July 13 & 14: Mission Appeal for Home Parish in India

Elizabeth Weldon • July 14, 2024

Fr. JohnBosco Durasaimy to Lead Mission Appeal

To Benefit Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, in India

Sunday, July 14, 2024: Mission Appeal at St. Ann Parish, Florence, SC

Fr. JohnBosco Duraisamy Will Lead a Mission Appeal for Home Parish

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Diocese of Cuddapah, India

Weekend of July 13th & 14th at St. Ann Parish

113 S. Kemp Street, Florence 843.661.5012

"Dear Parishioners of St. Ann,

Greetings in the Lord! With the encouragement of the Propagation of the Faith office in Charleston, I am reaching out to you with a heartfelt mission appeal for my home parish in India. This appeal aims to support the construction of a Family Center for our parish community, and I will be sharing this message with you during the weekend of July 13/14, 2024.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church: A Beacon of Faith

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, established in 1682 by French Jesuit missionaries as the mission of KORATTAMPATTU, has a rich history. Today, it serves around 200 families and stands as a beacon of Catholicism amidst a predominantly Hindu region. Reflecting on my journey to priesthood, I am reminded of the resilience and faithfulness of our parish community. Despite historical challenges, including a scarcity of local vocations, we have persevered, marking significant milestones such as the ordination of our first native priest in 1984. As the second priest to emerge from our parish, I carry forward this legacy with humility and conviction.

The Urgent Need for a Community Hall

Despite our rich heritage and steadfast devotion, our parish currently faces significant challenges. Neglect from the diocese, compounded by caste politics, has cast a shadow over our community. The absence of essential institutions for spiritual and social growth has left a void. However, inspired by the teachings of the Propagation of Faith, we are called to share our faith stories and nurture bonds between our home parish and the wider Church. Our home parish urgently needs a

community hall—a space of unity, celebration, and spiritual nourishment. The parish survives through the sacrificial support of the people. This project, however, exceeds our current resources.

Your Support: Building a Future Together

The construction of a community hall is more than just erecting a physical structure; it symbolizes a renewed commitment to communal solidarity and spiritual enrichment. With your support, we can transform this vision into reality, fostering a sense of belonging and communion among the faithful of our parish. Your contribution will not only aid in constructing the Family Center but also foster a renewed sense of togetherness and devotion among parishioners. It will

be a place of unity, celebration, and sacramental blessings, enriching the spiritual and social lives of our community members.

Join Us in This Mission

Your generosity will make a profound difference in the lives of many and help preserve the rich heritage of our parish for future generations.

Thank you for your kind consideration and support.

In Christ,

Fr. JOHNBOSCO DURAISAMY

Pastor

St. Ann & St. Anthony Churches, Florence, SC, USA

'God loves a cheerful giver.' 2 Corinthians 9:7."

St. Ann Roman Catholic Church

Rev. JohnBosco Duraisamy, Pastor

Rev. Sylvère Baloza-Baloza, Parochial Vicar