Shimy Family’s Mission Revives Syriac Heritage in Kerala Church

A Kerala-based family rooted in the spirituality of the Jesus Youth movement is inspiring many through its efforts to preserve the ancient Syriac liturgical tradition. The six children of entrepreneur Shimy Stephen and Rosny from St. Peter and Paul Knanaya Catholic Parish, Cherpunkal, recently led a full Syriac Holy Qurbana — considered a historic initiative within the Kerala Church.

Shimy Stephen, one of the pioneers of the Jesus Youth movement in Singapore, recently returned to Kerala and continues to remain active in the Family Ministry stream of Jesus Youth. Alongside his entrepreneurial work, he and his family are deeply involved in faith formation and liturgical revival initiatives.

Their children, trained under Fr. Jithin Valloor OSB, now lead Syriac hymns, prayers, and altar service during Holy Mass in various churches of the Kottayam Archdiocese. Adriya Maria Shimy provides live keyboard accompaniment, while her siblings sing Syriac hymns and assist in the liturgy.

The initiative began through Syriac Qurbana training sessions organized at St. Thomas Knanaya Catholic Church, Punnathara. In May 2025, the children’s choir led an entire Syriac Mass at the parish, marking a significant moment in the Syro-Malabar Church’s efforts to preserve its liturgical heritage.

The family also observes Sundays as a dedicated day for worship, prayer, and spiritual activities, encouraging younger generations to reconnect with the ancient language traditionally associated with Jesus and His disciples.