The St Thomas Syro-Malabar community of Indians in Malta got together recently to celebrate their first Community Day.
The community was formed in December 2016 on the initiative of Bishop Stephen Chirappanath, an Apostolic Visitator for the Syro-Malabar faithful in Europe and procurator of the Syro-Malabar Church appointed by the Pope.
The bishop set up the community and supported its spiritual progress by meeting Archbishop Charles Scicluna, who attended the community’s recent celebrations.
Bishop Chirappanath began the celebrations with a Mass at the Oratory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Mosta.
Fr Binoj Mulavarickal, who is based in Rome, celebrates Mass on a monthly basis for the Indian community and also sees to their spiritual needs. Fr Jacob Palakkaran, who has been celebrating Mass every Sunday since February, also attended.
Mass was followed by a cultural programme and an Indian food fest, claimed to be the largest Indian event held in Malta.
A large number of Indian nuns serving in various congregations in Malta, as well as Indian High Commissioner Rajesh Vaishnaw, also attended the event.
source: Times of Malta