Boon for hearing impaired: Sign language Mass speaks volumes

Kochi: The Syro-Malabar Church opened a new path on Monday with Major Archbishop Cardinal George Alancherry leading a special mass for the hearing impaired using sign language. The cardinal was aided in by priests who were specially trained in sign language. More than 200 persons aged between 8 and 80 from different dioceses attended the mass which was held at Mount St Thomas at Kakkanad here. Fr Biju Moolakkara delivered the prayers in the Holy Mass and Fr George Kalarimuriyil delivered the Bible message in the sign language. The Bible reading and delivery of songs in the sign language were done by Br Bjiu Thermadom, Sr Abhaya and Stanley Thomas. Delivering the benedictory address at the holy mass, Cardinal Alancherry said that the initiative was meant to be a message to the differently-abled that they are not alone in society. “It is the duty of the church to come to the spiritual service of the differently-abled,” he said. 

“Church offers its services to them in other countries. Such a step is being taken here now as the specially trained people for the purpose are available now and more such initiatives are needed in the coming days.” He exhorted all dioceses to promote gatherings of the differently-abled. “All should feel that those who are wanting in some faculties, both physical and mental, are equal before God and we should support them and bring them to the mainstream,” Cardinal Alancherry said.

A public meeting was held later which was inaugurated by Curia Bishop Mon Sebastian Vaniapurackal. He also honoured those who led the service for the deaf. Special gifts were presented to representatives of various schools for the deaf. Meritorious deaf students also were honoured on the occasion. Catholic Congress president V.V. Augustine presided over the function. Art events added glitter to the event which was jointly organised by the Prolife Apostolate of the church and the Ernakulam St Thomas Catholic Deaf Community.