Galway, Ireland – The Syro-Malankara Catholic community in Galway, Ireland, joyously celebrated the inauguration of their new Malankara Catholic Mass Center on January 14, 2024. The historic event, which marked the official beginning of the center, was held at St. Patrick’s Church in Galway at 2:00 PM.
Coordinated by Fr. Cheriyan Thazhamon, the Ireland Coordinator of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, the inauguration was a significant moment for the Indian Christian community in Ireland. Fr. Shinu Varghese Angadiyil and Fr. Jijo Abraham Ashariparambil co-celebrated the Holy Mass, which was attended by the faithful from various parts of Ireland, including Dublin and Cork.
The inauguration ceremony was a vibrant display of faith and culture, reflecting the rich heritage of the Malankara tradition. The community’s participation highlighted the growing presence and unity of the Indian Christian diaspora in Ireland.
St. Patrick’s Church, a prominent and historic location in Galway, provided a fitting venue for the inauguration. The celebration of the Holy Mass in the Malankara Rite, a tradition deeply rooted in the Syriac liturgical heritage, was a momentous occasion, bringing together the Indian Christian community in a display of their faith and traditions.
The new Mass Center is an important addition to the spiritual landscape of Galway, offering a home for the Malankara Catholic faithful in the region. It stands as a testament to the growing diversity within the Irish Catholic Church and the integration of Eastern Catholic traditions into the broader Catholic community.
Rev. Fr. Cheriyan Thazhamon, in his role as the coordinator, expressed his joy and gratitude for the establishment of the center, emphasizing its significance in catering to the spiritual needs of the Malankara Catholic faithful in Ireland. He also highlighted the center’s role in fostering a sense of community and belonging among the faithful.
The event was marked by a sense of unity and solidarity among the attendees, who came together to celebrate not just a new beginning for their community, but also the continued growth and vibrancy of the Malankara Catholic Church in Ireland.
In his message, Fr. Shinu Varghese Angadiyil and Fr. Jijo Abraham Ashariparambil extended their blessings and best wishes to the community, encouraging them to continue nurturing their faith and traditions in their new spiritual home.
The Malankara Catholic Mass Center in Galway is more than just a place of worship; it is a beacon of cultural heritage, bringing together people from different walks of life to celebrate and practice their faith in a welcoming and inclusive environment. The successful inauguration of the center marks a new chapter in the history of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Ireland, one that promises growth, unity, and a deepened sense of community.
If you are a Malankarite living in and around Galway, you can attend mass at this location – https://maps.app.goo.gl/1zqaDugF39nUVF9v5