✝ Brief History About DC - Arokia Annai Anbium
The History and Future of DC Arokia Annai Anbium
The DC Arokia Annai Anbium, a beacon of faith and fellowship, was established over a decade ago under the inspiring guidance of Fr. Anthony Dass. What began as a humble gathering of devoted Tamil Catholic families has blossomed into a vibrant spiritual community, united in prayer, love, and service.
Today, the DC Arokia Annai Anbium includes sixteen families, with the community continuing to grow. Rooted in a deep devotion to Our Blessed Mother Mary, the Anbium has become a source of strength, solace, and joy for its members and beyond. From its inception, the group has been a testament to the power of collective prayer, deepening our faith and our connection to one another. Over the years, these gatherings have nurtured unity, mutual support, and spiritual growth among families.
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A Cherished Tradition
One of the most beloved traditions of our Anbium is the annual celebration of Arokia Annai’s birthday at the National Shrine Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Organized by the Indian American Catholic Association (IACA), this joyous event is celebrated each year on or around September 8th.
During the celebration, we lovingly adorn the statue of Arokia Annai with a beautiful saree and ornaments, honoring her as our Mother and Queen. The procession and Eucharistic celebration are powerful expressions of our love, devotion, and gratitude—moments that draw us closer to her and to one another in faith.
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Our Mission for the Future
As we look to the future, the DC Arokia Annai Anbium is called to expand its mission of love and service. Inspired by the teachings of Christ and the example of Our Blessed Mother, we seek to reach out to the most vulnerable in our society—the homeless and the elderly.
Our vision is not only to provide material assistance but also to share the warmth of human connection and the hope of God’s love. To make this mission a reality, we pray for God’s guidanceand the intercession of Arokia Annai, asking for blessings of resources—volunteers, food, and donations—that will help us serve with compassion and humility.
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Gratitude and Guidance
We express our heartfelt gratitude to our past Spiritual Directors,
Fr. Anthony Dass and Fr. Chris Arockiaraj, for their steadfast leadership and unwavering spiritual guidance in laying the foundation of this faith-filled family.
We also extend our sincere thanks to our current Spiritual Director, Fr. Parthiaban Soosai Pragasam, for his continued support and for celebrating the Holy Mass with us, enriching our spiritual journey through his wisdom and presence.
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A Community of Faith and Love
As we reflect on our journey and look ahead with hope, we recognize that the DC Arokia Annai Anbium is more than just a prayer group—it is a family bound by faith, love, and service. Together, we are committed to living the Gospel message in our daily lives and fostering a spirit of unity within our Tamil Catholic community.
We invite all families and individuals to join us in this journey of faith, prayer, and service, trusting in the intercession of Arokia Annai and the boundless grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
May God bless each of you abundantly, and may Our Blessed Mother Mary continue to guide and protect us all.
Arokia Annai, pray for us!