Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Carmelite of Mary Father Joseph Akkara, who serves as the administrator of Mary Queen of Peace Church, has introduced a traditional Indian home blessing practice to his parishioners in Louisville. This custom, typically observed during Easter in India, involves the parish priest visiting homes with newly blessed water.

Father Akkara, originally from Kerala, India, explained that he grew up with this tradition. "During the Easter time, the parish priest goes to the different homes with the new water, which we have blessed during the Easter time," he said. As a child and later as a parish priest in India, he participated in these annual visits.

After relocating to Louisville in December 2024, Father Akkara continued this practice. For his first Easter in the United States, he placed a sign-up list at Mary Queen of Peace Church for parishioners interested in having their homes blessed.

Using the "Book of Blessings," approved for use in U.S. dioceses, Father Akkara performs blessings by praying aloud and sprinkling holy water throughout each room. Since Easter, he has visited and blessed eight homes within his congregation.

The response from his parishioners has been positive. At one blessing event, a couple expressed concern about negative energy at their residence but reported feeling refreshed after Father Akkara's visit. "It has been different, Father. We feel that we are fresh now," they told him.

According to Father Akkara, these blessings help Catholics "renew their faith" and "renew their lives." He believes it is an opportunity for households to experience renewal both spiritually and personally each year.