St. Teresa’s Prayer Group, Ernakulam, Celebrates 50 Years of Grace (BJEP018)

St. Teresa’s Prayer Group Ekm Celebrates 50 Years of Grace

A long and fruitful Journey of Communion and Joy 

(Reflections from Dr. Edward Edezhath and 25 other group members, April 2026)

Introduction 

The beginnings of this group were quite simple, a modest follow-up to a four-day seminar in the summer of 1976. By now, it has endured for half a century as one of Kerala's best-known formative Catholic Charismatic fellowships. The St. Teresa's Prayer Group in Ernakulam did not set out to become anything big. A few youth and elders, inspired by the new wave of Charismatic Renewal, came together to praise, listen, pray, and grow. Yet from that humble beginning emerged generations of leaders, a network of outreaches, and a model of community life that quietly shaped the Jesus Youth Movement and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal across Kerala and beyond.

The Beginning: A Seminar That Changed Everything 

In June 1976, an orientation program on the Catholic Charismatic Renewal was held at St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam, for a mixed gathering of clergy, religious, and laity — about 200 people in total. The talks were delivered by Fr. Fio Mascarenhas, Fr. Rufus Perera, and Fr. Marcelino Iragui OCD. The first two priests had come from Mumbai, where the Renewal had already taken root. The four days were marked by good songs, joyful exchange, and a fresh encounter with life in the Spirit. 

On the final day, Fr. Marcelino announced that he would help form a follow-up group for those who wished to continue. About forty people signed up. Beginning in the first week of July 1976, they met every Sunday at St. Teresa's College, spending three to four hours together covering the topics of the Life in the Spirit Seminar (LSS). The Carmelite Sisters (CSST), who ran the college, joined these gatherings with great enthusiasm. Soon, young people began arriving in greater numbers. The group had found its home. 

Fr. Marcelino Iragui: Mentor, Guide, and Inspiration 

No account of St. Teresa's Prayer Group can be told without dwelling on Fr. Marcelino. A tall, lean Carmelite priest from Spain with a beaming smile, he was a professor of theology on the Holy Spirit at Mangalapuzha Seminary — a prominent academic yet wonderfully simple in person. He was joyful, deeply loving, and profoundly committed to the slow, patient work of community formation. 

From the beginning, Fr. Marcelino had a clear vision and a simple plan. He systematically introduced the group to this new way of life in the Spirit: attitudes of thanksgiving and praise, a love for the Word of God, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's promptings, and the joy of growing together as a community. He was especially insistent on using good songs. He taught the group numerous hymns — short and long — that celebrated and expressed this new spirituality. Forming the group to praise God and sing in the Spirit was also one of his focuses. "After the Holy Mass," he would often say, "I would go out into the rubber plantation at the seminary and sing loudly in the Spirit, entering into the freedom the Holy Spirit gives." He trained the group in this habit, personally modeling what he taught. 

Fr. Marcelino understood the dangers of the Renewal landscape around him. "One tragedy of the retreats here," he once remarked, "is that they give birth to newborns and abandon them to a life of growing up fatherless." He was determined that this group would not suffer that fate. He visited regularly, provided follow-up teaching, encouraged the formation of small cell groups, and, after some time, formed a core group of three young people to guide the community (Kochurani Abraham, Stephany, and Edward). When he had to travel, his colleague, Fr. Dominic Fernandez OCD, would step in to provide continuity. His generosity extended even to material support: on one occasion, he used a retreat stipend to purchase books for the group's library, which he helped build steadily over the years. 

He also served as a connector. In 1978, Fr. Marcelino sent word to Manual Thomas in Chennai — "You must meet Eddy" — forging friendships and alliances that would shape the wider Renewal across India. Many of the early leaders of Kerala's Charismatic movement were, in a real sense, formed by Fr. Marcelino. He eventually returned to Spain, where he later died, but the roots he planted continued to bear fruit long after his departure. 

[Pictures: Fr. Marcelino Iragui OCD and Fr. Dominic Fernandez OCD, the initial mentors of the group]

The Life of the Prayer Meeting 

After the initial Sunday LSS gatherings, the group transitioned to meeting every Wednesday, from 4:30 to 6:00 PM, a rhythm that would continue for decades. The Wednesday gathering became the heartbeat of the community. 

The meeting followed a rich and deliberate pattern. It opened with introductions and moved into an extended time of praise and worship — vibrant, joyful, and marked by the singing of charismatic songs, many of them from the Praise the Lord songbook. A highlight was the practice of singing in the Spirit, which Fr. Marcelino had carefully taught: the group would sing together in tongues, then gradually settle into silence and deep listening. From that stillness came messages, prophecies, and words of guidance, which members would share with the group. Someone in the core group would faithfully write down the prophecies received each week and bring them back for reflection. 

After the time of listening came biblical teaching — either prepared by a member or drawn from open sharing — followed by intercession and prayer for one another. One Wednesday each month was set apart specifically for healing prayer. The meetings were, by all accounts, rich and varied: "There was praise, worship, adoration, listening, sharing messages, biblical teaching, intercession, praying for one another — and then time together." 

That togetherness often extended well beyond the formal close. Members lingered, gathered in small corners to share and pray, and then made their way to a nearby restaurant for tea, conversation, and the kind of fellowship that deepened friendships over the years. For one member who lived in the village of Kumbalanghi across the river, this sometimes meant racing to catch the last ferry home at 9:30 PM — and occasionally missing it, crossing instead by canoe, arriving home very late. Such was the pull of the community. 

Formation, Gifts, and the Culture of the Group 

From the beginning, the group was clear and focused on personal formation. The charismatic gifts were introduced carefully and used joyfully. Singing in the Spirit became a signature feature of the group's worship. Members were encouraged to read the Word of God personally, to reflect on it deeply, and to bring their experiences to the group. There was always a strong culture of sharing — not performance, but genuine encounter with Scripture and with God. 

The group was also shaped by wide reading. Members eagerly studied materials from the Word of God Community in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and read publications like the New Covenant magazine. These were discussed at length after prayer meetings. Fr. Marcelino brought in booklets and guides. A library gradually took shape. 

The community held firm to a particular conviction that Fr. Marcelino and others reinforced: no one should be launched into independent ministry too quickly. Formation came first. The group was wary of a pattern they observed elsewhere in Kerala — people attending one transformative experience and immediately setting out to preach or lead, without the grounding of a stable community. The St. Teresa's group resisted inviting outside speakers and big-name preachers, insisting instead that growth come from within. This was not always without tension; there were disagreements. But the principle held: the community must carry the ministry, and the community's culture and pace must be protected. 

The Committed Group and the Mission Outward 

As the prayer group matured, a pattern of messages began to emerge — week after week, the group received prophetic words with a common theme: "You are the hands, you are the feet. I have a mission for you. I want to use you to build my body." The core group gathered to discern what the Lord was saying. Two convictions emerged: first, that those who wanted to grow toward deeper commitment needed a separate space to do so; and second, that this deeper growth should lead outward, into mission. 

Around 18 people responded to the invitation and began meeting every Tuesday — a "committed group," distinct from the core group, devoted to discipleship and outreach. This group met at the city home of a cousin, Stephanie, who generously opened her house: Tuesdays for the committed group, Wednesdays for the prayer group, and Saturdays for an hour of intercession before the Blessed Sacrament at Infant Jesus Church. 

The committed group was a time of deep, joyful sharing and prayer. Members were encouraged toward genuine growth, occasionally gathering in smaller cells of seven or so, as Fr. Marcelino had taught. Some who lived in the same hostel were able to meet even more often. Within this group, the desire to go out and serve began to crystallize. 

[Picture: An old list of committed members in the group]

Reaching Out: The Thevara Railway Colony 

The group's first outreach mission took them to the Thevara Railway Colony — a stretch of fifty-eight to sixty makeshift huts alongside a railway track on the outskirts of the city. The roofs were rusted tin sheets or plastic sheeting. The living conditions were deeply poor. Two members — one of them a young man from the group, the other Joy from Kuzhuppilly, who would later become a doctor — made the first visit to see the place. Their report moved the group, and soon the whole committed team was going out every Sunday. 

The Sunday pattern became something of a small liturgy in itself. The team gathered at St. Mary's Basilica for Mass, spent time in praise, sharing, and receiving the Word, and set out — sent, as they understood it, by the Lord. At the colony, they split into smaller groups according to their gifts and interests. PV Marykutty (who would later found the enduring children's ministry Christeen) gathered and played with the children. Cyja and Kochuthresia Simenthy spent time with women carrying wounds and suffering. Others visited the elderly, the young, and different households, sitting with people, chatting, and praying. The community offered black tea. Doors opened. 

One encounter in particular left a lasting mark. The team came across Lawrence and his mother. Lawrence had suffered a violent blow to his head in a crowd and had since been chained at his legs, his behavior unpredictable and frightening. His mother had no other way to cope. The visiting team, going in with prayer and in a spirit of faith, approached him slowly. They prayed over him, interacted with him, touched him — and released him from his chains. What happened in that moment was described not simply as a healing, but as a profoundly transformative encounter: "More than the change we witnessed in Lawrence, I experienced a very strong divine presence. This was perhaps a more transformative experience for me than even the Baptism of the Holy Spirit." The experience echoed Jesus's own words: When you did this for the least of these, you did it for me. 

After the morning visits, the team gathered at St. Thomas's Church — then only a small shed — to share the simple meals they had brought, read the Word together, and reflect on their experiences. The day began with prayer and Scripture, moved into the lives of the poor, and returned again to Scripture. It was, as one member put it, simply: "a very beautiful experience." 

Growing Outward: Parishes, Youth, and All-Kerala CCR 

For the Wednesday prayer group, invitations began to arrive from parishes and youth groups across the region. The group began conducting the Life in the Spirit Seminar (LSS) in places like Pachalam, Nazareth, and other parishes. Various internal ministries developed within the growing prayer community: a music ministry, a teaching ministry, and a welcome ministry known for its creativity. As the group expanded — eventually into the hundreds — it moved into the college's auditorium. 

All-Kerala structures of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal began to take shape, and members of St. Teresa's group were at the heart of them. In December 1978, the first Kerala Charismatic Youth Convention was organized, followed by Bible study camps in 1979 and a major youth conference in 1980. One member increasingly took the lead in these statewide efforts, and through it all, the St. Teresa's Prayer Group remained the backbone — silent, steady, and always present. "Whatever I was doing, half the people would be from the prayer group. The silent backbone was always this prayer group." 

The First Liners Group, formed in 1982 for those making deeper commitments, drew heavily from the St. Teresa's community. And when Jesus Youth began to emerge as a movement, it was the people and the culture of this prayer group that gave it so much of its early energy, discipline, and spiritual character. 

Christmas and the Joy of Fellowship 

Among the community's most treasured traditions was its annual Christmas celebration — a gathering that became a hallmark of its fellowship. Year after year, the community gathered around a simple but transformative message: "Do all you can to build up love." These were occasions of festivity, warmth, and deep belonging. "In my life, I enjoyed no other moments so much," one member reflected. "I eagerly look forward to it." Another added simply: "Our group is always so different. There, I was trained to be loving and joyful. My best childhood memories were our post-prayer-group chitchat and tea times in restaurants." 

Continuity Through the Decades 

The core group was reconstituted every two to three years through days of renewal and recollection, ensuring that leadership remained fresh and accountable. The committed discipleship group continued in parallel — a distinct reality from the core group, open and ongoing. Through changes in membership, the departure of the Carmelite Sisters, the shifting of the group's younger leaders into wider ministry, and eventually the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic — which moved the gatherings online and shifted them to Wednesday evenings, 5:00 to 6:30 PM India time — the group endured. 

The prayer group that started in July 1976 continues to meet to this day. Hundreds have passed through its gatherings. Generations of leaders have been formed within it. Prayer groups, outreach missions, youth networks, and ministries across Kerala owe something of their DNA to what was built on Wednesday evenings at St. Teresa's College. 

Conclusion 

The story of St. Teresa's Prayer Group is, in one sense, simple: a group of people who came together to pray and kept coming back. But in another sense, it is the story of what becomes possible when a community is rooted deeply in worship, in the Word, in one another, and in service to the poor. It is the story of what patient, faithful formation looks like, and what it produces over fifty years. 

Fr. Marcelino once observed that retreats in India too often give birth to newborns and leave them fatherless. The St. Teresa's group was different. It was nurtured, accompanied, and given time to grow. It learned to praise before it learned to preach. It learned to listen before it learned to lead. It went to the poor before it went to the podium. And because of that foundation, it has continued — through decades and disruptions, through growth and loss, through the lives of those it formed and the communities they went on to build — as a quiet, enduring testimony to what the Holy Spirit can do through a faithful gathering of ordinary people who simply choose to keep coming back.  

Sharing by Members Past and Present, at the 45th Anniversary of the Group

Reminiscences of the journey with the group 

1) Manuel Thomas, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

"Hello, I am Manuel Thomas, from Madras, and I'm very happy to share my memories of my association with the St. Teresa's College prayer group. I first came into contact with the prayer group at St. Teresa's College at the invitation of Father Marcelino Iraugi in the late 70s, when I was a college student. Father Marcelino invited me: 'Come to Cochin,' he said, 'see how our young people are filled with the Holy Spirit.' And so I came to Cochin, and I attended the prayer meeting in St. Teresa's and met those pioneer leaders of this wonderful prayer group. 

I met Eddie, Mathachen, Augustine, Marykutty, Kochurani Abraham, and all those wonderful people. What I remember is the great welcome I received, which I can never forget. I remember the powerful healing I experienced by praying with these wonderful people. The wounds of my past and the inner healing I've experienced through praying in this prayer group. Those were the early days of Charismatic renewal, and the fire and the zeal of the Holy Spirit were alive. The experience of praying and sharing with these loving people brought about such a transformation in me. These relationships endure to this very day. 

I saw firsthand the prayer group's first outreach in Thevara. I attended the first youth convention organized by the prayer group in the Sacred Heart College, Thevara. These were memorable experiences. And even though I came from Madras, I felt that I belonged. I felt that these are like my family. I experienced the love of Jesus through them. One word about Eddie. He has been a leader of this prayer group and an inspiration to so many people. But to me, he has been a beloved brother in Christ. 

Over the past 40 years, I have maintained my relationship with him. Quite recently, when my son was to be married, I was posted in Delhi. He was to be married in Cochin. I reached out to Eddie. Eddie made all the arrangements, as though it were his family's wedding. I had only to come in time for the wedding. I look back at this prayer group, which is more of a community, and see how fidelity to the weekly meeting has borne so much of abundance of fruit. And I thank God for this, for the glory of God. Thank you." 

[Picture: Manuel Thomas, Kochurani Abraham (the first leader of the group), and Edward Edezhath, in a recent get-together]

2) Mathew Jacob (Houston, USA)

 Praise the Lord. Hi, everyone. I'm Matthew Jacob. I'm talking to you from Houston, in Texas, in the US. I am one of the many people that St. Teresa's prayer group sent out into the world as evangelists, prophets, and teachers of the word. When I think of St. Teresa's prayer group, I think of the great fathers in the Old Testament who would build an altar in places where there was a powerful move of God. And for me, St. Teresa's is an altar. It's a place where God did amazing things. It has influenced the whole world and touched millions of lives through the people who were discipled through this community. 

I first came to the community in 1979 with my cousin Paul George. I was visiting from Bangalore. He said, Why don't you drop me off at the St. Jesus prayer group? So I went with him just to see the group. I wasn't going to stay there. And as I walked in, they were all praying in tongues. I didn't know what tongues were, but what I heard was this absolutely incredibly harmonious polyphony of voices. I'd never heard anything like that. And I'm a musician. I was just blown away. Paul, of course, had a particular reason, a surreptitious reason to bring me there. He wanted to introduce me to the leaders so that they'd know who they were praying for. This wayward drug addict cousin of his, who had been living on the streets, dropped out of college, was using every drug substance for many years, and was deeply Hindu in his lifestyle. 

Anyway, this left me curious enough that I actually agreed to attend a retreat, preached by Father Marcelino, in 1979 at the Spirituality Center in Kottayam, and the Lord Jesus completely transformed me during that retreat. And then the question was, what do I do with the rest of my life? I had dropped off of education and everything else, I finally decided I'll leave Bangalore and live in Chaganasherry and go to SP College. And that's how I landed up in SP Chagana Sherry. From June 1979 to about July, while I was at SP, I used to come to St. Theresa's virtually every Wednesday by train, go back by bus. And that's where I was discipled and nourished and strengthened and made into who I am as a Christian. I especially remember people like Eddie, of course, Mathchan, who's no more with us, Augustine, Stephanie, and Mary Kutty. Just beautiful. C K Joseph, who was a lecturer at Cochin University, was probably the oldest guy there, I remember. The rest of them were all kids. And it was just so beautiful to go there every week and get nourished. Changansery in other parts of Kerala didn't have prayer groups. There was one in the north of Kerala, but St. Tresor was the only one at that time. Of course, been three years, everything has changed. Prayer groups everywhere. 

And my parting from the prayer group was also at a retreat, or maybe I would call it a retreat, in Tavera College in June 1982, preached by Father Gino, which in many ways was a pivotal retreat for the founding of Jesus Youth, I think. I wasn't involved with that, but I do know the history. But I was sent out from there to go and minister to the world. And over the last 40 years, I've traveled the world, lived in a dozen countries, ministered in some very fascinating contexts, all nourished and strengthened by the blessings that the Saint Teresa prayer group had given me. So I'm eternally grateful to what this group has done, not just for me, but for so many thousands of lives. I often think of, even as I was doing this video, I was thinking that if Saint Teresa's an altar, then this video is like a little stone I've taken from the altar as Jacob did. And I laid his head on it and had the dream of this gateway to heaven. And so I pray that Jesus becomes truly renewed in this Bethel presence in Kerala. And I pray, Father God, that you do something amazing on this 45th anniversary, that you pour out your spirit in ways that people have never never known before with the might and power and glory that just covers the whole prayer group, Lord, even on this 45th anniversary. Even as people listen to this video, may the anointing and overshadowing of your glory and the glory of your Holy Spirit come upon them. And I ask Lord, out of this overshadowing, that you raise the next wave of prophets and healers and apostles and evangelists and teachers, Lord. I pray that this group is once again the epicenter of a true, powerful manifestation of the mighty and glorious name of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. I ask that you release charisms and ministries in powerful new ways. Let this be a time of renewal and new beginnings and restoration rather than just a 45th anniversary. And Father, I pray this in the mighty and precious name of Jesus.  

3) Jessy Velukaran (Kadavanthara, Ernakulam)

 "I first came to the prayer group on August 22, 1990. It was only after joining that I gained knowledge about personal prayer, and praise & worship. It brought a significant change to my spiritual life. I received great prayer support from here. On days when I couldn’t attend, I used to feel a sense of distress. I always feel very happy when I come here. I especially ask for prayers for my family.”  

4) Cyric Mathew

Dear brothers and sisters, when I think about St. Teresa's prayer group, I remember joining St. Teresa's gathering years ago while working at a hotel called Joyland in Ernakulam South. Later, in 2009, while staying in Pachalam, and during 2011-12, when I worked as a social worker at the Palluruthy Settlement, I attended the St. Teresa's group. It was everyone's love in the group that attracted me most. Sharing the needs of those in our group and praying together provides great strength to those who come; that is a special feature of our group. The Christmas celebrations were also very rich. I particularly remember Eddie-chettan always singing a song that begins with 'Raja Rajaneshuvinai Paduvin Muda.'  I often heard that song, and it touched me deeply. I also remember when we all went on a pilgrimage together while I was working at the Palluruthy Settlement. We visited churches in Thangassery, the Poochakkal Church in Alappuzha, and other churches in Alappuzha and Cherthala. I recall all of these as special memories of St. Teresa's group. Even now, I wonder whether there is another group like this in Kerala, or anywhere else, that has continued for 45 years. I wish everyone all the best and all goodness! 

5) Nishi Augustine (Chranelloor, Ernakulam)

"When I think about St. Teresa's group, two things come to mind that I always love to remember. One is the period when we used to gather for our prayer meetings in the classroom above the old auditorium. What attracted and helped me the most during those prayer meetings was the singing in the gift of tongues. How beautiful that way of singing in tongues was! Even now, when I think of that joy, my heart fills with it. I had a very close relationship with everyone in that group. Although some have passed away, their memories live on in my heart because of that fellowship. We can call the St. Teresa's group a family—a place where no one blamed anyone, there were no quarrels, and no one held grievances. Everyone loved each other, and sometimes it felt like a competition of love to me. Another thing I can never forget is going for coffee and snacks after our meetings. Most of the time, it was banana fritters and coffee, and we would spend about thirty to forty-five minutes there in fellowship. It was a great experience of fellowship and the true meaning of it. 

There are so many things to say and many unforgettable experiences. I can never forget anyone’s love or prayers. I won’t mention everyone by name because if I start, there will be so much to say. This group is still a source of great passion for me. "Each time I hear these shared memories, I feel a deep sense of joy and gratitude toward Jesus. It is truly remarkable to reflect on the wonders and blessings He has bestowed upon our group, for which we owe immense thanks. Through this group, God’s love continues to live on as enduring, beautiful memories in each of our lives.  When we consider how much the Lord has blessed us, it is truly special. Hearing the experiences of those who were away for many years, alongside those who are with us now, is truly beautiful. I offer my deepest thanks to Jesus for these wonderful memories and pray that they remain a source of life and inspiration for us all.” 

6) Joseph Anthraper (Edappally, Ernakulam)

"Praise the Lord. My beloved brothers and sisters, I have been a part of St. Teresa's Prayer Group for 41 years. The story of how I joined goes back to November 1980: when I attended a charismatic retreat in Assisi, Bharananganam. After the retreat, I was told to connect with the nearest charismatic prayer group. I was living in Cherthala at the time, and since there wasn't one there, I started searching. My elder brother got married in 1980, and his wife was studying at St. Teresa's College. I used to pick her up on Wednesdays. One day, I saw a crowd and heard sounds coming from the hostel area, and that's how I found the group. Despite being new, I received a warm welcome, and ever since, I have cherished the love, joy, peace, and closeness to Jesus I’ve found here. Later, I moved to Trivandrum for business and only visited occasionally, but I made sure to stay connected to a prayer group there. 

In December 1982, I moved to Dubai and joined a group there as well. I vividly remember the 1982 Thevara Convention and how well our prayer group organized it. It was a great opportunity to meet national leaders like Father Gino and Father Fio and interact with other groups in Kerala. The training I received here actually helped me start a Malayalam prayer group in Dubai. Even when I moved back to Ernakulam and had a period where I couldn't attend, this prayer group remained close to my heart. I got married on June 13, 1983, at St. Mary's Basilica. The choir from our group had promised to sing, but they couldn't make it, so the wedding happened without music, which is a memory that stays with me. 

I also remember the late Mathachan, who helped me try to establish a group in Cherthala—these are all such blessings. This group provides essential spiritual nourishment. 

The bond we share is so strong it brings me to tears of joy. Whether someone is a senior leader or a newcomer, everyone is treated with the same love and acceptance, which truly sets us apart from other groups. Being a member of St. Teresa's Prayer Group carries a lot of respect; as Santhosh often says, it's like a 'school'. To my knowledge, it was the first charismatic prayer group in Kerala. Unlike other groups where people use titles like 'Brother' or 'Sister,' we address each other as 'Chettan,' 'Chechi,' 'Teacher,' or 'Uncle. Our focus isn't on any one individual, but on Jesus. Even movements like Jesus Youth, which have now spread globally, trace their roots back to this prayer group. The recognition I receive in places like Dubai or Bangalore as a member of this group is a gift from the Lord. Praise the Lord.”  

7) Jibson Bivera (Mysore, TN)

"Hello, everyone. Praise the Lord. My name is Jibson, and I am from Kochi. I would like to share my experience with the St. Teresa’s Prayer Group. I was part of this prayer group from 2000 to 2005, during my college years. It was a time of great spiritual growth for me. I remember the sessions were very lively and filled with the Holy Spirit's presence. The group leaders and members were all very supportive and encouraging. I particularly remember the sessions led by Edie-chettan. His talks and songs were very inspiring and helped me to grow in my faith. The group also organized various outreach programs and conventions, which were very impactful. Even though I am no longer in Kochi, I still cherish the memories of my time with the St. Teresa’s Prayer Group. It has had a lasting impact on my life and my relationship with God. I wish the group all the best and pray that it continues to be a source of blessing for many more people. Thank you.” 

 8) E X James (Kaloor, Ernakulam)

 "Praise the Lord. While listening to Mr. Mathew Jacob Sir's sharing and prayer for our prayer group to God the Father, I felt a shiver run through my body, similar to the anointing of the Holy Spirit. I felt a special anointing today. Many thanks to God, to the St. Teresa's Prayer Group, and to Mr. Mathew Jacob for this prayer. It was a great experience that God is going to lead many through this group to new heights and new ministries. Praise the Lord."  

9) Bindu Johnson  (Edappally, Ernakulam)

"Praise the Lord. My name is Bindu Johnson. It has been three weeks since I joined this group, but every voice message I hear brings so much joy to my heart. I am deeply grateful to the Almighty for the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful fellowship. I also want to thank Marykutty-chechi for introducing me to this group. Listening to these messages makes me feel that I should have joined much sooner; it truly brings me immense happiness. I offer my heartfelt thanks to God for sustaining this group over all these years. I pray that the Lord continues to bless and strengthen every member of this team. Thank you.” 

10) Annie Kaniyampuram (Bolgatty, Cochin)

 "When reminiscing about the 45th anniversary of the St. Teresa's Prayer Group, I feel so much joy. I remember when my sister and I used to come to the old auditorium. AnnieUsha would run over and bring us a slip with a word of God. It was in Philippians 4:4. It was with great happiness that we entered that fellowship.  Hearing such a word brought so much joy. I remember seeing Eddie, Mary, Teacher, Augustine, Nishi, Annie Usha, Mathachen, K.K., Celine Chechi, Clara, and T.K. Joseph—seeing such a large group was wonderful.  Compared to the group we saw in the Bolgatty parish, this was a much more powerful group, as Nishi said, with its gift of tongues, group sharing, and the intercessory prayer group at the Ernakulam Infant Jesus Church on Thursdays. I remember the Christmas celebrations and how everyone's birthdays were celebrated.  I remember everyone before God with gratitude. Although my circumstances haven't allowed me to continue with the group, I remember you all with much thanks. I remember how everyone came together after Mathachen’s passing and how I visited Celine-chechi in the hospital.  As part of the fellowship's grace, you all continue to remember me and invite me back to the group, which I offer up before God. There is so much joy in this group that has lasted for 45 years. With the desire to remain a member, I offer my prayers and best wishes to everyone.  

11) Justine MI (Kaloor, Ekm)

"I am very happy. St. Theresa's Prayer Group has formed many people over the past 45 years. They have supported Tezita and me a lot. This is a group that has helped a lot in our personal and spiritual growth. We are certainly indebted, very much indebted. So, when celebrating the 45th-year jubilee, I am very happy. I especially remember and thank Edi Chettan, Marykutty Chechi, Augustine Chettan, and everyone else. St. Theresas Group has been a good beginning for many things, especially a group that has received a lot of support and nurtured many. Personally, we have a lot, but we're often unable to join now because some meetings overlap. But there is a great desire in the heart to continue being a part of that group. So this is the current situation. I definitely want to join on the 7th.”  

 12) C O Augustine (Cheranelloor, Ekm)

"September 16, 1978, is an unforgettable day in my life. That was the day I received my V.H.S. At Mathachan’s insistence, I joined St. Theresa’s through the prayer group that started in Kuzhuppilly Parish. Although it was very difficult to reach the prayer meeting that started at 4:30 because of work, I was able to reach most Wednesdays after getting special permission. The fellowship we had after each prayer meeting, the journey to V.T.H. in Paul’s car, and so many fellowships at B.C.H. under the leadership of Georgeettan. Those were days when the Holy Spirit was blowing and burning within me. I remember the spontaneous prayers and songs in Praise and Worship, the praise in the Gift of Tongues, and the encouragement to give the message I received while listening to the Lord in silence. 

I remember the one-day seminars that were held from time to time, the leadership of Father Marcellino, Father Augustine Puthenpurackal, Father Palli, and my dearest Edi, and the spiritual growth I gained through them. I remember the efforts to make each prayer group as useful as possible by listening to the divine voice in the core group on Tuesdays. Although there have been times when I had to stay away due to work and family, every Wednesday is a very exciting day for me, then and now. For me, every prayer group is about rejoicing in Jesus from beginning to end. Instead of asking how today's prayer meeting went, I asked myself how faithful I was. The experience of every prayer group being filled with the Spirit has always been an inspiration for my life, an incentive to pray constantly, and a source of spiritual strength in all areas of life. Faithfulness in permanent elements and devotion to the Word of God—all this has been possible for me through the prayer group. 

I still experience every Wednesday prayer as exciting because of the unity of everyone in the Spirit. This continues even today. The same desire, the same thought—Jesus must be exalted, and we must live in Jesus. Many friendships on earth and in heaven—Mathachan, Varghese Chittilappilly, Abraham Sir, Celine Chechi, Anthrappar, Georgeettan, Joseettan—the list of names goes on. May the Lord continue to lead us and help us look to the heights.”  

13) Filomina Paul (New Delhi)

 Praise the Lord, it's really inspiring to listen to and read about many members' experiences and contributions from St. Teresa's prayer group. I became a member of the prayer group in 1980 after attending the retreat at St. Teresa's College by Fr. Mathew Naickaparambil. Kochurani Abraham was instrumental in introducing Beena and me when we were doing our PG from Sacred Heart College, Thevara. At that time, we were all at the PG hostel of St Teresa's science block. Praise and worship, especially strong praise in tongues, and a cordial atmosphere attracted me to the group, and I became a regular member while I was in Ekm. 

This group gave me a strong foundation, which helped me remain faithful to the Lord. This helped me to become one of the members of the First Line Jesus Youth under the guidance of Fr. Gino. This again helped me interact with great, spirit-filled members of the prayer group, like Eddy, Augustine CO, Mathachan, K K Joseph, Stephnie, and VJ Antony. Even if I were planted in Delhi, the basics I learned here helped me to continue. It is a great privilege for me to join (virtually) my first parental group, which has nourished me to reach the higher, humble heights I now stand on. May God continue to use this group to mold more and more missionary disciples. Glory and honor to you, O Lord!

14) K K Joseph (Kakkanad, Ekm)  

Today, our St Theresa's pr group is completing 45 years. I have mumerous experiences experiences in the group. None of them is just a memory; they endure close to us in our hearts even today. That is why they are not just memories. 

I came to the Renewal in 1979 during Lent. Since then, the prayer group has been a part of my life. It continued until a prayer group got started in the parish at Vazhakala, Kakkand. It was Augustine who brought me to the group. What happened after that is the grace of God. Since then, I have attended many prayer groups, one-day programs, conferences, conventions, etc. But what has molded and shaped me was surely this prayer group. I am proud to say that about St. Theresa's prayer group. When I look back today, I can say that the prayer group gave me the solid foundation in Charismatic Renewal, and it has been constantly strengthened in my spirituality, fellowship, formation, and mission. The experiences I have gained from the prayer group have been helpful in my growth.

I remember with much love and gratitude Eddie, C V Mathachen, C.O Augustine, Abraham sir & Marykutty teacher, Miss Ann Kannath, Sheela, Mary kutty, Kochurani  Abraham, Kochuthresia, the sisters who used to come from Lissy hospital, Georgechetten, chechi, Celinchechi, Mathayichen & Rani chechi, V J Antony, Reena, Stephni, Anthraper, Revi, T O antony, and so many more. After the 1982 Thevara National Convention, many joined the group. The prayer group’s fellowship, praise& worship, Messages, Bible teaching, intercession, and Coffee-shop fellowship, and so on, were so beautiful. 

The Christmas celebration and the outreaches were so exemplary. So many used to come to visit the group and learn. We cannot forget Eddy’s skillful dexterity. Then, the wonderful pastors like Fr. Marcelino and Fr. Sebastian Kunnathur, and numerous leaders. What all experiences, and there is no end to them. Also, those memories already shared here are extremely beautiful and great signs of God’s grace. May the Lord continue to lead us!

15) Benson Mendez (Saskatchewan, Canada)

 I started my spiritual journey by attending the Wednesday Prayer group after my first encounter with Jesus at Divine Retreat Center in 1995. I learned about the Discipleship Training Program organized by Jesus Youth when the announcement was made during one of those prayer meetings. I attended it and started my journey with Jesus Youth. I still remember how I was welcomed on my first day in the Wednesday prayer meeting. What made me comfortable and encouraged me to come in the next week was the fellowship I experienced there. I was almost regular in that meeting until I moved to Mangalore as a Jesus Youth Full-time Volunteer in 1999. 

The prayer meeting was vibrant, with time for praise, singing, and praying in tongues; a small-group study; short talks; intercession; and recognition of birthdays, anniversaries, etc. After the prayer group, spending 15 to 20 minutes in fellowship was great.  The foundations of my spiritual life were strengthened through this group. I met many spiritual leaders, and the companionship with them guided me  

16) Alexy Pallan (New Delhi)

I came to the prayer group around 1990-91. I was invited here many times by my friends from Jesus Youth, James, Martin de Cruz, and others. As everyone has said in the sharings, the fellowship here, prayer, praise & worship, praying and singing in tongues, Bible study groups, and so on have inspired me a lot and have helped me a lot in my spiritual growth. I found here a big circle of spiritual friends, starting with Marikutty, the teacher, and Celin Aunty, etc. Then the BTH coffee fellowship group after the prayer meeting - Vada, Banana fry, tea, etc., with a big fellowship gang there like VJ Antony chettan, Reena chechi, George Luis uncle, Augustine chettan, Nishi chechi and children, Eddy chettan, Martin, James, Justin, Bright, Jibson, Linton, Tizita. 

An interesting experience was once during the X'mas celebration, the previous week, X'mas pgm Antony Chettan briefed everyone. I was in charge of decoration (I think so). Antony announced Decoration, Mr. Pallan. I stood up and looked at everyone. I sat down.  Then Dr. Priya Alanchery was telling Tizita something. And Tizita was laughing with her mouth open, her hand trying to cover it. Later, after the prayer meeting, when we were leaving the room, I asked Tizita what Priya had said. Tizita's reply: "Why is everyone calling him a ‘kallan’ (A thief)? I, too, laughed out loud. It was so sweet. So many such unforgettable experiences. For 20 years, I have been working in North India as a missionary family with Fr. Dheeraj Sabu, IMS, and the Santana community. The training I received from my beloved STC Prayer Group has helped me a lot. I remember the prayer group. 45th anniversary wishes to everyone. God bless you all!

17) Clara William (Mattancherry, Cochin)

I have been a part of St.Theresa's prayer group for 40 years. I am amazed.... I did not realize how many years had passed. The reason for this is that this group has become a family, and the people here have become like family. I started coming here before I got a job. After getting the job, no matter which office I joined, I used to ask for permission to leave at 4 pm on Wednesdays to attend the group. Every Wednesday, I would come here to recharge my energy and gain spiritual and mental strength... 

When I started coming here, the prayer was held in the large auditorium. Every meeting was a big celebration with songs and action songs.  Today, whenever I hear those songs, I feel that initial experience. Eddy, Augustine, Mathachan, etc., enthusiasm has inspired me a lot. 

The Christmas celebration was a thrilling experience. The decorations, serving snacks, the quiz by Marykutty, the teacher, everything is still fresh in my mind. A celebration was worth it. The punishment I got for being out of the game that day was to fight my husband, William. I remember how hard it was to fight with poor William, who doesn't fight even if you put a stick in his mouth. What fun it was to go on boating, one-day trips, pilgrimages, and so on. The biggest difference is that no one here has an ego. It's like, everyone is the same. 

I remember everyone from the group who went to heaven. I really remember George Chettan the first time coming to the group. The sharing was very touching.. Then, from time to time, everyone was given the opportunity to share.. That was very good.. 

In my field, there was a strong temptation to take a bribe. I was able to stand there without taking bribes and being honest because of the spiritual strength I got from the prayer group... I have a lot more to say.. But you may find it difficult to read for long periods. Let me stop. Best wishes to everyone on the occasion of the 45th anniversary. May God bless everyone!  

18) Marykutty Abraham, Teacher (Thevara, Ernakulam)   

St. Theresa's prayer group has been an inseparable part of my life. I thank God for allowing me to pray and work with this group since the beginning. I remember the early Core Group. Celine Chechi, Sr. Terceline, Eddy, Rani, K. K. Joseph, Mathachan, and I. There was such intimacy in that group. We would wait for each other for a week.. There were deep sharings between us.. There was a good understanding between each other... If someone had some idea, it was everyone's.. We knew everyone personally.. I doubt that today it has become a little bit lost. 

It was amazing how Celin Chechi, Eddy, and I shared. How quickly the years have passed. If anyone was sick, we would place our palms over the sick person's head and pray for him... It was such a relief. 

How beautifully we celebrated everyone's birthdays by giving sweets and cutting cakes. How beautiful was the Christmas celebration? When one Christmas is over, we wait, like little kids, for the next one... How happy everyone is when they get gifts from Santa Claus... Then the one-day trips in between. What sweet memories they all are.

  

The best quality of the group is that there is no politics here. People loved and supported each other... We have supported so many financially. For medical assistance, for house construction. In short, everyone has become a great person in their own way. It helped. How blessed was the chain-rosary in October! There is a lot more to speak about. No matter how much I say, it will not be enough. I thank God the Father who leads us forward as one. Happy 45th anniversary to everyone! 

19) Babu John, Police (Ernakulam)

Praise God, I was born and raised at Thevara, Ernakulam. Since the field of activity was SH Monastery, I used to come to see the Jesus Youth programs from behind, with the brothers there. I had no other involvement. I liked it. When I was in the ninth grade, I used to visit Ekm General Hospital as a member of CML. From that day on, I came to the hospital every Sunday. Later, I joined the Brothers of Holy Spirit group there. 

In the meantime, most afternoons, a young man who was riding a bike would come to the hospital. I was invited, in a friendly manner, to the Cochin Alive Meeting at STC on Wednesdays at 6 PM. Even if I came early, I would wait in the first room. In the next room, there would be singing, laughter, lively discussions, and prayers. I would see everyone who came later, looking for something to do. One day, this fair-complexioned man said to me, "If you come early, it would be nice to attend this Prayer Meeting." Eappen Chettan was also there. He was a good man. It was a trap that could never be escaped. Now I feel there is no escape.... 

That was the beginning of my entry into the Wednesday Group. Later, God blessed me to be active in the Monday Group and the Professionals group. I was blessed to sit in that room and praise God at least once a week. 

The community that I found has given me a lot of freedom, joy, and spiritual anointing. Along with that there was much richness and depth. The group gathered college children and performed a Christmas Carol for a child who was in the hospital with blood cancer, and the child was touched. For the 25th anniversary of this group, with the power of being a police officer and the creativity of Sherry, we decorated a roadside pushcart with a picture of Mother Mary and conducted a rosary procession around the public road. 

I feel, because of the special nature of my job, I am the one who comes at the last minute to this special group and receives the complete grace possible here. In this way, I am the most fortunate person in this group. Thank you, God. I praise you, God, for this group and those in it.

20) Sheela STC (Ernakulam)

down the memory lane. I joined St. Teresa's prayer group in 1981. I was in the science block hostel. I used to come with Ms. Anne Kannath, who was the core GP member. My friend Jessy was there too. Become a nun and a doctor later on. I remember the team..Eddy.Antony, Mathachen, Augustine, KK Joseph. Abraham Sir, Marykutty teacher.Lilly Chechi.Rani chechi.Nishi and her sister.Ravi, Steffini.... Cherishing the intersession prayer at Infant Jesus on Saturdays (also the coffee.) Have attended a few programs by Fr. Gino.The youth gatherings. too... Endless....... 

 21) Sangeetha Shaju (Bangalore)

 I don't remember the year I joined the group, as the daughter of Augustine and Nishi. From birth, I think both Santhosh and I were part of the group. I remember that Wednesdays were happy days, filled with singing and joy. The kids had a parallel playtime during the meetings, Eddie uncle's kids, Varghese uncle's kids, Joseph uncle's kids -all of us had a blast. I started imitating praying in tongues in this group as a child. Later, I started praying in tongues, my favorite prayer, especially when we sing in tongues. Apart from this, I cherish the visit to Bharat Coffee House after the prayer meeting. George Luis uncle and Eddie's uncle headed these trips. In those trips, the pazhampori,vada, and coffee tasted amazing.  

22) Dr. Kochurani Joseph (Kakkanad, Ernakulam)

I joined the group in 1983 while I was studying my post-graduation at Maharaja's College. I used to come on Wednesdays after my college hours along with my friends. Lilly Josey introduced me to the group. Remember, Rani Mathayachan Kottukappilly, Mathachan, etc., were all part of the team at that time. Good memories  

23) Jessy Maria (Palarivattom, Ernakulam)

There was a girl who turned to the south-west corner of the Prayer room and led the praise and worship. She was at the height of ecstatic piety, closing her eyes and turning to the wrong corner, unawares.  No one, but Eddy Chettan, noticed it. When the prayer was over, Eddy Chettan patted her on the shoulder and said that was very good. How can I forget this, Eddy Chettan?

This prayer group is the best example of what a community should be like. This group is my family. This is a group of loved ones. Being a part of this group is the biggest part and blessing in my life. A group that loves and supports each other, without any taint. A group of loved ones who have taken the path of being together in my joys, sorrows, and uncertainties. Marikutty Teacher, Editchattan, and Audry Chechi, Clara Chechi, Shantha aunti, Sheelachechi. Nothing in the world can replace their love. And how can I forget Celin Anty and Georgetan? I remember you... Everything is unrepayable debts. I wish you all the best on the 45th anniversary of the group.. We will continue to stand together in Christ.

24) Linton D’Aruja (Thoppumpady, Cochin)

 I am very happy to hear that our prayer group is 45 years old. My first prayer group is St. Theresa's Prayer Group. My home prayer group is St. Theresa's Prayer Group. When I was studying at St. Albert's College, I never missed that prayer group. Even after that, I never missed that prayer group until I was busy with my work. My music ministry started with St. Theresa's Prayer Group. I started playing guitar in the music ministry with their praise and worship. After that, input sessions and sharing helped me a lot in my spiritual life. I remember the Christmas celebrations there. After the prayer group, Edi Chettan, VJ Antony Chettan, Varghese Chettan, Mathachan, and Augustine Chettan all went to BTS and had coffee and banana fritters. These memories are still fresh in my mind. I am very happy that our prayer group is 45 years old. I wish them all the best. Praise God! 

25)Martin D’Cruz (Bolgatty, Cochin)

 My name is Martin D'Cruz, a Mulavukadu Swadeshi. I ask for your understanding and forgiveness of the leaders. I would like to tell you a small film story. In the film Gulan, played by Mammootty, every character proudly flaunts their acquaintance with Gulan. I remember that experience. If you ask me which group I belong to, I will say that I am still a member of the Central Prayer Group. I try my best to act like these characters from the film and flaunt my relationship with the group as the greatest pride. I do it without your knowledge. I say all this because I have a passion for that group. As I came to Renewal, I was able to walk and learn through this group. I enjoyed the beautiful celebrations, teachings, and intersession. 

I was able to grow through this group. I am proud to have brought new people to this group. I am proud to have brought new people to this group. Especially the people who came here, like Varghese Chittilapilly and Glen. I remember these two people. They came to this group for the first time. They came to this group for the first time. They lived a beautiful life using evangelization. I remember that the first place was the Central SS Prayer Group. This is a model group. I have brought many people with me. I am happy to see that they all became a part of this group. This Prayer Group was the lifeblood of Charismatic Renewal. The prayer group was a living example of this movement. Because, in Charismatic Renewal, in Ernakulam, and those who are outside, if there is a Wednesday, a Wednesday 4.30 p.m. that comes with a commitment. There, with a person, and all of them together, discussing the things that had to happen that day, accepting the responsibility, implementing it, conveying a good message, and implementing it. Very freely, everyone accepted it and implemented it. That Wednesday, many people were eager to join. So, a lot of things happened that day. It is very clear to me that it was possible. Along with that, at the time of the National Convention in 1987, this group handled many of the responsibilities. They did it in this group. 

Along with that, this group was a significant financial supporter of the Charismatic Renewal movement. Whatever needs came from here were discussed in this group. There was a good inflow from this group. I knew it very clearly. Along with that, after 1989, a movement called the Rex Band formed with some members from our group. The most supportive group for that was the St.Theresas Group. After that, in our town, Peace on Earth, a major program called Peace on Earth on Christmas, we did an Easter program at Rajendra Maidan in the town hall, running 2-3 programs, and the support and strength came from this group. At that time, we were led by VJ Antony. VJ Antony's vibrancy has challenged us a lot. Antony Chettan and Reena Chechi were everywhere. I am very thankful to them. When it comes to financial comfort, everyone in our group used to do social activities. That financial comfort, for many people, meant providing support for their children's marriages. I know that personally. I have also been able to talk to one or two people from this group. 

Whether it is outreach or anything else, this group was a model for it. I can say this. I've been in leadership for a while. But I can say this very clearly. A divine experience, a model of a divine experience, I have experienced from this group. In every way, a divine experience, a divine presence, not only in words, but also in actions, not only in proclamations, but also in the depth of love, this group was divine. Especially, on this 45th Anniversary Day, may God give all kinds of blessings. I extend blessings to the current leadership.