Lubbock Visit

The Diocesan Episcopa Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius arrived Lubbock on Thursday April 26, 2012 for a three day visit to the Parish. The Vicar Rev John N Abraham programmed visits to the members of the parish staying at distant places.
On Friday April 27th, the visit was to Carlsbad in New Mexico, Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Apart from visiting the members in these places, a visit was made to the Carlsbad caverns, the second largest cave in the world.

The Loretto Chapel, Sante Fe, New- Mexico is believed to be built in 1878 by the Sisters of Loretto. It is built from stone from local quarries and fashioned after the Sainte Chapelle in Paris, France. This chapel is famous for its ‘ Miraculous Staircase ‘ built sometime between 1877 and 1881. It is built without nails, dowels or supports. The spiral structure included two 360 degree turns. The 22 foot staircase also lacks a center support. The staircase has 32 steps equivalent to the age of Jesus Christ. The identity of the Carpenter is not yet known.

The oldest Church in the US is considered as San Miguel Chapel built around 1626. It was rebuilt in 1710 due to fire burning.

The Saint Francis Cathedral, dedicated in 1886 for the Patron saint of Santa Fe is a mixture of three architectural styles. The oldest house in the US is also seen here.
The members came together at Albuquerque for a prayer fellowship where three Catholic priests from India were also invited. Mar Theodosius spoke on how Jesus wanted the disciples to overcome the fundamentalism of the Religious community of his day. The Catholic priests explained how they learn Spanish to administer sacraments to the people there particularly among the Native Americans. It was also an occasion to discuss and learn on how they minister to the Native Americans in New Mexico area. The evening was a very fruitful time for fellowship and learning.

The visit on Saturday was to Amarillo, a place which is significant for a Pharmacy College of the Texas University. The visit also helped the members of the team to learn on the migrating birds from Brazil, Purple Martin; how it leaves during winter and how it comes back after four months to the same spot and cage, exactly on the fixed day.

The visiting team came back to Lubbock by evening for a Sandya Namaskaram at the Church. Mar Theodosius spoke on the need to overcome the spirit of consumerism in a materialistic world and the need to cultivate the habit of sharing the blessings of God with the less fortunate.

The members of the parish came from far and near, both young and old to participate in the Holy Qurbana on Sunday morning (April 29), which was in English. The diocesan episcopa was welcomed by the Vicar. He was assisted in the service by the clergy and the laity. Mar Theodosius spoke on the value of Love that leads one to commit the life unconditionally to carry out the mission given by the Lord who said: love as I have loved you.

There was fellowship lunch arranged for the members to participate and strengthen the fellowship.
The Episcopal visit was a blessed time for the entire Parish.
Rev. John N. Abraham
Vicar