Dear brothers and sisters,
Grace and peace be with you all!
We hope this email finds you well.
Here is an update of what's been happening in the community in the last 6 months.
With love and prayers,
The Newsletter Team at the Community of Grace.
Interview to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of Br. Shaji George (17 July 2020)
17 July 2020 marked an important milestone: it was the 25th anniversary of the passing of Br. Shaji George, one of the first disciples of our founder Br. O. J. Victor. To commemorate this day, a live interview was conducted via Zoom. It was a unique event as the interview was conducted from across the globe with our interviewer Brother Alex Joseph being in Thailand and our interviewees Br. Brillis, Br. Joemon and Br. Aby being located in Cochin, Abu Dhabi and Dubai respectively, while the whole meeting was technically managed from the U.S. by Br. Jacob and Br. Joel. It was well attended and can be watched again on the link below.
Visit of Fr. George Plathottam (15 Oct - 17 Jan 2021)
Fr. George Plathottam, who is one of the associate priests of the community, travelled from Kochi to the UAE in October last year and stayed at the community house in Dubai.
His presence was a great encouragement and support to the community. We thank him and wish him all the best as he returns to the Philippines to continue his mission as the secretary of the FABC Office of Social Communications and Director of Radio Veritas Asia.
Fr. George can be followed on his blog: Divine Quest
Visit from our Seminarians (23 Nov - 10 Jan 2021)
Br. Jacob and Br. Joel were in Dubai from 23 November 2020 until 10 January 2021. While here, they assisted at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Jebel Ali, where Br. Brillis is based.
Both are now back in the U.S. where Br. Jacob continues his second year of Theology and Br. Joel continues his second year of Pre-Theology.
Thursday Online Prayer Meeting
George Jacob
Geogy brother, who has been a member of the community since 2000 has moved to the U.S. along with his wife Teresa and 3 children - Elizabeth, Joseph and John.
Here is a picture of the Christmas Star over their new home in Katy (Houston, Texas!)
We wish them all the very best and accompany them in our prayers as they begin this new phase in life's journey.
Wedding of Rimon Pallan
Our member Rimon Pallan (son of Mr. Roshan and Mrs. Bindu Pallan) was married to Milu Herbert on 6 February 2021. We wish the couple a blessed life ahead.
Baptism of Simon Peter
Mathew George and Salma Mathew who have been members of the Community since 2004 celebrated the baptism of their fourth son, Simon Peter, on 10 January 2021 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Jebel Ali. The child was baptized by Br. Brillis.
Scriptural Artwork!
Here are some beautiful scriptural based artistic pictures done by our Community member, Anne Jeesman.
Anne is also a member of our choir.
Congratulations Anne!
Karen Stellus
A young member of our community has completed her BDS and is looking forward to starting her career.
We wish our dear Dr. Karen Christina Stellus all the very best!
Usha D'Mello
A member of our Community since 2005, Usha sister as she is fondly called, has moved back to her hometown in Mangalore, India.
She invites us to visit whenever we pass by Mangalore!
Renisha and Rynal Lobo
Our dear Renisha and Rynal are leaving to Mangalore on 16 February to pursue their higher studies.
We wish them all the very best and we keep them in our prayers!
On the right is a picture of Renisha and Rynal with their parents Jane and Richard Lobo.
Passing of our brother T. J. Mathew
T. J. Mathew, who was a close associate of our community from the years 2000 until his departure from Dubai in 2006, passed away in Kerala on 10 September 2020.
We especially pray for the repose of his soul.
Passing away of Sophia Menezes
Sophia Menezes (wife of Br. Rupert's twin brother Reuben), passed away in Pune on 24 December 2020 due to brain cancer. Br. Rupert happened to be in Pune at the time for his annual vacation and could meet her before she went into her final surgery. After the surgery she shortly went into a coma and passed away within a week's time. Sophia (second from left) is survived by her husband Reuben and two sons.
CG CRIB
A beautiful crib was made at the Community House by our brother John Ferrao, a Community member who enriches our Christmas celebrations every year with his special talents.
Here is a picture of the work of art!
We like to hear from you!
We are interested in hearing from you. If you have updates that you would like to share in our newsletter please feel free to send them to mail@gracefilled.org