15 June 2018
Kerala Catholic Community in Montreal is unique and special. Since ten years, I have been closely associating with the Keralites in Montreal. We have a group of lovely people who help out one another in times of need. The attitude of “loving-caring-sharing” reflects in the whole making of the Community in Montreal.
As we look into the history of over 50 years, due to various reasons, Keralites have been hesitating to settle down in Montreal while comparing with other cities in North America. However, some professionals in various fields and their families took challenges and got well settled in greater Montreal. They also developed a sense of friendship and community spirit among them.
Since two years, I observe that there are many more Keralites moving into Montreal. They include young families with kids and students for academic learning. The initial year is not easy for many of them as they get integrated to the place and people, culture and language. As they arrive in Montreal, they look for other Keralites who could accompany them. Some of our elderly people do enormous help in welcoming and accompanying new comers. I am also impressed by the ways in which the new comers help each other in their struggles.
In the past, Kerala Catholic Community in Montreal used to organize liturgical celebrations only for special occasions and feasts by getting a Malayalee Priest from neighbouring cities. Since ten years, the Community gathers for Masses and prayers in a regular manner. The monthly gathering took place in the Community Chapel at Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount-Royal. From January 2018, the venue of gathering was changed to make it convenient for all people. Now, the Community gathers in a small beautiful Church: Paroisse Notre-Dame-Des-Neiges. Thanks to the Diocese of Montreal for providing us such a place for the liturgical celebrations and Catechism classes for Children.
I am extremely happy that you are part of this Community. I appreciate your presence in our common activities in the Church. Your presence brings joy to all others who are around you.
Jesus says in the Gospel of Matthew: You are the Salt of the earth and you are the light of the world (Mt 5: 13-14). I believe that everyone in our Church Community is precious and the presence of every person adds taste and brings brightness to the life of the other. The other is a gift for us and we grow together as one bigger family while keeping Jesus Christ as our Lord, Master and Head.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Dr. Jomon Kalladanthiyil, CSC
