focus on the deeper spiritual journey. This Sunday reminds us to walk in the light, to remain awake to God’s call, and to renew our commitment to live as His faithful disciples. May this Advent season inspire us to open our hearts to the joy, peace, and hope that come through Christ’s presence.

Liturgical materials for the First Sunday of Advent.

Season of Advent


MARANATHA! COME LORD JESUS!

Advent is a sacred season of joyful expectation and spiritual preparation for the celebration of Christmas. It marks the beginning of the liturgical year, inviting us to reflect on the promises of God and renew our hope in the coming of Christ. Through its rich symbolism—candles of hope, peace, joy, and love, and the anticipation of the Christ Candle—Advent reminds us to pause amid the busyness of life and focus on God’s presence in our hearts and communities.

As we journey through this season, let us embrace the call to prayer, reflection, and acts of kindness that prepare us for the birth of our Savior. Advent is not just a time of waiting but a time of deep spiritual growth, a reminder to light the way for Christ to enter our lives and the world.

Wishing you a blessed and fruitful Advent season! “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!”

Resources for the Season of Advent -

Advent Songs Playlist - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbrLfdx3oe9ENi4CTdZdf2HBovd_IO43s&si=9V_A8FIGAMiIJMGb

Christ the King


A REIGN OF TRUTH AND LOVE

Welcome to our special liturgical resource collection for the Feast of Christ the King! As we conclude the liturgical year, this solemnity invites us to reflect on Jesus Christ, not as a king of earthly power, but as the Eternal King who reigns with truth, love, and justice. His kingdom is a call to live in peace, serve others with humility, and embrace His truth.

To help you prepare for this great feast, we have curated a collection of resources, including theme posters, liturgical readings, homily guides, responsorial psalms, and prayers. These materials are designed to make the celebration more meaningful and to deepen your spiritual experience of Christ’s kingship.

Let us journey together in faith as we proclaim, "Christ is King!" and recommit ourselves to building His kingdom in our hearts and communities. Explore the resources below and share the message of Christ’s eternal reign with everyone you meet!

Liturgical materials for the Solemnity of Christ the King.

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

33rd Ordinary Sunday


HOPE IN GOD'S PROMISES

This Sunday, as we celebrate the Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are reminded of the call to live with vigilance and hope, trusting in God’s promises. The readings direct our hearts toward the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom, encouraging us to stay prepared and steadfast in our faith. Even in the face of challenges, we are invited to place our hope in Christ, who assures us of His eternal presence and salvation.

To enrich your participation in the liturgy, we have prepared a range of resources including theme posters, reflections, readings, and hymns. You can access these materials through our Smart Liturgy Blog or directly via our Google Drive. Let us together deepen our understanding of this Sunday’s message and celebrate the Eucharist with faith and devotion.

Liturgical materials for the Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/5v8SLaCaZ5w

32nd Ordinary Sunday


EMBRACING GENEROSITY AND TRUST

Dear friends in faith,
As we journey through the Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church invites us to reflect on the profound themes of generosity and trust in God. Today’s liturgy presents us with inspiring stories of selflessness and the boundless blessings that come from wholehearted giving. To aid in your reflection and celebration, I am sharing the liturgical materials for this Sunday, which include the readings and reflections to guide you in embracing the spirit of true giving and faith.

The Scriptures today challenge us to look deeper into what it means to give. In a world that often equates value with abundance and material wealth, the readings remind us that true generosity is measured not by the size of the gift but by the love and sacrifice behind it. The widows we encounter in both the first reading and the Gospel exemplify a faith that places complete trust in God’s providence, encouraging us to do the same.

Through this liturgy, may we be moved to assess how we offer our time, resources, and hearts to God and to others. Let us ask for the courage to give with sincerity and to trust that God, who sees all, will provide for our needs in His perfect way. May this Sunday inspire us to become living witnesses of Christ’s selfless love and unwavering trust in the Father.

Liturgical materials for the Thirty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

31st Ordinary Sunday


THE COMMANDMENT OF LOVE

This Sunday’s liturgy centers around the profound theme of love as the heart of God’s commandments. The readings invite us to embrace the two-fold commandment of loving God wholeheartedly and loving our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus emphasizes that all other commandments flow from these two, urging us to let love be the foundation of our lives.

To support your worship and reflection this Sunday, we’re sharing liturgical materials to enrich your experience. These include theme posters, daily readings, sermon notes, responsorial psalms, and PowerPoint presentations, designed to make the message of the day more meaningful and accessible.

Explore this week’s resources here, and join us in celebrating the love that unites us in faith.

All Souls Day (Nov. 2)


A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE AND PRAYER

On All Souls Day, we come together in solemn remembrance of our departed loved ones and all the faithful souls who have gone before us. This day is an invitation to unite our prayers with the Church for those who have passed from this life, entrusting them to God’s boundless mercy and love. We remember them with gratitude, honor their lives, and hold onto the hope of being reunited in the presence of God. All Souls Day is a powerful reminder of the communion of saints—the bond between the living and the dead—through which we support each other on our journey to eternal life.

In the liturgy for All Souls Day, the readings offer us messages of hope, comfort, and the promise of resurrection. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom assures us that “the souls of the just are in the hands of God,” a comforting image that reminds us of God’s care and the peace that awaits those who trust in Him. The Gospel from John shows us Jesus speaking with Martha, declaring, “I am the resurrection and the life,” affirming that faith in Him opens the way to eternal life. In the psalm, we echo the comforting words, “The Lord is my shepherd,” proclaiming God’s guidance even through the dark valleys of loss and grief. These readings lead us to place our trust in God, who brings hope and new life even in times of sorrow.

As we commemorate All Souls Day, let us keep alive the memories of our loved ones, lifting them in prayer and finding peace in God’s promise of eternal life. May our hearts be filled with hope, knowing that our prayers reach across time and space, offering comfort and grace to those who have departed. This day is a reminder that love endures, that faith consoles, and that life in Christ conquers death, drawing us all toward the joy of reunion in His everlasting embrace.

Liturgy for All Souls Day (Nov. 2) -

Songs Playlist -

All Saints Day (Nov. 1)


A DAY OF HOPE AND INSPIRATION

On All Saints Day, we gather to honor the great multitude of saints who now live in the presence of God. This feast celebrates all those who have faithfully followed Christ, including the canonized saints we know by name and the countless others who lived lives of quiet holiness. It is a reminder that sainthood is within reach for each of us, no matter our background, vocation, or circumstances. The saints were ordinary people who chose to live extraordinary lives by answering God's call with love, humility, and courage. Their witness continues to inspire us, inviting us to grow in our own faith and commitment to God.

In the liturgy for All Saints Day, we hear readings that speak of God’s promise of eternal life for those who persevere in faith. The first reading from Revelation gives us a vision of heaven, where a great multitude stands before God’s throne, clothed in white robes, symbolizing their purity and victory. The Gospel reading from Matthew presents the Beatitudes, the teachings of Jesus that describe the qualities of those blessed in God’s kingdom—those who are poor in spirit, merciful, peacemakers, and pure of heart. These qualities remind us of the saints’ journey and challenge us to strive for holiness in our own lives. Through their example and intercession, may we be encouraged to live each day with love, integrity, and hope, confident in God’s promise of eternal joy with Him.

Let us ask for the prayers of all the saints in heaven, that we too may grow closer to Christ and reflect His light in the world. This All Saints Day, may we find strength and inspiration in the lives of those who walked this path before us, and may we be filled with hope in our journey towards God’s kingdom.

Liturgy for the All Saints Day -

Diwali - Jesus the Light


IN HIS LIGHT WE SEE LIGHT

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Today, as we come together to celebrate the Feast of Diwali, a festival of lights, we honour not only the tradition of dispelling darkness with light but also recognize Christ as the eternal Light of the World. Diwali signifies the triumph of good over evil, of hope over despair, and of knowledge over ignorance. In the same spirit, we look to Jesus, the Light of the World, who dispels all forms of darkness in our lives and brings us into the radiance of His love and truth.

As we light the candles and embrace this festival’s joy, we remember that Jesus is our guiding Light. He invites us to walk in His truth, illuminating our hearts and minds to reflect His love and compassion in the world. Just as a lamp lights up our surroundings, so too does Christ enlighten our souls and directs our paths, showing us the way to peace, unity, and joy. Let us open our hearts to Christ’s light in this celebration, praying that we may be instruments of His light to all whom we meet. May our lives shine brightly, reflecting His love and goodness to dispel the darkness around us.


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

30th Ordinary Sunday


LET ME SEE AGAIN!

On the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, the Gospel brings us the inspiring story of Bartimaeus, the blind man from Jericho whose faith and persistence lead him to a transformative encounter with Jesus. Despite being silenced by the crowd, Bartimaeus’ unwavering cry, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" catches the attention of Christ, who stops and asks him, “What do you want me to do for you?” His response, “Master, let me see again,” becomes a profound prayer of faith, leading to his healing.

This week’s Smart Liturgy materials center around this powerful theme of spiritual sight and the courage to reach out to God in our moments of darkness. Within these resources, you will find homilies, readings, responsorial psalms, theme posters, and reflections aimed at bringing the message of this Gospel to life. As we reflect on Bartimaeus’ encounter with Jesus, may we too find the grace to recognize our own blindness and seek the light of Christ with faith and determination. Let these resources enrich your celebration of this Sunday’s liturgy, inviting all to encounter the healing power of God’s love.

Liturgical materials for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/4oHhOQb6gCI

World Mission Sunday


CELEBRATING WORLD MISSION SUNDAY

Dear Friends in Christ, as we gather to celebrate World Mission Sunday, we are reminded of our universal calling to be missionaries of Christ's love, spreading the Good News to every corner of the world. This special day invites us to reflect on our shared mission as members of the Church and to renew our commitment to being witnesses of the Gospel in our daily lives.

To help you prepare for this beautiful celebration, we are pleased to share the liturgical resources for World Mission Sunday. These materials include prayers, readings, and reflections that highlight the importance of mission and the role each of us plays in building a world of love, justice, and peace.

Access the Liturgy Resources for World Mission Sunday:

Let us join together in prayer, asking the Lord to bless all missionaries and to give us the strength to be His voice and hands in our own communities. May this World Mission Sunday inspire each of us to share Christ’s love with those around us and beyond.

"May we be true missionaries, spreading the love of Christ to every corner of the world."

29th Ordinary Sunday


CALLED TO SERVE WITH HUMILITY

Welcome to this week’s resources for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B. As we gather to celebrate this Sunday’s liturgy, we are invited to reflect on the theme of humble service, following the example set by Jesus Himself. In today’s readings, we are reminded that true greatness lies in serving others selflessly and embracing the path of humility.

To help deepen your understanding and participation in this Sunday's celebration, we have prepared a variety of materials, including reflections on the readings, theme posters, PowerPoint presentations, and liturgical aids. These resources are designed to enrich your spiritual journey and support meaningful engagement with this Sunday’s message of service and discipleship.

Feel free to download and share these resources with your community, and may they guide you in living out the call to serve others with love and compassion. Let us journey together in faith as we strive to follow Christ more closely each day.

Liturgical materials for the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

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

28th Ordinary Sunday


DEEPER INTO LOVE

Today we gather to celebrate the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings invite us to reflect on the theme of true wisdom and the call to follow Christ wholeheartedly. We are reminded that the wisdom of God is greater than all earthly wealth and that our attachment to material possessions can hinder us from fully embracing the path of discipleship. Jesus challenges us to let go of what binds us and place our trust entirely in Him. True discipleship is not just about keeping the commandments, but about a deeper commitment - a willingness to surrender our lives to God and seek His Kingdom above all else. As we enter into this Eucharistic celebration, let us ask for the grace to detach ourselves from anything that prevents us from living as true disciples and to embrace God’s wisdom that leads to eternal life.

Liturgical materials for the Twenty Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/CoUOT43IQiA

Our Lady of Rosary (Oct. 7)


CROWN OF PRAYER

The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, celebrated on October 7th, is a day of special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast originated in the 16th century, when Pope Pius V established it to commemorate the victory of the Christian fleet at the Battle of Lepanto. The triumph was attributed to the powerful intercession of Our Lady, invoked through the prayer of the Holy Rosary by the faithful.

The Rosary is a cherished prayer that guides us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, with Mary as our companion and model of faith. Each decade offers a unique opportunity to meditate on the mysteries of our salvation, drawing us closer to God through the contemplation of His divine plan.

The feast reminds us of the importance of prayer, perseverance, and unity in the face of challenges. It invites us to take up the Rosary as a spiritual weapon, fostering peace in our hearts and in the world. On this special day, let us honour Our Lady of the Rosary and deepen our devotion to this beautiful prayer, seeking her maternal guidance and protection as we journey closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.

Feast of Our Lady of Rosary -

27th Ordinary Sunday

LOVING IN A GODLY WAY

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Today we gather as one family in the Lord’s presence to celebrate the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings invite us to reflect on the sanctity and beauty of God’s creation of human relationships. In the first reading from the Book of Genesis, we witness God’s intention for human companionship and the significance of the bond between man and woman. The second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us of Jesus' solidarity with us as a brother, sharing in our human nature. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches about the indissolubility of marriage, emphasizing the sacredness of the union that God has instituted. As we come together in worship today, let us open our hearts to God’s Word, seeking His guidance in building strong and faithful relationships. May our celebration strengthen us in love, unity, and understanding, reflecting the love that Christ has for His Church.

Liturgical materials for the Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/cb5hH28xDzA

Francis of Assisi (Oct. 4)


EMBRACING THE NATURE

Today, we come together as one family in faith to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology, animals, and peace. St. Francis, born in Assisi, Italy, in the 12th century, was a man who renounced wealth and comfort to embrace a life of simplicity and service. His profound spirituality, humility, and love for all creation reflect the very heart of the Gospel. Through his life, St. Francis teaches us the true meaning of discipleship - one that involves radical conversion, self-giving love, and seeing God in every living being.

As we gather around the altar today, let us not only reflect on St. Francis’ love for creation but also on his ability to find God in the ordinary and the marginalized. He encountered Christ in the poor, the lepers, and the forgotten, offering compassion and tenderness to all. May this celebration lead us to imitate his example of living out our faith with a generous heart and an unwavering trust in God's providence.

With a spirit of gratitude for the life and witness of this great saint, let us now prepare ourselves to enter into this Holy Eucharist. May the intercession of St. Francis inspire us to be peacemakers and caretakers of God’s creation, always striving to live in harmony with others and with nature.

Liturgy for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Oct 4) -

26th Ordinary Sunday


SETTING AN EXAMPLE

The liturgy of the Word of today strengthens the biblical maxim: do good and shun evil. In the First Reading Moses does not forbid Eldad and Medad from prophesying. Their only fault is that they are not joining others in the tent but doing their work from the camp. Though Moses is exhorted to stop them Moses does not do it but is happy about their work. In the Gospel Jesus does not want to stop a man from casting out demons in his name. Jesus says that if the man wants to do the good let him do it. Both these leaders want the good done on their behalf to be continued. Jesus even promises a reward for any good action done in his name. On the other hand, when it is a question of causing scandal and misleading the innocent, Jesus is uncompromising. He condemns with the strongest terms scandal-mongering, for he says if the eye causes one to sin it is better to pluck it out, similarly with the hand and the feet. In the Second Reading Saint James dramatizes the futility of the rich living in luxury while withholding the wages of the poor labourers. He writes that the judgement against the unjust has already begun.

Liturgy for Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time -

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/hbETTS2a-AY

25th Ordinary Sunday


HUMILITY AND SERVICE

The Caesarea Philippi episode which is of crucial important to Jesus seems not to have affected the disciples. Jesus has spoken about his suffering, death and resurrection on the mountain side and on their way back he again instructs them on his impending passion and death. Also in this second instance they do not seem to understand the situation of Jesus. For they are discussing who is the greatest among them. Then he teaches them a lesson of service, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” He also gives them the example of a child and requires of them a child- like quality for being a disciple. In the First Reading the author writes that the godless are against the just because the just reproaches them for their sins. The godless decide to test and torture the just to see how they react. In the Second Reading Saint James contrasts the wisdom from below with the wisdom from above. The wisdom from above is gentle, open to reason and full of mercy.

Liturgical materials for the Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Our Lady of Sorrows (Sept. 15)


GRIEF DIVINE

Devotion to the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady has its roots in Sacred Scripture and in Christian piety, which always associates the Blessed Mother with her suffering Son. Today's feast was introduced by the Servites to intensify devotion to Our Lady's Sorrows. In 1817 Pius VII - suffering grievously in exile but finally liberated by Mary's intercession - extended the feast to the universal Church.

This feast dates to the 12th century. It was especially promoted by the Cistercians and the Servites, so much so that in the 14th and 15th centuries it was widely celebrated throughout the Catholic Church. In 1482 the feast was added to the Missal under the title of "Our Lady of Compassion." Pope Benedict XIII added it to the Roman Calendar in 1727 on the Friday before Palm Sunday. In 1913, Pope Pius X fixed the date on September 15. The title "Our Lady of Sorrows" focuses on Mary's intense suffering during the passion and death of Christ. "The Seven Dolors," the title by which it was celebrated in the 17th century, referred to the seven swords that pierced the Heart of Mary.

This feast is dedicated to the spiritual martyrdom of Mary, Mother of God, and her compassion with the sufferings of her Divine Son, Jesus. In her suffering as co-redeemer, she reminds us of the tremendous evil of sin and shows us the way of true repentance. This feast commemorates the seven great sorrows which Mary lived in relation to Her Son, as they are recorded in the Gospels or through Tradition. Today we are invited to reflect on Mary's deep suffering:

1. The prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)
2. The flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
3. Loss of the Child Jesus for three days (Luke 2:41-50)
4. Mary meets Jesus on his way to Calvary (Luke 23:27-31; John 19:17)
5. Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25-30)
6. The body of Jesus being taken from the Cross (John 19:31-37)
7. The burial of Jesus (Mark 15:40-47)

Liturgy for the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows (Sept. 15) -

24th Ordinary Sunday


SACRIFICIAL LOVE

Jesus is the Christ and Christ means Messiah. That the people say that he is John the Baptist come back to life, or Elijah or any of the prophets clearly indicates that they have still not understood the real identity of Jesus. Peter knows and answers correctly when Jesus questions him regarding his identity. But when Jesus speaks about his suffering, death and resurrection Peter shows his ignorance about these realities that are part of the Messianic life. Isaiah and other prophets have spoken about it as today’s First Reading clearly reveals. Peter’s ignorance turns into a kind of obstacle on the way of Jesus when Peter takes Jesus aside and advises him not to choose the way of suffering. Peter tries to turn Jesus away but Peter gets a severe scolding. Here is the lesson that we have to follow on our life’s path which involves suffering and pain. That is the only way to go forward. We have to carry our own crosses as we journey ahead. In the Second Reading Saint James speaks about faith and works. He says that a faith that does not lead to good works is not worthy of a Christian.

Liturgical materials for the Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/-N41iGUa0zw

Exaltation of the Cross (Sept. 14)


THE CROSS OF GLORY AND TRIUMPH

This feast was observed in Rome before the end of the seventh century. It commemorates the recovery of the Holy Cross, which had been placed on Mt. Calvary by St. Helena and preserved in Jerusalem, but then had fallen into the hands of Chosroas, King of the Persians. The precious relic was recovered and returned to Jerusalem by Emperor Heralius in 629.

The liturgy of the Cross is a triumphant liturgy. When Moses lifted up the bronze serpent over the people, it was a foreshadowing of the salvation through Jesus when He was lifted up on the Cross. Our Mother Church sings of the triumph of the Cross, the instrument of our redemption. To follow Christ, we must take up His cross, follow Him and become obedient until death, even if it means death on the cross. We identify with Christ on the Cross and become co-redeemers, sharing in His cross.

We made the Sign of the Cross before prayer which helps to fix our minds and hearts to God. After prayer we make the Sign of the Cross to keep close to God. During trials and temptations our strength and protection is the Sign of the Cross. At Baptism we are sealed with the Sign of the Cross, signifying the fullness of redemption and that we belong to Christ. Let us look to the cross frequently and realize that when we make the Sign of the Cross we give our entire self to God - mind, soul, heart, body, will and thoughts. “O cross, you are the glorious sign of victory. Through your power may we share in the triumph of Christ Jesus.”

Liturgical materials - 

23rd Ordinary Sunday


GOD'S LOVE IN ACTION

Prophet Isaiah says that when God comes to save His people the eyes of the blind and the ears of the deaf shall be opened and the mute shall sing for joy. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus. Jesus is the Son of God who has come to save his people. Therefore, he is also our Saviour. Jesus curing a man with a speech impediment is a fitting demonstration of Jesus as the Saviour. Jesus cures the deaf and dumb man brought to him by his friends for a cure with his divine power. Jesus also deals with the man with much humanity: he does the cure privately and away from onlookers. Putting his fingers in the man’s ear and touching his tongue are gestures which we normally hesitate to do, but Jesus shows that he cares for the man and shows concern for him. In the Second Reading St James strongly condemns a trend that is commonly seen, that is, favouring the rich adorned with jewellery and wearing fine clothes but belittling the poor in shabby clothing. Showing such partiality is not fitting for the disciples of Christ.

Liturgical materials for the Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Nativity of Mary (Sept. 8)


CHOSEN FRUIT OF LOVE

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.” (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.

Liturgy for the Feast of Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary -

Mother Teresa (Sept. 5)


STRONG IN FAITH AND LOVE

The Church celebrates on September 5 the feast of Mother Teresa, a universal symbol of God's merciful and preferential love for the poor and forgotten. Mother Teresa was born on August 26, 1910, in Macedonia, the youngest of three children. She attended a youth group called Sodality, run by a Jesuit priest at her parish, and her involvement opened her to the call of service as a missionary nun. She joined the Sisters of Loretto at age 17 and was sent to Calcutta where she taught at a high school. She contracted Tuberculosis and was sent to rest in Darjeeling. It was on the train to Darjeeling that she received her calling - what she called "an order" from God to leave the convent and work and live among the poor. She started working in the slums, teaching poor children, and treating the sick in their homes. She was joined a year later by some of her former students and together they took in men, women, and children who were dying in the gutters along the streets and cared for them.

She often said that the poorest of the poor were those who had no one to care for them and no one who knew them. And she often remarked with sadness and desolation of millions of souls in the developed world whose spiritual poverty and loneliness was such an immense cause of suffering. Mother Teresa once said, "give yourself fully to God. He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His love than in your own weakness." As we celebrate her feast, let us implore God’s blessings on us that with the inspiration of Mother Teresa’s example of outreach and love for all human beings, we strive each day to grow, “Strong in Faith and Love”.

Liturgy for the Feast of Mother Teresa (Sept.5) -

Mother Teresa Song - https://youtu.be/XZhwYgAPVyM

Teachers Day (Sept. 5)


TEACHERS, YOU ARE A BLESSING

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was one of the most distinguished diplomat, scholar, and teacher, apart from being the President of India from May 1962 to May 1967. Asa tribute to this great teacher, his birthday is observed as Teacher's Day. As a matter of fact, when his students and friends asked him for the permission to celebrate his birthday, he asked them to celebrate the day as Teacher’s Day. We need to praise God and pray for all the teachers who are rightly referred as ‘second parent’. It is through their constant educative and friendly presence that school is also a ‘second home’ for students to nurture and become all that God has meant them to be.

Liturgy for Teachers Day (Sept. 5) -

22nd Ordinary Sunday


OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S LAW

The Pharisees and the Scribes who have come from Jerusalem think that they will win a point against Jesus by pointing out to him that his disciples eat food without washing their hands. Their question is about his disciples not walking according to tradition of the elders. Jesus immediately challenges them. In fact, the Law that God has given through Moses is good but the traditions are added over time and the tradition starts taking precedence over the Law. Jesus says that traditions added over the years are not binding and hence do not force his disciples to follow it. The brilliance of Jesus comes to the fore when he says that food does not defile a person but what one nurtures in the heart actually does. Then he mentions a number of sinful acts which defile a person. Evil thoughts, sexual immorality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness find a breeding place inside a person and defile him. In the First Reading Moses exhorts the people to pay heed to the commandments God has given them. In the Second Reading St James writes that Christians should remain uncontaminated by the allurements of the world.

Liturgical materials for the Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Tamil Reponse Hymn - https://youtu.be/bxSoyYERWYA

21st Ordinary Sunday


THE WORDS OF ETERNAL LIFE

The lengthy discourse on the Bread of Life has come to an end and with it is also the time to decide for or against Jesus. Some listeners say that the doctrine is difficult to follow and they decide to leave Jesus. Jesus is aware that only those who have received the gift of faith can stay with Jesus. The disciples of Jesus decide to stay with him while the larger group consisting of Jews decide to leave. The confession of Peter is the most suitable reaction, he says that there is no one else to whom we can go. Jesus has the words of eternal life for he is the Holy One of God. In the First Reading Joshua summons the Israelites at Shechem and urges them to choose between Yahweh and the gods of the Amorites. In the Second Reading Paul uses the analogy of the union between husband and wife to express the bond that exists between Christ and the Church.

Liturgical materials for the Twenty First Sunday in Ordinary Time.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bSKC2-j7T3vkHRQ5S9T8M93IjrQeLUNU?usp=sharing

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/wRZS5smaI44

Queenship of Mary (Aug. 22)


OUR BEAUTIFUL 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.

Liturgy for the Feast of Queenship of Mary (August 22):

Hymn dedicated to Mary the Queen: https://youtu.be/J-9YRUUM2IA

20th Ordinary Sunday


INVITED TO DINE WITH JESUS

As Jesus continues with his discourse on the bread of life, he makes further revelations about himself. The new detail is that the bread which he will give is his own flesh. The Jews immediately come with the conclusion that Jesus cannot give his flesh to eat. The Jewish incomprehension does not discourage Jesus from carrying on with his discourse: he insists that eating his body and drinking his blood are essential conditions to attain eternal life. All that Jesus speaks about becomes a reality when Jesus institutes the Holy Eucharist. In the Eucharist Jesus is physically present and believers partake of his body and blood and pave the way to eternal life. In the First Reading the author personifies Wisdom as a female figure. She prepares a rich banquet and invites people to partake of it. She does it in order to lead them to walk in the way of God. In the Second Reading Paul exhorts the Ephesians to be wise and be filled with the Holy Spirit whereas he condemns drunkenness and sensuality.

Liturgical materials for the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. You can access them through the following link:

Tamil Response Hymn - https://youtu.be/C-caKO08MDY

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