Newman Feast Celebrated by Cambridge Syro-Malankara Catholic Community at Our Lady of Lourdes Church

The Cambridge Mission of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church observed the feast of St John Henry Newman with a day of prayer, spiritual renewal, and fellowship at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Sawston on 3 October. The event brought together members of the mission and Catholics from Cambridge and surrounding areas, who participated in a family renewal retreat led by Sr Dr Mary Prasada DM. The retreat emphasized spiritual renewal and family unity, followed by the hoisting of the feast flag.

A solemn Mass was celebrated by Mission Vicar Fr George Valiyaparambil, during which the life and witness of St John Henry Newman were reflected upon, highlighting his message for the Christian community. The faithful also joined in a procession, which included the blessing, distribution of nercha (votive offerings), and the lowering of the flag. Canon John Minh and members of the Latin Catholic community participated, underscoring the unity within the Catholic Church and its diverse traditions.

The celebrations concluded with a fellowship meal organized by the Women’s Forum. The event was arranged by trustees Pradeep Mathew, National Council member Arun Varghese, MCMF Mission Lead Belju Christy, and Jomon Joy. The mission leadership expressed gratitude to all who contributed, especially Canon John Minh, for his generous support of the mission’s activities at Our Lady of Lourdes.

The Syro-Malankara community has been gathering at Sawston church since 2025, holding monthly worship services at 2pm on the first Saturday of each month. These gatherings provide opportunities for worship, friendship, and the sharing of faith within families. Fr George Valiyaparambil, recently appointed Coordinator of the London Sub-Region of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in the UK, serves under the pastoral leadership of Bishop Kuriakose Mar Osthathios, Apostolic Visitator for Europe and the UK, based in Coventry. He also serves as Parish Priest of St Thomas More and St Edward in Waltham Abbey, in the Diocese of Brentwood, ministering across both Syro-Malankara and Latin Catholic traditions.

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church is a self-governing Eastern Catholic Church in full communion with Rome, one of the Catholic Church’s Major Archiepiscopal Churches. It is led by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop and Catholicos. The church’s roots trace back to the ancient Christian tradition linked to the missionary work of St Thomas the Apostle in the first century. Its spiritual and liturgical heritage follows the West Syriac Rite and the Divine Liturgy of St James, preserved through generations.

The Cambridge Mission warmly welcomes anyone interested in participating in its activities, continuing to foster a sense of community and shared faith.

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