Posted September 18, 2018

St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church in Northeast Philadelphia hosted the anual Mass and cultural celebration for Indian Catholics in the Syro-Malabar, Syro-Malankara, Knanaya rites, along with Roman Catholics, Sept. 14. Read all about the celebration here. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • A traditional procession to St. Thomas Church before the Mass included all the faithful.

  • Faithful participate in the annual Indian Catholic Heritage Day Mass at St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church, Sept. 18, 2018. (Sarah Webb)

  • Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States (the Vatican ambassador), celebrates the Liturgy of the Eucharist with other Indian-rite bishops and clergy, along with Roman Catholic prelates.

  • Archbishop Christophe Pierre chats with religious sisters at the celebration following Mass.

  • Honored guests pause for a prayer before leading the program recognizing wedding anniversaries of Indian Catholics and new youth leaders in the community.