Blessing of St. Thomas Church on August 6th, 2011 Dear All,               With great pleasure, I share with you all the news of the blessing of St. Thomas Church on Saturday, 6-8-2011 starting at 6.30AM. A huge crowd from far and near waited outside the Church to welcome Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Yvonne Ambroise DD.,Ph.D, Bishop of Tuticorin. After a prayer, the Bishop cut the ribbon and as the door opened, the crowd entered the beautiful, bright and decorated church as the choir sang the entrance hymn. The new flooring, wooden carved doors, new decorated lamps, polished wooden altars, the newly painted statues and the stained glass windows spoke of the magnanimity of all the Pattanathaars. The altar and the pillars were decorated with exquisite flower arrangements made of fresh flowers.                 The kuthu villakku near the Altar was lit by the Bishop, Parish Priest, Rev.Fr.G.Joseph, Rev. Fr. Oswald Rayen, Oscar Rayen, Vice President of the Parish Council and Ladislaus Rodrigo, on behalf of the Jubilee committee.   After lighting the lamp and the introduction, the mass started and the Bishop sanctified the church. During the homily, and the lighting of the candle at the altar, he told that the church has a grand look.             Soon after Mass, the Jubilee flag with the logo of St. Thomas Church and figure of St. Thomas on a gold color painted flag mast was hoisted in front of the church. Then followed the flag hoisting of the Flag of Our Lady on the usual flag mast which was painted silver color as the Jass band from Puthiamputhoor entertained the people with a group of blowing instruments by young lads.          The huge brass church bells had remained silent as they were removed for polishing and servicing. The church bell weighing 290 kilos had the mark as made in Baltimore and the year  1899. It was also marked as gifted to the church by S.T. Company, (by Concius and Eugene Rayen's father, late Mr. Leon V.Rayer's grand father). After a long gap, it was a pleasure to hear the church bells ringing loud and clear. After servicing, the tower clock installed in the church by late Mr. T.P.Soosey A.Kattar also functions and keeps time, chiming loud at the hours.         Laddu was served for the entire crowd. There were representatives from the press and television who were busy interviewing the crowd about St. Thomas and about the church.          The crown then dispersed with joyful faces.       Thank you Pattanathaars. Your prayers, blessings and generosity have helped us to make this day great. News Source:-     Ladislaus Rodrigo.