Local Syro-Malabar community gathers at home for Way of the Cross during Lent

During the Lenten season, the St. Jude Mission, Syro-Malabar diocesan community came together to pray the Way of the Cross every Friday at the residence of one of its members. This community, though small with 22 families, emphasizes family participation in their prayers, involving both parents and children. An adult and a youth pray alternately, in English or Malayalam, the official language in Kerala, India. The community, which celebrates the traditional Syro-Malabar rite Mass every Sunday at Christ the Redeemer Church in Grand Terrace, primarily consists of young working adults who, though busy, demonstrate a strong commitment to active participation in faith formation, Sunday Mass, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Syro-Malabar Church is one of two Eastern Rite Catholic Churches based in India. Fr. Akhil Thomas, SVD is the chaplain of the St. Jude Mission Community.