Mexico Mission
Mexico Mission
Jubilee Chapel Consecration – October 12, 2013
The Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of North America and Europe, His Grace The Most Rev. Dr. Theodosius Mar Thoma Metropolitan. consecrated the first Mar Thoma Church in Mexico – Iglesia Mar Thoma Matamoros (Mar Thoma Church, Matamoros, Mexico) – on October 12, 2013. In commemoration with the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Diocese, the new church was dedicated as the “Jubilee Chapel”.
Rev. Dr. Philip Varghese (Diocesan Projects Manager), Rev. Saju Mathew (Vicar, Immanuel MTC, Houston), Rev. Kochu Koshy Abraham (Vicar, Trinity MTC, Houston), Rev. Jose C. Joseph Mathew (Vicar MTC – Dallas, Farmers Branch ), Rev. O. C. Kurian (Vicar, St. Paul’s MTC, Dallas), and Rev. Saji Thomas (Vicar, Sehion MTC, Dallas) were co-celebrants for the consecration service. Spanish language participation was also ensured in the consecration service.
Ms. C. P. Veronica Salazar Vasquez, secretary of the city social welfare department (DIFH) and the sister of current Mayor of Matamoros Ms. Lic. Norma Leticia Salazar attended the consecration service and the public meeting, representing the City of Matamoros and the Mayor.
About 400 people, including members of Mar Thoma Churches from New York, Philadelphia, Dallas and Houston, local Mexico mission members, Diocesan treasurer Mr. Chacko Mathew and Diocesan council members – Mr. George Samuel, Ms. Arlene Mathew, Mr. Shaji Mathai and Mr. Varghese P. Varghese – attended the services and the public meeting that followed the consecration.
The Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa presided the public meeting. Ms. C. P. Veronica Salazar Vasquez was the chief guest. Mr. P. T. Abraham led the opening prayer. Rev Saju Mathew welcomed the guests. Mr. John Thomas presented a report of the Mexico mission activities.
In the presidential address, Thirumeni emphasized that the Grace of God was always present in Mexico mission activities. Thirumeni asked the Mar Thoma community for their prayers and support as we continue to make strides in to Mexico Mission. Thirumeni also paid tribute to Rt. Rev. Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos Episcopa, the former Diocesan Bishop who has laid the foundation for the Mar Thoma church mission activities in Mexico, a decade ago, among the fisher families in the coastal areas of Matamoros.
Thirumeni recognized Mr. Pat L. Pace, coordinator of the “Manna” (nutrition program) as well as the graduates of the Mexico mission education program.
In her remarks, Ms. C.P. Veronica Salazar Vasquez expressed the appreciation of the City Government for the humanitarian efforts undertaken by the Mar Thoma church in the Matamoros coastal fishing community and promised the continued support from the City Government. She also shared her experience of visiting several of the (Colonia Mar Thoma) mission homes and the difference the church is making in their lives.
The residents of the Colonia Mar Thoma sang Spanish and Malayalam songs in the public meeting. The Malayalam song “Ithratholam Yahova Sahayichu” sung by the adult residents of the Colonia Mar Thoma was a heartwarming experience for many in the audience.
Thirumeni recognized of the mission field coordinator, Mr. P. T. Abraham and the Local Mexico mission coordinator Mr. John Thomas for their services, in the overall development of the Mexico mission, and presented mementos on behalf of the Diocese.
Rev. O. C. Kurian and Ms. Arlene Mathew delivered felicitation remarks. The Diocesan treasurer Mr. Chacko Mathew expressed the vote of thanks. The meeting was adjourned with the closing prayer of Rev. Dr. Philip Varghese.
The Jubilee Chapel consecration is the culmination of the decade long mission activities of the Diocese among the fisher families in the coastal areas of Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico
The Jubilee Chapel is located at the Mexico mission Residential community, Colonia Mar Thoma, at the 18.5 KM mark on Highway Carretera a El Mezquital ( Highway 5), Tamaulipas, Mexico – about 45 Kilo Meters from the US border.
There are 45 mission supported families currently living in Colonia Mar Thoma. The residential community also includes three school buildings, a congregation hall (old chapel), a small store, parsonage, two evangelists’ quarters, a dispensary and training institutes.
The Mexico mission activities include nutritional program (Manna), education support, economic development, basic healthcare/ wellness support and spiritual development programs.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. Romans 8:28.
Prepared by:
Mr. John Thomas
Trip to Mexico – October 21, 2011
“And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15.
The Diocesan Episcopa, Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius. visited Mexico Mission field on October 21st, 2011. Thirumeni was accompanied by Diocesan Secretary Rev. K.E Geevarghese, Treasurer Chacko Mathew, Council member Arlene Mathew and Mexico Mission Sub Committee members Rev. Zachariah John, Rev. A. T. Thomas, John Thomas and P. T. Abraham. Our Bishop and team members spent time praying and singing songs with the 34 families living at Colonia Mar Thoma.
Mexico Mission Infrastructure development and the Education / Nutrition assistance programs are progressing well. Currently there are 35 families living in Colonia Mar Thoma. More families are moving in to the allotted houses.
Drinking water distribution and security fencing (Colonia and Hostel property) are already completed recently. Work is in progress for the Septic system, Flood control and kitchen& bath rooms. Efforts are also under way for the Electricity connection.
The “Manna” (Diocese’s Nutrition assistance program) is going on well since its inception on June. We are distributing the grocery / essentials kit to each family on weekly basis.Manna Distribution has substantially reduced the starvation and poverty of Colonia residents. The team also assisted in distribution of Manna food program to the families. Tirumeni stressed the importance of hard work and the dedication behind the support of the Manna project and its distribution.
The community school (organized by the Colonia residents and funded by Mexican Government) is functioning in Colonia Mar Thoma. Schools are functioning for KG and primary (Grades 1-2). We are expecting the approval for the secondary (Grades 3-4) in near future. At present we have 7 students in KG, 23 students in primary and 9 students in secondary grades. We are also providing tuition assistance for 17 students (Middle school 7, High School -6, Degree – 4)
Thirumeni has initiated a green program “A tree for a house”, during Thirumeni’s visit, where each family will be provided a fruit tree, which is to be to planted and nurtured by the family. We expect to implement this program by early January 2012.
Prepared by
Mr. John Thomas and Ms. Arlene Mathew, Houston
