The youth group of the Indian Syro-Malankara Catholic Church from Bonn, under the guidance of Father Dr. Joseph Chelamparambath, recently visited the mother house of Communio in Christo in Mechernich to share the joyous tradition of singing “Christmas Carols.” This event was a blend of cultural exchange and festive celebration, bringing together the vibrant Indian Christmas tradition and the serene spirituality of Communio in Christo.
Communio in Christo, founded in 1968 by Mother Marie Therese, is a religious order inspired by the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare of Assisi. The order, based in Mechernich, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, emphasizes living in communion with Christ and all people. It has extended its presence across several continents, including Austria, Poland, Belarus, India, Pakistan, the USA, and various African countries.
During the visit, Father Joseph explained the significance of the Indian tradition of visiting community families during Christmas to spread the Good News through carols. This visit marked the group’s second Christmas season at Mechernich, a tradition that began last year due to the Bonn parish community’s connection with Tilj Puthenveettil, a resident of Mechernich.
The evening was a delightful mix of ages and cultures, from the youngest participant, five-month-old Nathan, to 94-year-old Sister Dorothea. Generalsuperior Jaison Thazhathil warmly welcomed the group, highlighting the unity and joy that such cultural exchanges bring.
The event concluded with a convivial gathering, where everyone enjoyed pizza and drinks, followed by a multilingual rendition of the Christmas classic “Silent Night.” This gathering not only celebrated the festive season but also the shared spirit of community and care that Communio in Christo exemplifies through its social work organization, Sozialwerk Communio in Christo e.V. This organization is renowned for providing compassionate care to hospice patients, the severely disabled, and the elderly in Mechernich and Blankenheim.
Reflecting on the evening, both the youth group and the members of Communio in Christo expressed their contentment and joy, affirming the beauty of coming together in fellowship and song.
Photo Credit: Communio in Christo
News Credit: Stadt Mechernich
Subscribe for WhatsApp Updates – https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaJNN6XKQuJMfPnAyo0b
Subscribe to WhatsApp News Updates:
