2022 July Nuhra - Monthly of Knanaya Region, USA

What does being a Knanaya We have numerous meaningful Catholic mean to you?As our Knanaya customs and traditons younger generations are becoming that you may not have even realized more and more integrated into the are specific to our Knanaya western world, we are beginning to people. We know before every see a decline in the interest and Knanaya wedding there are involvement in our Knanaya Catholic Mylanchi Ideel and Chantham parishes and communities. What is Charthu functions, which are filled so special about being a Knanaya with meaningful traditions.At the Catholic anyway? end of our Wedding Qurbana, we wait so eagerly to hear the Baru From our very origins, we are Mariam song, not to mention our evangelists. Kinai Thomman sailed famous Nada Villi tradition. These to India with 72 families for the are just a drop in the ocean. purpose of revitalizing the faith of the people, and they were very We don’t want to wait for the last successful. We were chosen to minute to bring our youth back to spread the good news of Jesus our parishes and communities. Christ. Today, as our people have Though the local English church is spread across the globe, we must more convenient to attend on continue to be the face of Jesus to Sundays, we must make little all those around us. This is very sacrifices to be more active in our critical as our youth are becoming Knanaya Catholic parish, which more and more influenced by the was established with our future in secular world. mind. There is no place like home. Nabissa Edayatharayil, Chicago “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

Fr. Thomas Mulavanal A young scholar completed his (46.10). Knowing God is the ultimate Many forget to use their faith studies in human Anatomy, understanding, which is wisdom. came first in the class. He had Strong faith in our creator, the almighty foundation to support them in their thorough knowledge about human God is the foundation for wisdom. To Anatomy. He later reflected that even know the creator, we must thoroughly daily challenges. That is why we though he has good knowledge of the understand the user manual, which for humanAnatomy, he doesn’t know the Christians, is the Bible. Many of us need to rediscover our faith. We purpose of it. In other words, he fail in our life because of the ignorance knew the product but did not know in knowing our life’s user manual. We must rediscover the foundation of our its purpose. There are several billion know something about everything but people on this earth and only a few we didn’t master anything. Only God identity in Christ and the resources of them know why they exist. To could give us full knowledge of understand the purpose and reason anything we are looking for. in the sacraments that give us life. for our existence, we must first Few years back I started seeing a understand the creator, because the young man frequently present in the The support of our church community original purpose of the product is only church for sacramental services. He in the mind of the creator of that regularly does his confession and is vital in our growth in faith. product. No one knows better about personal prayers. When I asked him the product and its purpose but the what motivated him for this lifestyle, Togetherness in our church manufacturer. he told me that he happened to listen St. Francis ofAssisi used to pray with to a motivational preaching by a community help us overcome many these words, “who are you, Lord my catholicyoungman. Thatgavehimthe God, and who am I? These two urge for personal prayer and re- of the problems and challenges we questions are fundamental to Christian establishing his relationship with God. life. Without knowing God, we will Though he didn’t intentionally go for face. As this faith foundation builds not be able to know ourselves and that meeting it was an opportunity for the purpose of our existence. In him to rediscover his faith experience layers of strength in our lives, each ancient Greece, the philosopher which he failed to continue after his Socrates famously declared that “the CCD classes concluded. I believe that of us will have the capacity to inspire unexamined life was not worth living”. this is not a single story. So many For him, ‘Know yourself’ is the young people are struggling in their others and proclaim the truth about beginning of all wisdom. There is faith. They are looking for answers another saying that ‘mastering others amid challenges in life. When life Jesus Christ. is strength, mastering yourself is true becomes hard, and our spirituality power’. becomes dry they look for solutions As we continue to grow in faith, we In the book of Psalm, we read “Be that lead them astray. still, and know that I am God” will be leading examples of what good fruit to bear for others to witness. The result of rediscovering faith amongst ourselves is the calling of the zealous spirit that God has instilled in us. One must shine their light upon the world as Jesus did for us. Jesus says, you are the salt of the earth and light of the world. Hence let us try to rediscover ourselves and our faith to know the ultimate aim of our lives. W For we live by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Esha Villoothara to be another retreat? Will it be Fr. Abraham Mutholath enabled us Los Angeles boring? Will it be any fun? These to also be spiritually nourished. were some of the many questions toggling through my brain as the The conference demolished all the conference got closer and closer. misconceptions and doubts I had previously as there was an equal balance of engaging activities and religious activities. I was able to find amazing friends as well as develop my spirituality. While Rediscover is long over, I’m so glad for everything I gained out of this conference. The youth conference offered so many great opportunities in which I am ever so grateful for. First, there was my inclusion in the Finance committee which enabled me to improve and become more confident in my persuasion skills. Then there was the youth’s conference which encouraged me to learn new Christian songs and attain a stronger Romans 12:5 “So in Christ we, connection with the Lord as part of though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the While I was doubtful at times of the the choir. Lastly, there were the others” outcome of the conference I can confidently say that being a part of it speaker sessions which allowed me 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore was one of the greatest blessings of encourage one another and build one my life. Group activities such as the to gain insight into who I am as a another up, just as you are doing.” scavenger hunt and field day activities allowed me to bond with individuals Knanaya Catholic, but in all actuality, “Rediscover”, the first youth from different states and find like- conference under the Regional minded individuals who shared the list could go on and on. The Knanaya CatholicYouth Ministry is similar interests with me. While there an experience I’ll never forget. When were various activities that enabled conference was so lovely and I can I first came to Long Island for the all of us to get to know one another, youth conference, I remember being other activities such as daily Holy proudly say that the conference extremely nervous as I didn’t know Qurbana, adoration, and guest anyone. Coming from a small parish speaker sessions byAlex Gotay and helped me grow spiritually but also in Los Angeles, I had no idea what to expect though I had a small idea find some very close friends. While of what was planned since I was part of the Finance Committee. Will there are so many people to thank, I make any friends? Is it just going I’m so glad to have been able to witness and experience the first youth conference and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for KCYM for the years to come. W But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. (James 1:6)

Aleena Tharayil All of the youth had the community to return into His open Thampa opportunity to create life-long arms. friendships through a series of Starting with a small inspiration, icebreakers and events such The Regional Knanaya Catholic the Lord directed the Regional as a cruise in the city and a Youth Ministry looks forward to Knanaya CatholicYouth Ministry to planning Rediscover 2.0 for the year host a Youth Conference – field-day with various competitive 2023. May Rediscover 2.0 be a Rediscover. What was the soul activities. Perhaps it is such platform for an even greater number purpose of Rediscover? This Youth meaningful connections that can pave of youth to rediscover their Knanaya Conference was held to allow the the path for our next generation! traditions, fellowship, and most youth of our community to importantly their faith. rediscover their faith amongst the We read in Zechariah 1:3, “Thus says busyness of life, to rediscover the the Lord of hosts: Return to me, says W richness of their Knanaya traditions, the Lord of hosts, and I will return to to rediscover fellowship in their you, says the Lord of hosts.”As seen community, and to rediscover in this Word of God, the Lord deeply themselves. desires everyone including the youth within our Knanaya Catholic Rediscover was a four-day event held this past June in New York. And without faith it is impossible to please During Rediscover, we witnessed the God, because anyone who comes to him youth in our Knanaya Catholic must believe that he exists and that he community have their faith reignited rewards those who earnestly seek him. through daily mass, adoration, confession, evening prayers, and Hebrews 11:6 powerful faith-focused sessions. In addition to an emphasis on faith, Rediscover also served as a platform to incorporate making new connections with fellow Knanaya youth all over the United States.

Arathy Karakkatt San Antonio After two hours of delayed flights, three hours of actual lifestyle within their family. It was so beautiful to see how flying, one hour of dealing with rental car agencies, his love overflowed for his family and his wife. It was and two hours of New York City driving, it was an refreshing to see someone talk so candidly. incredible breath of fresh air to finally see familiar faces Our last speaking session was provided by Mutholath Achan, whom we have been seeing on zoom calls for many his talk about marriage and what it means for us as both months. All eight of us - San Antonio is small but mighty Catholics and knananites, with references to the Bible and - piled into the beige 4runner and watched the beautiful explanations, showed us that he was invested in our New York suburbs pass us by. The road to the seminary community and willing to help us get educated about our past was long and lined with lush grass and tall trees. and traditions. Along with the talks, we had Qurbana everyday We were greeted at the front by the first of the spirits in which gave us some time to spend in the beautiful, intricately the form of Bins Achan holding flowers and welcoming decorated chapel and be fully in the presence of God and everyone. I looked around the 100-year-old building, it participate with mind, body and soul in the Holy Qurbana. stood with a certain pride and refinement. It was perfect; A highlight within Rediscover 2022 was the field day, which the walls were old, having gone through decades of brought out the competitiveness of even the quietest of us molding and painting and building. Yet, it had stayed true there. It was quite the bonding experience. After field day to itself and only gotten stronger in its purpose. I couldn’t we were able to have night prayer outside, in the serene, think of a better place for a group of kids, united by their calm, beauty of nature, basking in God’s creation as we faith and traditions, to learn and celebrate. thanked and prayed together. We finished our day with a Who would have thought! That call from a soft-spoken BBQ, which was, admittedly, pretty decent. kochachan- Fr Joseph Thachara, months ago - that I The next day we had the cruise, everyone got dressed up to almost didn’t answer - would come to fruition so well. the nines, showing off our style and played antakshari. The Months and months of meetings, designing, planning, cruise was spectacular, thanks to the entertainment fundraising, all came together to pull off this monumental committee, we had dinner and other events surrounded by first national KCYM event. The first night we engaged the recognizable New York City skyline. Everything we did in ice breakers that helped us get comfortable with each at Rediscover 2022 really accumulated to one thing: we met other and we broke into groups. We had adoration and and engaged with Knanaya youths from all across the country. night prayers that ended the night in a peaceful mindset. I went from personally knowing eight to twelve people who The next morning, everyone woke up and lived in San Antonio, to genuinely befriending double or triple excitedly rushed to the conference room for our first class that amount of people. These newly formed relationships are with Dr. Alex Gotay. I had the privilege of introducing necessary in having a connected and interactive youth him to the rest of the group and from the research I was ministry. We are now able to share our struggles with our able to do on him, I was looking forward more than ever faith and our communities with each other and work to attending his classes. His education, credentials and collaboratively to fix them and come up with more and better expertise, made him a very interesting and unique speaker, things to do. Not only that, the support and care from Bins especially for us from San Antonio. Our experience with Achan and Joseph Achan were so instrumental in this event religious speakers were usually limited to Malayalam going so well. speakers of an older generation or priests, never really a In fewer words, Rediscover was an exciting first step for lay person, whose significant insight into Catholicism is KCYM, we have proved ourselves more than capable of coming from a different point of view. All three of Dr. throwing an event as large as this and ensuring it will be G’s sessions were intriguing and enjoyable and as anyone successful. The effort and time and dedication that went into present would agree, hilarious! Dr. Gotay had an air of this event paid out. Rediscover ignited a stronger passion for casualness around him that made him easily our faith and culture, and like Mutholath Achan said, there is approachable, even during our other activities and breaks, great importance in faith and culture existing hand in hand. I many of us had and took the opportunity to speak with rediscovered a group of young adults who are ready to step him and pick his mind. His comments and statements in and take charge to increase faith in our day-to-day life about his family really showed how he and his wife and continue with making our community and cultural identity provided a loving and caring environment for his kids stronger. and how they really committed to having a catholic

Benita Kizhakkepuram New Jersey St. James reminds us that “Faith of itself, if it does not Jesus tells us in John 13:35, “This is how all will know that have works, is dead.” As Catholics, our actions you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” should reflect our beliefs and faith in the Lord, so that We can grow in our faith every day by doing small acts of we become a role model for others. If only we stay true kindness for others, such as by helping other students who to our faith can we help draw others to God’s mercy as are having trouble in school, helping our parents in the well — this comes through acts of love towards God kitchen, donating food or clothes, or visiting patients at and to all those around us every day. the hospital. Not only are we helping others, but our selfless We can start by living as a child of God in our homes. acts show our love for God as we love one another. We can say personal prayers to God and thank Him for Whether we are in school, work, or other public places, all the graces He has showered upon us each day. let us all stay true to what God has taught us. With free Through family prayer, we can build a stronger will, God gave us the ability to choose and make decisions relationship with our family centered on God. We can on our own. Let us choose to help others who are in need, also read the Bible every day and listen and act upon the be honest and trustworthy, obey our parents, be grateful word of God. How we act at home is a foundation for for the blessings we have received, and be positive and how we treat others in society; therefore, by practicing resilient when facing obstacles, and thereby live our faith acts of faith and love at home, we can grow in the fruits in our day-to-day lives. of the Holy Spirit and step closer to the Lord. W For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. (Romans 10:10)

Jeffin Jacob Kattapuram New Jersey The purpose of faith is to believe in way to deal with each power, love, and enablement oneself and allow God to come into circumstance so we obtain the gives perspective. This faith our life and take control. It is really most ideal result and we really shapes my judgment, my important to always have a connection want to entrust him with that. We expectations. It changes the way with God and to make sure to talk to him really want to follow his way and I see things and the value I put on about your thoughts. Figuring out how to trust that he knows best, since he things like ease, convenience, and give full, cautious thoughtfulness regarding does. comfort. the excellence, multifaceted nature, or Our confidence is the best Assuming you have total certainty complex necessities of the world. apparatus we need to figure out and confidence in your life contemplating how something we just how to defeat obstructions in our partner, this is an illustration of educated connects with Sacred text, day to day existence. Much of the when you have confidence in your helps us comprehend and experience our time, we can not swim around our companion. Assuming that you faith. issues but rather should trust God trust in God, this is an instance of In my own day to day life I personally and master abilities to beat having strict confidence and of will try to get my prayers in each day no deterrents, persist, and not feel having faith in God. matter the circumstance. I read my Bible deterred. Faith in God and His and do a quick prayer every day when I W wake up, and throughout the day I do read my Bible here and there when I get “Do not be conformed the chance. Later on towards the end of to this world, but be transformed by the the day around 7pm my family and I will renewal of your mind, that by testing you do a prayer together, and each read the may discern what is the will of God, what is Bible; then at the end of the day before I go to sleep I have a conversation with good and acceptable and perfect.” God and tell Him how my day went and (Romans 12:2) all the sins I did that day for Him to forgive me. God knows everything we are going through at this very moment and everything we will go through in the future. He knows the best way to handle every situation so we get the best possible outcome and we need to trust him with that. We need to follow his path and trust that he knows best, because he does. God knows all that we are going through right now and all that we will go through from now on. He knows the most ideal

Eucharistic miracle of Wilsnack Germany, 1383 During a terrible fire that exploded in the village Hosts, which bled continuously. Pilgrims began to go there in of Wilsnack in 1383, among the ruins of the great numbers, and for that reason a church was built there in parish church were found three completely intact honor of the miracle. Its veneration was approved by two bulls of Pope Eugene IV in 1447. YOUCAT 21 Faith – What is it? § Faith is knowledge and trust. It has seven characteristics: § Faith is a sheer gift of God, which we receive when we fervently ask for it. § Faith is the supernatural power that is absolutely necessary if we are to attain salvation. § Faith requires the free will and clear understanding of a person when he accepts the divine invitation. § Faith is absolutely certain, because Jesus guarantees it. § Faith is incomplete unless it leads to active love. § Faith grows when we listen more and more carefully to God’s Word and enter a lively exchange with him in prayer. § Faith gives us even now a foretaste of the joy of heaven. [153-165, 179-180, 183-184] Many people say that to believe is not would like to know it for sure. But if belief that prompted Abraham to enough for them; they want to know. he as asked a friend to pack the travel to the Promised Land; that is The word “believe”, however, has two parachute, then the friend will answer the faith that caused the – completely different meanings. If a the same question by saying, “Yes, I MARTYRS to stand fast till death; parachutist asks the clerk at the did it personally. You can trust me!” that is the faith that still today airport, “Is the parachute packed And to that the parachutist will reply, upholds Christians in persecution.A safely?” and the other man answers “Yes, I believe you.” This belief is Faith that encompasses the whole casually, “Hmm, I believe so”, then much more than knowing; it means person. that will not be enough for him; he assurance. And that is the kind of “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain. (Ecclesiastes 12:1-2)

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