Prepared for: Dr. Deepu Alex Thomas
Date: May 12, 2025
Dear Dr. Deepu Alex Thomas,
We, the parishioners, religious,
parish pastoral council members, and the parish priest of Kristu Jyoti Church,
Samba, extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of Rs.
1,00,000 towards the renovation of our church during the season of Holy Lent.
Your kindness, inspired by gratitude to God for the blessings upon you and your
family, has touched us deeply. Though we were strangers, your support through
Dr. Sr. Irene CMC has enabled us to transform our sacred space into a more
fitting place of worship. This report details the journey of the renovation,
from the initial condition of the church to the completion of the works,
culminating in a joyous celebration of the Holy Mass on May 11, 2025.
Initial Condition of the Church
Before the renovation began, Kristu Jyoti Church was in a state of
disrepair. The floor was bare concrete, uneven, and littered with debris,
including broken wooden planks, metal sheets, and construction waste. The walls
were severely damaged, with peeling plaster, visible cracks, and exposed
patches of brickwork. The sanctuary area, though adorned with a wooden backdrop
and a cross, lacked proper elevation and space to accommodate liturgical needs.
The overall condition of the church was not conducive to a sacred atmosphere,
and we recognized the urgent need for floor tiling, wall repairs, and an
expansion of the sanctuary to better serve the community.
Need for Expansion and Elevation
The sanctuary area required expansion
and elevation to enhance the liturgical experience. The existing altar space
was too small, limiting the movement of the clergy during services. We planned
to extend the altar area by two feet and raise it by one foot to create a more
prominent and accessible space for worship. Additionally, the side walls needed
tiling to protect them from further deterioration and to improve the aesthetics
of the church interior. These improvements were essential to create a dignified
and functional space for our congregation.
Renovation Works and Progress
The renovation work commenced after
Divine Mercy Sunday on April 27, 2025. The initial phase involved clearing the
debris and preparing the floor for tiling. Workers began by leveling the ground
and laying a foundation for the new tiles. The first image shows the church in
its
early stage of renovation, with scattered wooden planks, metal
sheets, and sand piles, indicating the preparatory work in progress. Two
workers were seen installing the wooden backdrop and
setting up the sanctuary area, ensuring the sacred symbols remained
intact during the renovation.
In the second phase, the floor tiling
progressed significantly. The third and the fouth images capture workers laying
down large, glossy tiles in a striking blue and white marble pattern with a
black-and-white checkerboard design. The sanctuary area was extended and
elevated as planned, with new steps leading up to the altar. The side walls
were also being prepared for tiling, as evidenced by the ongoing repairs and
the presence of construction materials.
Completion of the Works
The renovation was completed within two weeks, and the fifth to the
eighth images showcase the transformed interior of Kristu Jyoti Church. The
floor now gleams with polished tiles, reflecting the light streaming through
the windows. The sanctuary area has been extended by two feet and raised by one
foot, creating a more spacious and elevated platform for the altar. Stainless
steel railings, sponsored by a generous donor, now separate the altar area from
the congregation space, adding both safety and elegance. The side walls have
been tiled with a combination of dark and striped tiles, enhancing the overall
appearance of the church. Additionally, another sponsor contributed to the
installation of a false ceiling above the altar area, completing the
transformation of the sanctuary into a sacred and beautiful space.
The last two images capture a moment before
and after worship on May 11, 2025, during the first Holy Mass celebrated in the
renovated church. The new altar area, adorned with flowers and liturgical
items, provides a fitting setting for the sacred liturgy. The stainless-steel
railings and the polished floor reflect the care and dedication invested in
this project, all made possible by your generosity.
Expressions of Gratitude
On behalf of the entire Kristu Jyoti Church community, we express our
deepest gratitude to you, Dr. Deepu Alex Thomas. Your donation of Rs. 1,00,000
was the cornerstone of this renovation, enabling us to undertake the floor tiling
and inspiring additional contributions that allowed us to expand the scope of
the project. The parishioners are overjoyed to worship in a renewed space that
reflects the sacredness of our faith. The religious members of our community
are grateful for your support, which has strengthened our mission to serve God
and His people. The parish pastoral council members appreciate your
selflessness, which has brought our community closer together through this
shared endeavor. As the parish priest, I am personally touched by your
generosity, which has allowed us to create a sanctuary worthy of our Lord’s
presence. We pray that God continues to bless you and your family abundantly
for your kindness and faith.
Conclusion
The renovation of Kristu Jyoti Church, Samba, has been a testament to
the power of faith and generosity. Your donation, Dr. Deepu Alex Thomas,
initiated this transformative journey, and with the support of additional
sponsors, we were able to exceed our initial plans. The church now stands as a renewed
space of worship, where the community can gather to celebrate the Holy Mass and
grow in faith. We invite you to visit us and witness the impact of your
contribution first-hand. May the blessings of the Almighty be upon you always.
Sincerely,
Fr. Joseph Soosaimarian
For the Parishioners, Religious, Parish Pastoral Council
Members, and Parish Priest
Kristu Jyoti Church, Samba
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