See scenes from Nov. 8 where Catholics of Indian descent gathered at St. Thomas Syro‑Malabar Catholic Forane Church in Northeast Philadelphia for Indian Catholic Heritage Day. Auxiliary Bishop Efren V. Esmilla celebrated Mass alongside priests from multiple Indian Catholic rites, blessing couples marking milestone anniversaries. The celebration, hosted by the Indian American Catholic Association of Greater Philadelphia, featured traditional Indian dances, music, and cuisine, underscoring the group’s 47‑year mission to unite faith and culture in the region. Read our coverage of the event here. (Photos by Jay Sorgi)
Auxiliary Bishop Efren V. Esmilla celebrates Mass Nov. 8 at St. Thomas Syro‑Malabar Catholic Forane Church in Northeast Philadelphia during Indian Catholic Heritage Day, uniting Catholics of Indian descent and guests in honoring faith and culture. (Photo: Jay Sorgi)
Auxiliary Bishop Efren V. Esmilla joins Indian Catholic couples celebrating milestone wedding anniversaries during Indian Catholic Heritage Day Nov. 8 at St. Thomas Syro‑Malabar Catholic Forane Church in Northeast Philadelphia. Most couples marked 50 years of marriage, with one celebrating 25. (Photo: Jay Sorgi)
Young girls perform traditional Indian dances during Indian Catholic Heritage Day Nov. 8 at St. Thomas Syro‑Malabar Catholic Forane Church in Northeast Philadelphia. (Photo: Jay Sorgi)
Amilyn Rose Thomas serves as cantor during the Indian Catholic Heritage Day Mass Nov. 8 at St. Thomas Syro‑Malabar Catholic Forane Church in Northeast Philadelphia. (Photo: Jay Sorgi)
Auxiliary Bishop Efren V. Esmilla stands with fellow priests and altar servers during Indian Catholic Heritage Day Mass Nov. 8 at St. Thomas Syro‑Malabar Catholic Forane Church in Northeast Philadelphia. (Photo: Jay Sorgi)
Thomas Simon (right), president of the Indian American Catholic Association, presents a plaque to Auxiliary Bishop Efren V. Esmilla Nov. 8 at St. Thomas Syro‑Malabar Catholic Forane Church in Northeast Philadelphia, honoring his leadership at Indian Catholic Heritage Day. (Photo: Jay Sorgi)
Auxiliary Bishop Efren V. Esmilla stands with fellow priests and altar servers during Indian Catholic Heritage Day Mass Nov. 8 at St. Thomas Syro‑Malabar Catholic Forane Church in Northeast Philadelphia. (Photo: Jay Sorgi)
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