The UAE Syro-Malankara Catholic communities have embraced a profound year of spiritual renewal as part of the global observance of the “Vachavarsham” (Year of the Word of God), marking the centenary of the Malankara Church’s reunion with the Catholic communion. Spanning from September 20, 2024, to September 19, 2025, this sacred initiative has seen a series of solemn inaugurations across the Emirates, each steeped in tradition, reverence, and community spirit.
Dubai: A Candlelit Commitment to Faith
The Dubai community marked its own inauguration on October 5 at the MSCC Dubai Church, where the Holy Qurbono served as the foundation for a spiritually charged ceremony. Rt. Rev. Fr. John Thundiyath, Cor Episcopo, led the procession with the Holy Bible, accompanied by candles that cast a radiant glow symbolising faith and hope. Committee members, area representatives, and the congregation joined in this sacred act, ensuring that the significance of the Word of God resonated deeply within their hearts.
Sharjah: Tradition and Unity Illuminated
Sharjah’s St. Michael’s Church became a beacon of light and faith on October 5 as the local community initiated its Vachavarsham observance. Under the spiritual leadership of Fr. John Thundiyath, the service featured the enthronement of the Holy Bible and the ceremonial lighting of a candle. Blessed candles were distributed to prayer group leaders, a gesture symbolising the communal responsibility of spreading God’s Word within their areas of influence.
Al Ain: A Celebration of Faith
On the same day, the MSCC Al Ain community gathered in devotion to inaugurate their observance of the Word of God Year. Rev. Fr. Mathews Allummootil led a heartfelt procession, with the Holy Bible and candles carried through the congregation, underscoring the role of Scripture as a guiding light. The blessing and lighting of a candle served as a poignant reminder of the shared commitment to embracing God’s Word in daily life.
Mussafah: Lighting the Path Forward
The Mussafah community echoed the sentiments of faith and unity on October 5 with a ceremonial inauguration of Vachavarsham. Through a simple yet deeply meaningful act of lighting a candle, the faithful of Mussafah reaffirmed their dedication to making Scripture central to their lives, fostering a sense of spiritual growth and renewal.
Abu Dhabi: Guiding Lights of Catechism Children
At St. Theresa’s Church on October 11, the Abu Dhabi community came together for a luminous celebration. Led by Rev. Fr. Mathew Alummoottil, catechism children carried the Holy Bible and candles in a procession that captured the purity and innocence of youthful faith. Executives from spiritual organisations and the Shushroosha Samithi joined in the lighting of the altar candle, marking the official start of Vachavarsham in Abu Dhabi.
Fujairah: The Beginning of a Journey
On October 20, the MSCC Fujairah community heralded the Vachavarsham with an atmosphere of solemnity and unity during the Holy Qurbono. The Rt. Rev. Fr. John Thundiyath, Cor Episcopo, once again led the faithful in a procession bearing the Holy Bible and candles, embodying the light and guidance of Scripture. Committee members, area representatives, and the congregation followed in reverence, culminating in the ceremonial blessing and lighting of a candle that symbolised the illumination of God’s Word in daily life.
A Unified Mission Across the UAE
The Year of the Word of God holds special significance as it coincides with the centenary celebrations of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church’s reunion with the Catholic Church. Across the UAE, the inaugurations have not only been a reminder of the importance of Scripture but also a testament to the unity and dedication of the Malankara Catholic faithful in fostering a deeper connection with the Word of God.
Each community’s ceremony carried its unique cultural and spiritual imprint, yet all shared a common purpose: to let the Word of God illuminate their lives, their families, and their communities. This year promises to be one of profound reflection, renewal, and action as the UAE Syro-Malankara Catholic communities journey together in faith.
The lighting of the candles, the solemn processions, and the presence of clergy and laity alike have set the tone for a year where the power of Scripture will guide, inspire, and transform the faithful—a light to shine brightly in the hearts of the Malankara Catholic Church.
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