My dear Tamil Selvangale,
It has been a long desire of writing this note of gratitude; finally I am able to put down few lines of appreciation. First of all I want to thank God and Our Blessed Mother for providing us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Vailankanni. Without their grace and blessing we would not have done so much.
Certainly it was a team effort to organize and collaborate for smooth executing of all the events during those nine days of Novena and my sincere gratitude to all the coordinators.
Chief and associate Coordinators: Here, I need to make a special mention to our Chief and associate coordinators for their suggestions and execution. Both had invited the guest-priests and provided everything for their journey and accommodations. Mr. Valstan had even provided air ticket to some of them. Mr. Venantius had given lot of his time, in picking them and dropping them to the airport, apart from accommodating them. Mr. Venantius had also made sure that planned dinners were very well organized. Thank you Mr. Venantius and Mr. Valstan for all that you have done for the wonderful celebrations.
Divine Worship: Mr. & Mrs. Yule Kingston family had done a lot of good works for the liturgical celebrations. The whole family is involved in organizing music, liturgical aid, providing altar servers each day and accompaniment. Kingston family DTC is indeed indebted to you. I am grateful to all the members of the choir and the instrumentalists: Mr. John Benchman, Agacia, Melina and Anto. I appreciate all the altar servers for your contribution for the processions and liturgical celebrations.
The clergies: Rev. Arputharaj, Rev. Jesudoss Thomas, Msgr. Xavier Pappu, Rev. Lawrence and Rev. Robinson from Tyler Diocese; Rev. Xavier Baleventhiran from Houston Diocese, Rev. John Lawrence from Amarillo Diocese; Most. Rev. Jude Paul Raj from Palayam Kottai Diocese; Rev. M.I Raj & Rev. Gnanasekhar from the congregation of Blessed Sacrament.
Social and entertainment: A big thanks to Mesmin and her team for organizing Quiz program and dance. I want express my sincere gratitude to all the choreographers and dancers for both the events in August and September. I want to thank you Mesmin, for bringing and providing food and board to Fr. M. I. Raj.
Saparam Decorations: I want to thank Mr. Philip and Mrs. Jeyanthini and family for volunteering to decorate the Matha Saparam most of the days providing fresh flowers both respect Anbiyam and the Mr. Philip family.
Anbiyam Coordinator and Anbiyam Leaders: Without your plan and cooperation nothing would be possible to accomplish such a great event. I thank you for shouldering a great responsibility not only for the feast but also conducting Anbiyam meetings every month.
Pall bearers: I want to thank all those carried the Saparam everyday including women folks. A special mention to Alex Nathan and family for providing candles last year and this year.
Meals for the clergy: A big thanks to all the families who provided dinner every day for our guest-priests.
Thanks to All our families: Without your participation, nothing might have taken place in all aspects of the celebrations: time, talent and treasure. I am grateful to all those contributed for the Vailankanni Matha celebrations.
If you still think of contributing towards those expenses, you are most welcome. Remember the more we give to God the more we receive.
I hope I have not left out any one on purpose.
I would invite all of you to participate in our General Body meeting which I feel very important to plan ahead for the future of our community.
Thank you and God bless you.
Fr. Peter
