Paterson: The St. George Syro Malabar Parish in Paterson, New Jersey, witnessed a historic and joyful moment as two members of the same parish were ordained to the priesthood, marking a significant milestone for the parish, the Syro Malabar Church, and the Malayali Catholic community in the United States.
Rev. Fr. Sam Kuttappasheri and Rev. Fr. Michael James were ordained priests and consecrated as new shepherds in the service of Christ. The rare occasion of two young men from the same parish entering the priesthood together made the celebration especially memorable for the faithful who gathered in large numbers to witness the sacred ceremony.
The ordination rites were led by Bishop Joy Alappatt of the St. Thomas Syro Malabar Diocese of Chicago along with Bishop Emeritus Jacob Angadiath. The ceremony carried special significance for Bishop Alappatt, who had served the Paterson parish for nearly a decade during its formative years. Many parishioners noted the emotional significance of seeing the bishop ordain two men whom he had once guided and instructed in their faith formation as children.
The liturgical celebrations were assisted by Fr. Paul Chalissery, who served as Archdeacon, while Fr. Joel coordinated various aspects of the ceremony. The ordination service was marked by deep devotion, prayer, and thanksgiving as family members, clergy, religious, and parishioners came together to celebrate the gift of priestly vocations.
Under the leadership of parish priest Fr. Simmy Thomas, the entire parish community worked together to organize the event with great care and dedication. Trustees Linto Mathew, Vincent Thottumuri, and Charles Chacko, along with General Coordinator Delix Alex, played key roles in overseeing the preparations. Special committees were formed to manage parking arrangements, hospitality, food service, liturgical coordination, decorations, and venue preparations, ensuring the smooth conduct of the large scale celebration.
Following their priestly ordination, Fr. Sam Kuttappasheri celebrated his first Holy Mass on Sunday at 9.30 a.m., while Fr. Michael James offered his first Holy Mass at 11.30 a.m. Both celebrations drew large congregations of faithful who joined in prayer and thanksgiving. The day concluded with a felicitation gathering and community banquet attended by parishioners, guests, and well wishers from across the region.
The ordination of the two priests has been widely viewed as an encouraging sign for the future of the Church. At a time when priestly vocations are declining in many dioceses outside India, the emergence of two first generation Malayali immigrant youths from the same parish entering the priesthood together stands as a remarkable achievement and a source of hope for the wider Catholic community.
Church leaders and faithful alike described the occasion as a landmark event in the history of the parish. The celebration reflected the strength of family faith, parish life, and community support in nurturing religious vocations among young people.
For the St. George Syro Malabar Parish of Paterson, the ordination of Fr. Sam Kuttappasheri and Fr. Michael James will remain a cherished chapter in its history, inspiring future generations to respond generously to God's call and continue the mission of the Church.