In these days of communal disharmony, this church in the city sets a perfect example of religious harmony.
For over a century, it’s been a practice to carry the lighted candle on the occasion of Maundy Thursday, from this church, to a temple owned by a Hindu family.
Interestingly, the candle is lit by the vicar, which is later carried to the shrine located at Thalayola-
parambu, thus officially signalling the start of the two-day long temple festival which coincides with Maundy Thursday.
This season too, the tradition was kept alive when 60 members of the Vadakaranelli Illam, the family which owns the temple, participated in the mass at Amballoor St. Francis Church. The family members bowed before the saint and received the lighted candle from vicar, Fr John Puthuva.
The custom has been practiced unfailingly every year, as the Vadakaranelli Illam family members believe that the church bears the presence of their forefathers. “So, we carry the lighted candle symbolically, inviting them to participate in the temple festival”, said a family member.
Fr Puthuva says the lamp at the temple is lit by the family with the lighted candle that’s carried from the church. The temple festival won’t start without this tradition being fulfilled, he said.
According to the vicar, the family members, now scattered in different parts of the country, make it a point to attend the mass at the church without fail. “It’s an outstanding example of religious harmony, very rare these days”, he added.
Fr Puthuva also said the St. Francis Church receives hundreds of believers cutting across religions. “They all come and pray before the saint on Maundy Thursday”, Fr Puthuva said.