“The Church continues the evangelical works of Jesus”: Sri. Pinarayi Vijayan

“Through the works of mercy the Church continues the evangelical works of Jesus” said Sri. Pinarayi Vijayan, the Honourable Chief Minister of Kerala while inaugurating the concluding ceremony of the year-long celebrations of the Extra Ordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis. The programme was organized by the Commission of Justice, Peace and Development and the Commission for Family under the auspicious leadership of the Kerala Catholic Bishops Conference at Chaithanya Pastoral Centre, Thellakom, on Saturday 12 November 2016.

The Chief Minister also applauded the various charitable works done by the Catholic Church in Kerala. “The contributions of the Church in the development of basic infrastructure, healthcare services and educational ministry and in particular the housing projects are exemplary”, he added.

His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the President of KCBC presided over the function and said: “Through the works of mercy, the Church can transmit to thousands the divine presence and goodness at all time.” His Beatitude also declared that “the ministry of mercy never ends.” During the function, the Church honoured many people who did exemplary works of mercy during the past years in the Name of God and the Church. His Grace Soosai Pakiam (Archbishop of Latin Archdiocese of Trivandrum and His Grace Mathew Moolakkatt (Archbishop of Kottayam) gave benedictory speeches, His Grace Most Rev. Dr Thomas Mar Koorilos (Archbishop of Tiruvalla) gave the introductory talk.

His Grace Most Rev. Mar Joseph Perunthottam (Archbishop of Changanacherry), His Excellency Mar George Madathikandathil (Bishop of Kothamangalam), His Excellency Dr Joseph Kariyil (Bishop of Kochi), His Excellency Dr. Silvester Ponnumuthan (Bishop of Punalur), His Excellency Mar Sebastian Adayanthrath (Auxiliary Bishop of Ernakulam- Angamaly), His Excellency Mar Jose Pulickan (Auxiliary Bishop of Kanjirapally), Smt Daya Bhai (Human Right activist and Social Worker), Dr Mary Regina (Vice President- Catholic Council of India), Mr Shaji George (President- Kerala Catholic Federation),Rev. Fr George Vettikkattil (Deputy Secretary, KCBC), Rev. Fr Varghese Vallikatt, Rev. Fr Roy Vadakkel, and Rev. Fr Michael Vettikkatt were present on the occasion.

Thousands of faithful along with priests and religious participated in the solemn concluding ceremony.