January 4, Wednesday 

• 07:30 pm: Holy Qurbana

January 6, Friday | Denha – Pindiperunnal 

• 07:00 pm: Confession
• 07:30 pm: Holy Qurbana, Procession, Denha Celebrations (Lighting of Banana Stem)

January 7, Saturday

• 10.00 am: Holy Qurbana, Novena to Mother Mary of Perpetual Help

January 8, Sunday | Season of Denha I | Feast of St. Chavara

• 09.45 am: Intercessory Prayers, Adoration
• 09.45 am: Holy Qurbana (English)
• 10.45 am: CCD Classes
• 10.45 am: Holy Qurbana (Malayalam), Ladeenju
• Qurbana Readings: Ex 3:1-12, Isa 44:28-45:4, 2 Tim 3:10-15, Lk 4:16-22a

Bakersfield: 04:30 pm Holy Qurbana

Let us remember:

• January 6 : Denha Celeberations, Lighting of Banana Stem
• January 15 : Blessing Arrow (Ambu) for the Feast of St. Sebastian. (Family Unit leader may receive them to be taken to the houses)
• January 15 : CCD Examination
• January 22 : Feast of St. Sebastian
• Reading circle every Sunday at 12 Noon
• LFML & Angels Army meeting every 4th Sunday of the Month
• Online Malayalam Class on every Sunday from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
• Intercessory Prayers & Adoration, Every Sunday at 09.45 am (Chapel)

Season of Denha
The word Epiphany in Syriac is known as ‘Denha’. It means ‘dawn’ ‘revelation’ ‘manifestation’ etc. In this season, the Church recalls the manifestation of Jesus which began with his baptism at Jordan. Jesus reveals Himself to the world; Father and the Holy Spirit witness to it:‘ This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased’ (Mt. 3:7). The mystery of the Holy Trinity is revealed at His baptism.

This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased’

The Feast of Denha which is celebrated on 6th January is called ‘Pindikuthiperunnal’ by faithful who live in the northern part of Kerala and ‘Rakkuli’ by people of the south. ‘Pindikuthiperunnal’ originated from the practice of going around the ‘vazhapindi’ decorated with lights and singing ‘God is light’ commemorating Jesus the light of the world. The name ‘Rakkuli’ came from the ritual bath that our forefathers used to have in the river or pool near by, on the eve of the feast. It was a religious ceremony.

The saints who witnessed the revealed mystery of Christ through their lives are remembered by the Church on the Fridays of this season. The most important themes commemorated during these days are the baptism of Jesus, His public life, His divine, and human nature, His intimate relation with the Father and the Holy Spirit and his self-emptying love. In this season the Scriptural proclamations (readings) chosen are mainly connected with the public life of Jesus. This period reminds us of the baptism of Jesus and our own baptism and the responsibilities we have undertaken with it. Hence, let us strive hard to know Him more intensely and to live like the children of God during this season.

Let us observe Covid guidelines – It’s optional to wear Mask in the Church
May the Good Lord Bless and Protect All of You.

Fr. Sebastian Valiyaparampil
Vicariachan