iary Bishop James Massa, main celebrant, and Fr. Jossy Vattothu, C.M.I., Parochial Vicar. (Photo: courtesy of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate Congregation)
GREENPOINT — St. Anthony of Padua– St. Alphonsus Church, Greenpoint, which is the North American headquarters of the congregation of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate, celebrated on Dec. 1 a Mass for the fifth anniversary of the canonization of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the 19th-century saint from India who founded the order.
Auxiliary Bishop James Massa celebrated the Mass, which drew many Indian-American Catholics from throughout the Tri-State area. Father Kavungal Davy, C.M.I., the pastor and delegate superior, and Father Jossy Vatthothu, C.M.I., parochial vicar, were among the 16 concelebrants. Nine priests in the Diocese of Brooklyn are members of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate.
St. Chavara, who was canonized by Pope Francis in November 2014, is the first male canonized Catholic saint of Indian origin. Father Davy said St. Chavara is known for his devotion to the Holy Family as well as to the Eucharist and Catholic education.
“Those are three values that we have in the United States today,” Father Davy said.
Also at the Mass, St. Anthony of Padua – St. Alphonsus honored three parishioners for their longtime service to the parish.
Richard Kenney, a lifelong member of the parish, was recognized for his 50 years as an usher.
Ernesto Cordero was honored for his 40 years as a lector, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion and liturgy coordinator as well as for his other volunteer roles in the Parish.
Meanwhile, Edward LaPlant was noted for his service as the parish’s organist and music director for the past 25 years.
