2 ஆகஸ்ட் 2026 அன்று காலை 8.30 மணிக்கு நடைபெற்ற தமிழ்த் திருப்பலியில், மறைக்கல்வி ஆசிரியர்களுக்கான திருநிலைப்படுத்தும் நிகழ்வு சிறப்பாக நடைபெற்றது. தந்தை மறைத்திரு. வி. ஏ. மைக்கேல் அவர்கள் மறைக்கல்வி ஆசிரியர்களைத் திருநிலைப்படுத்தி, அவர்களின் மறைப்பணியை ஆசீர்வதித்தார்.
மறைக்கல்வி ஆசிரியர்கள் அனைவரும் இறைநம்பிக்கையுடனும் அர்ப்பணிப்பு உணர்வுடனும் தங்கள் பணியைச் சிறப்பாக ஆற்றிட இறைவன் அருள்புரிவாராக!
One habit that has become part of my life is holding a crucifix as I fall asleep. Because I often struggle to sleep at night, the crucifix has become a quiet reminder that Christ is with me, even in the darkness and silence of the night.
On the opening day of the Perjalanan Salib, one particular moment touched me deeply. As I watched the volunteers together with Fr Andrew Manickam each place a hand on a small part of the cross during the procession, I found myself unexpectedly moved. It was a simple gesture, yet it spoke so profoundly to my heart.
At that moment, I was reminded that carrying the cross is never as easy as it appears. From the outside, it may seem manageable, but those who strive to follow Christ know that the cross often comes in the form of hidden struggles, silent sacrifices, disappointments, and daily perseverance. Yet the same cross that speaks of suffering also proclaims victory, for through the Cross, Christ conquered sin and death.
Every gesture throughout the opening day of the Perjalanan Salib brought back memories of the crosses I have carried in my own life. Many of those crosses were unseen by others, but God has been present in every step of the journey. Instead of seeing only suffering, I was reminded that each cross has become an invitation to trust Him more deeply.
The Holy Hour, the Rosary, the intercessions for the Archdiocese, and the community that gathered each day to walk this journey together all became channels of God’s grace. They reminded me that no one carries the cross alone. Christ walks with us, and through the prayers and presence of the Church, we are strengthened to continue the journey.
Although the days of the Perjalanan Salib seemed to pass by so quickly, they have left a lasting impression on my heart. I thank God for allowing me to be part of this beautiful pilgrimage of faith. It was not simply an event that I attended; it became another gentle reminder that every cross embraced with Christ is never the end of the story. Beyond every cross lies the hope and joy of the Resurrection.
The Church of Our Lady of Fatima celebrated the 63rd anniversary of its canonical erection with a Thanksgiving Mass on Saturday, 1 August 2026, coinciding with the Feast of St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church and founder of the Redemptorists.
The Eucharistic celebration brought together parishioners in thanksgiving for God’s abundant blessings upon the parish since its establishment on 31 July 1963, while remembering with gratitude the generations of priests, religious and faithful whose service and dedication have shaped the life of OLF over the past six decades.
During the parish announcements, Fr. Andrew Manickam shared that the parish’s anniversary celebrations will continue throughout 1–15 August, encouraging parishioners to see the occasion not simply as a series of events, but as an opportunity to deepen their spiritual lives and strengthen the bonds of the parish family.
He also invited the faithful to remember all priests in prayer, especially on 4 August, the Feast of St. John Vianney, Patron Saint of Parish Priests. Parishioners were encouraged to pray for all clergy who have served and continue to serve OLF, and to spend a few moments reflecting on the list of former parish priests displayed outside the church.
At the conclusion of Mass, the parish community gathered for the traditional cake-cutting ceremony, joyfully singing “Happy Birthday” in celebration of OLF’s 63rd anniversary.
The celebration continued at Dewan Fatima, where parishioners shared a fellowship meal as one family in Christ. Continuing his practice of servant leadership, Fr. Andrew personally served packed chicken nasi briyani to parishioners after blessing the meal, creating another memorable moment of fellowship within the parish community.
As OLF celebrates 63 years of grace, may the parish continue to grow as a community of faith, hope and love, remaining faithful to its mission of proclaiming Christ and serving His people for generations to come.
The Church of Our Lady of Fatima marks the 63rd anniversary of its canonical erection on 31 July 2026, remembering with gratitude the journey of our parish since 31 July 1963.
For more than six decades, OLF has been a spiritual home to generations of Catholics — a place where the faithful have gathered to celebrate the Eucharist, receive the Sacraments, hear the Word of God and journey together through the many seasons of life.
On this anniversary, we give thanks for the generations of priests, religious and parishioners whose faith, service and generosity have helped build and sustain the parish community we know today.
The anniversary is also an opportunity to look ahead. As OLF continues its mission, may we remain a community rooted in Christ, attentive to the needs of one another and faithful in bearing witness to the Gospel.
To mark this occasion, parishioners and friends are invited to a Thanksgiving Mass on Saturday, 1 August 2026 at 6.00pm at the Church of Our Lady of Fatima.
As we celebrate 63 years of grace, we remember our past with gratitude, renew our commitment to serve today and entrust the future of our parish to God.
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us.
Saints Francisco and Jacinta, pray for us.