Silver Jubilee of Indian Catholic Association

26 January 2024

Keeping an organisation strong and active for 25 years is no small feat! I recently had the pleasure of attending the silver jubilee celebrations of the Indian Catholic Association at All Saints Catholic Church in Liverpool. The Indian Catholic Association – or ICA – was formed in 1999 as part of the broader All Saints Parish. It was formed by Christians who predominately migrated from Bangalore in India so that they could not only share a spiritual connection, but a cultural and linguistic one as well. Each year the ICA comes together to celebrate the Feast Day of St Mary, who is regarded as their patron and protector. After a special mass, I joined members of the ICA for an invocation dance, lighting of the traditional lamp, acknowledgement of seniors and a prayer blessing by Father Paul Monkerud. The truly multi-cultural and welcoming nature of the All Saints Parish was on display during the evening! I am grateful to Dr Matthew Rathinam and ICA members for their warm hospitality. It is yet another reminder of how faith plays a vital role in bringing together communities in Liverpool.