LOVE FOR JESUS IN KASHMIR: May 2025

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.