KERALAN COMMUNITY at Our Lady of Lourdes, Sawston
Our Lady of Lourdes is proud to be a parish made up of different cultures and backgrounds from all around the world.
One of the many large communities in Our Lady of Lourdes is the Kerala community. Kerala is found in the most Southern part of India and is home to many Catholics.
Catholicism in India dates back to 52 AD when St Thomas the apostle established early Christian communities following his arrival on the Malabar coast. The impact of St Thomas is still present and preserved through the two main rites : Syro Malabar Catholic Church and Syro Malankara Catholic Church. The Kerala community in Our Lady of Lourdes is predominantly made up of Syro Malabar Catholics.
Most migration from Kerala to England began in 2002 and since then we have been warmly welcomed into Catholic Church communities across the UK. This has helped us practice our faith with our families and alongside Catholics from all over the world.
At Our Lady of Lourdes the Kerala community is given the opportunity to share our culture in many ways such as hosting ‘curry nights’ where our authentic curries and dishes are served for everyone to enjoy and get a taste of our delicious cuisine. As well as this we enjoy helping the parish in whatever way we can. Whether it's cleaning, flower arrangements, altar serving, doing readings or the random jobs assigned by Father John. We find joy in serving God and our community. We are filled with immense gratitude for the warmth and acceptance shown to us
by the parish. Our Lady of Lourdes has become a place where our faith can be strengthened, our culture is celebrated and for us all to grow in faith in unity with one another.
Annamaria
Links:
Angels' Village -- Keralan Charity
Taste of Kerala -- Charity Fund Raiser
The festival of King Mahabali
Recently the church hall was used to celebrate Onam, a rich and colourful Keralan harvest festival.
The festival is dedicated to the homecoming of the mythical Keralan King Mahabali. In Hindu
tradition King Mahabali was a kind and generous leader who was tricked out of his kingdom but
granted a return to see his people each year.
Hindus, Muslims and Christians alike celebrate it as a
rare festival that transcends religious lines.
‘King Mahabili’ arrived at the church hall to be welcomed by lines of children bearing bowls of flower
petals. After songs and dances the Keralan Hindus, Muslims and Christians enjoyed a meal of
thirteen delicious flavours served, as demanded, by tradition on banana leaves.
‘King Mahabili’ arrives at the church hall
‘King Mahabili’ arrives at the church hall
‘King Mahabili’ arrives at the church hall