*** Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator ***

Mechernich – „As a sign of gratitude and to give them a piece of home, Father Erik Pühringer from the Mechernich Pastoral Area organised the first Holy Mass in Malayalam – the mother tongue of many believers in and around Mechernich – in mid-December.

This is because people from the Indian state of Kerala have been actively integrated into society and the church in Mechernich for more than half a century. For many years, the older generation has been actively involved in the regular activities of the parish, for example, helping with the "Lenten meal" or the "well project". In recent months, a new generation has also come to Mechernich and is trying to follow their good example.

One state, three rites

Almost 50 faithful attended the service in the parish church. Father Pühringer was assisted during Mass by Father Bibin Peter from Kommern (chaplain, Bad Münstereifel and Veytal pastoral unit) and Father Shaji Thomas (pastoral worker, Communio in Christo). Father Bibin was the main celebrant on this occasion and prepared the liturgical texts in the native language of the people of Kerala (Malayalis). Aspiring deacon Tilj Puthenveettil translated and read the sermon prepared by Father Pühringer. The Samaritan Sisters (a congregation from Kerala) prepared the songs.

It is particularly interesting that the Catholic faithful in the small state of Kerala belong to three different rites: the Latin Catholic Rite, the Syro-Malabar Rite and the Syro-Malankara Rite, all of which have their own liturgies. All three priests who celebrated Holy Mass on this day belonged to different rites, so that all three rites were represented.

After Mass, a cosy get-together took place at Johanneshaus, where various snacks were offered, from traditional German Christmas treats to local snacks from Kerala: "Overall, it was a wonderful, unifying experience, and there is hope that this will be the beginning of a regular practice for the coming year.“

pp/Agentur ProfiPress