St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Cathedral of Chicago

In Loving Memory of Pope Francis (1936-2025): A Shepherd Returns to the Father


As the world mourns the passing of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis, Mar Thoma Sleeha Cathedral – St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Cathedral of Chicago joins the universal Church in solemn remembrance. With hearts heavy yet grateful, we recall the gentle strength and profound humility with which he led — a shepherd to all, a voice for the voiceless, and a servant rooted in the very foundation of Christian love and faith.

We remember him not only as a Pope, but as a humble soul who walked among us with a heart full of mercy and arms wide open. His voice echoed the Gospel not just from the pulpit, but through every quiet gesture of compassion, every embrace of the forgotten.

His papacy was a living testimony to the mercy of Christ — a bridge of hope in times of division, and a light that touched even the most distant corners of the world. His vitality energized the Church and humanity, not through power, but through prayer, presence, and peace. We hold dear the fond memory of a shepherd who chose compassion over comfort, simplicity over splendor, and prayer over power.

Though the world weeps, Heaven receives him with joy. May his soul rest in the peace of the Risen Lord, and may his legacy continue to stir our hearts toward love, unity, and unwavering faith.

Let us come together to celebrate the life and legacy of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis, with a special Memorial Qurbana on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM CST. The Holy Qurbana will be officiated by Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Fr. Thomas Kadukapillil, Vicar
Rev. Fr. Joel Pius, Asst. Vicar Syro-Malabar Cathedral, Chicago

🌿 Mar Thoma Sleeha Cathedral – Holy Week Schedule 2025

Join us at Mar Thoma Sleeha Cathedral as we journey through Holy Week 2025, a sacred time of reflection, devotion, and celebration of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We invite you, your family, and our entire community to participate in this powerful week of worship.

📅 Palm Sunday – April 13

  • 8:00 AM – Distribution of Palms & Holy Qurbana (Malayalam, Main Church)
  • 10:00 AM – Solemn Blessing & Distribution of Palms (Common, Parish Hall)
  • 10:30 AM – Holy Qurbana (Malayalam – MC) & English (Mar Ephrem Chapel)
  • 5:30 PM – Holy Qurbana (Malayalam – MC)

📅 Monday & Tuesday – April 14–15

  • 8:30 AM – Holy Qurbana (Malayalam – MC)
    Confessions available until noon
  • 5:30 PM (Mon) – Holy Qurbana (English – Daily Chapel)
  • 7:00 PM – Holy Qurbana (Malayalam – MC)
    Followed by the Way of the Cross

📅 Wednesday – April 16

  • 8:30 AM – Holy Qurbana (Malayalam – MC)
    Confessions available until noon
  • 6:00 PM – Chrism Qurbana (Bilingual – MC)
    Followed by the Way of the Cross & Last Supper Skit

📅 Holy Thursday – April 17

  • 7:00 PM – Holy Qurbana & Washing of the Feet
    • Malayalam (MC)
    • English (EC)
      Followed by solemn procession, cutting of Passover bread, and all-night adoration (DC)

📅 Good Friday – April 18

  • 5:00 PM – Solemn Way of the Cross
    • Malayalam (MC)
    • English (EC)
  • 6:00 PM – Passion Narration & Veneration (English – EC)
  • 7:00 PM – Passion Narration & Veneration (Malayalam – MC)

📅 Holy Saturday & Easter Vigil – April 19

  • 8:30 AM – Holy Qurbana with Blessing of Fire & Water
    • Malayalam (MC)
    • English (DC)
  • 5:00 PM – Holy Qurbana (English – MC) Followed by dinner
  • 7:00 PM – Holy Qurbana
    • Malayalam (MC)
    • English (EC) Followed by dinner served in AH & PH

✝️ Easter Sunday – April 20

  • 8:00 AM – Holy Qurbana (Malayalam – MC)
  • 10:00 AM – Holy Qurbana (Malayalam)
    No other Qurbanas on this day

📍Locations Key:
MC – Main Church | EC – Mar Ephrem Chapel | DC – Daily Chapel | PH – Parish Hall | AH – Alphonsa Hall

First-ever Diocesan Eucharistic Congress

Join Us May 23 – May 25, 2025 for the First-Ever Eucharistic Congress in the Syro-Malabar Diocese of America

The Eucharistic Congress marks a historic milestone for the Syro-Malabar Diocese of America, being the first event of its kind. This unique, transformative gathering will immerse attendees in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist, focusing on its deep significance as the source and summit of our faith.

Through Eucharistic miracles from around the world and powerful testimonies of healing, this event will illuminate the profound impact of the Eucharist in the lives of countless faithful. Participants will experience firsthand the transformative power of Christ’s presence and the healing grace He offers through the Holy Sacrament.

As we enter the Jubilee Year of the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Diocese in the United States, this Eucharistic Congress provides a unique opportunity to unite Syro-Malabar Catholics across the nation in faith, love, and devotion. By encountering Christ in the Eucharist, we renew our commitment to the missionary spirit of the Church, strengthening our collective resolve to spread the Gospel of Christ and share His love with others.

This event is not only a spiritual enrichment for all who attend but also an important step in the growth of our Diocese in America. It will lay the foundation for future growth, deepen our connection with Christ, and empower us to continue the mission of faith in the world.

Learn More About the Eucharistic Congress

Lenten Retreat 2025

Prepare your heart this Lent by joining us for a powerful Lenten Retreat from March 28-30, 2025. This transformative weekend will offer spiritual renewal, deep reflection, and an encounter with God’s grace, with specially designed tracks for every stage of your faith journey:

🙏 Adult Track – Led by Fr. Roy Joseph Kaduppil, offering profound teachings and spiritual guidance.
🔥 Young Adults Track – Dynamic sessions with Kendra Von Esh and Binu Abraham, addressing faith, purpose, and real-life challenges.
🕊️ Youth Track (Grades 1-12) – An engaging, spirit-filled experience led by the Anointing Fire Team, designed to inspire and strengthen the faith of children and teens.

Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your faith and renew your spirit as we journey through Lent together!

Family Renewal Convention

A Marian Covenant (Udampadi) | June 5-8, 2025

Join us for a transformative Family Renewal Convention, a powerful Marian Retreat (Udambadi) led by Fr. Dr. V P Joseph Valiyaveetil, Founder & Director of Kreupasanam Marian Retreat Centre, and Br. Vijayakumar, Managing Director. Experience spiritual renewal, healing, and divine blessings as you deepen your faith through the intercession of the Blessed Mother. Come as a family and return strengthened in grace and unity!

📍 Venue: Mar Thoma Sleeha Cathedral
📅 Date: June 5 – 8, 2025
⏰ Time: Thursday 4 PM – 9 PM | Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
🔗 Register now: https://forms.gle/n31AtxWT2y1wsSHv9

For more details, please visit: https://sites.google.com/view/familyrenewalconvention2025/

Summer Holy Qurbana Schedule

The Holy Qurbana Schedule for Sundays during the Summer will be in effect from May 19 to August 11, 2024.

8:00 AM: Holy Qurbana (Malayalam)

10:00 AM: Holy Qurbana (English) – In the Mar Ephrem Chapel (Lower Level)

10:00 AM: Holy Qurbana (Malayalam) – In the Main Chapel

5:30 PM: Holy Qurbana (Malayalam)