February 28, 2010

St. Mary’s Parish of San Jose

Celebrating Full Unity

By Jacklin Bejan

On Sunday, February 21, 2010, in an unprecedented gathering of Christian unity and solidarity, over 400 faithful parishioners packed the standing-room-only St. Mary’s Assyrian Chaldean Catholic Church to mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of our beloved Church and Diocese.  During this blessed day of prayer, the parishioners were introduced to the newly reformed mass, reflecting the authentic and cherished heritage of our forefather, the Church of the East.  The beautiful mass was lead by our spiritual leader, His Grace Mar Sarhad Yosip Jammo and the two parish priests, Father Youshia Sana and Chorbishop Samuel Dinkha, who were accompanied by a large number of Deacons and the mesmerizing voice of a 40-member strong choir. 

During sermon, the parishioners further rejoiced as His Grace, Mar Sarhad announced the final and complete integration of the hundreds of new Catholic families who recently joined our Church along with Bishop Mar Bawai Soro.  During his strong message of Christian solidarity and love, Mar Sarhad explained in details the integration of both masses, the merger of all spiritual and administrative issues, as well as the various Church committees into one.  He further thanked the leadership of the parish priest, Father Youshia Sana for his exemplary demonstration of Christian spirit and leadership and expressed his gratitude to all those who greeted our growing Christian family with open arms. 

After mass, the parishioners packed the Church hall for a social gathering, while embracing and congratulating one another on this new and happy beginning.  Indeed, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live and dwell together in unity.  Psalm 133:1