The annual Feast of the Immaculate Conception at the Punnamoodu Malankara Cathedral Church began with grandeur, deep devotion, and an inspiring display of community faith. The eight-day celebration, which honours the Blessed Virgin Mary, drew large numbers of the faithful from across the region.
Day 1: Flag Hoisting and Holy Qurbono
The feast was inaugurated with the ceremonial hoisting of the festival flag, a symbolic act representing the beginning of days filled with prayer, devotion, and reflection. The Holy Qurbono was celebrated by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Mor Irenios, Bishop of Pathanamthitta, who also performed the flag-hoisting ceremony.
Rev. Fr. Mathew Chenkilath, the parish vicar, and Rev. Fr. Mathew Jacob Thiruvalil OIC served as co-celebrants, providing liturgical guidance and blessings to the congregation. The opening day’s service resonated with hymns, prayers, and reflections, setting a spiritually uplifting tone for the week ahead.
Day 2: Eucharistic Adoration and Divine Presence
The second day witnessed Rev. Fr. Samuel Thekkekavinal leading the Holy Qurbono. A solemn Eucharistic Adoration followed, allowing the faithful to meditate deeply in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. This was followed by a Eucharistic Procession, during which the clergy blessed the congregation and the surrounding areas, invoking divine grace and protection.
An additional highlight of the day was the Switch-On Ceremony for the church’s nativity star, symbolising the light of Christ in the world. Rev. Fr. Samuel Thekkekavinal and Sr. Sobina jointly officiated the ceremony, bringing joy and anticipation for the feast days ahead.
Day 3: Spiritual Reflection and the Power of Repentance
The third day of the feast featured the Holy Qurbono led by Rev. Fr. (Lijin) John Kaduvinkal, who offered a poignant homily, urging the faithful to turn towards God and embrace repentance. The first session of the Bible Convention was held, led by Rev. Fr. Jison Paul Vengasserry, who spoke about the transformative power of standing in God’s presence:
“When we draw near to the Lord, the weight of our sins becomes evident, and we are called to self-examination and reconciliation.”
This session was the first of a three-day spiritual retreat that drew significant participation, with attendees finding solace and strength in the Word of God.
Day 4: Eucharistic Celebration and Further Reflections
The Eucharistic celebration on Day 4 was presided over by Very Rev. Fr. Jain John Thenguvilayil, the Vicar of the Chengannur Ecclesiastical District. Following the Holy Qurbono, Rev. Fr. Jison Paul Vengasserry continued his spiritual retreat, focusing on the mercy of God:
“Judge me not with righteousness, O Lord, but look upon me with mercy.”
His reflections resonated deeply with the faithful, encouraging them to embrace God’s love and compassion.
Day 5: Reflection on the Stones of Faith
Day 5 began with the Holy Qurbono celebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Job Kalluvilayil, the Vicar of the Mavelikara Ecclesiastical District. During the final session of the Bible Convention, Rev. Fr. Jison Paul Vengasserry reflected on the spiritual tools that help overcome life’s challenges, drawing parallels with David’s five stones against Goliath:
- Parish Church – A source of sacraments and spiritual renewal.
- The Holy Bible – Guiding the faithful in truth and wisdom.
- Holy Confession – Cleansing the soul and reconciling with God.
- Fasting and Abstinence – Strengthening the spirit through sacrifice.
- Family Prayer – Building faith within the domestic Church.
Day 6: Renewal through Holy Qurbono
The penultimate day of the feast featured the Holy Qurbono celebrated by Rev. Fr. John Maruthoor, who urged the congregation to prepare their hearts for the culmination of the feast.
Day 7: Solemn Celebrations and Processions
On Day 7, a special Holy Qurbono was co-celebrated by Rev. Fr. Michael Varikolitharayil OIC, Rev. Fr. Joshua Kuttiyil OIC, and Rev. Fr. P. K. Daniel Puthenpurayil. The celebrations included a solemn Rasa Procession, with the faithful carrying candles and singing hymns in a moving display of devotion and faith.
Day 8: Feast Day and First Holy Communion
The feast concluded with a grand celebration led by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Joshua Mor Ignathios, Bishop of Mavelikara. The Holy Qurbono was followed by the First Holy Communion ceremony for children, marking a significant spiritual milestone for the young faithful. Rev. Fr. Mathew Chenkilath and Rev. Fr. Joshua Kuttiyil OIC assisted in the liturgical celebrations.
Acknowledgements and Gratitude
This year’s feast was a resounding success, thanks to the leadership of Rev. Fr. Mathew Chenkilath, the parish vicar, and the tireless efforts of the feast committee. Gratitude is also extended to the trustees, committee members, youth members of MCYM, missionary sisters, and all parishioners who contributed to the celebrations.
The Punnamoodu Malankara Cathedral Church community extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in the feast, especially those who led the Eucharistic celebrations and the spiritual reflections. May the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary continue to bless the parish and its faithful.
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Mary Matha Immaculate conception Feast on December 8,is the day of Parish day of Punnammood,on the day_1950 Dec8 Punnammood MSC Chappal blessed by Archbishop Gevarghese Mar Ivanios.
Later this day was regenerated by Parish
Vicar Rev Fr Jacob Mundappallil in 1958_1963.. The orgin of Malankara Syrian Catholic movement was in Chettikulangara MSC chappal
on 2 Feb 1933 _1940.and then to , Earezha South
School 1940 Oct 10 _1950 Dec 1.RevFr Dr Thomas Panicker,Fr Idiclla kurathikad,Fr Mathai Kallada,FrJacob kilannamannil ,is ever remembered.