Posted September 8, 2020

Restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic limited the scale of the annual Indian Catholic Heritage Day, but did not dampen the joyful spirit of the day.

The Indian American Catholic Association of Greater Philadelphia (IACA) sponsored a Mass Aug. 11 at St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Philadelphia, which this year omitted a closing celebration among attending families.

Celebrants and attendees bid a brief farewell to the main celebrant of the Mass, Father Renny Kattel, co-chairman of IACA. He is being transferred to Christ the King Syro-Malabar Knanaya Catholic Church in Dallas, Texas.

Two concelebrating priests, Father Vinod M. George, chairman of the IACA; and Father Saji Mukkoot, director, honored Father Kattel.

Charly Chirayath, president of the IACA, addressed the gathering and thanked the priest for his support and assistance to the organization.

Thomas Simon, vice president of the IACA, presented a gift to Father Kattel on behalf of the organization. Merline Augustine, general secretary, thanked all and wished Father Renny a successful tenure in Dallas.