Houston, USA – The Malankara Catholic Church paid tribute to Bishop Mar Joy Alappat of the Chicago St. Thomas Syro Malabar Diocese during the 11th Malankara Catholic Convention held in Houston. This recognition highlighted the longstanding bonds between the Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara Catholic Churches, both of which trace their heritage back to St. Thomas the Apostle.
Acknowledging Syro-Malabar’s Global Mission
During the event, His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, celebrated the Syro-Malabar Church’s global presence and its mission activities, referring to it as a shining example of evangelisation among the Eastern Catholic Churches. “Bishop Mar Joy Alappat embodies the rich heritage of the Syro-Malabar Church and its expansive mission, which inspires communities worldwide,” His Beatitude remarked.
He further extended blessings to the Syro-Malabar community, praying for its continued growth and spiritual enrichment under Bishop Mar Joy Alappat’s leadership.
A Shared Heritage and Vision
Bishop Mar Joy Alappat, in his response, expressed deep gratitude for being part of the convention and shared his reflections on the unity between the two Churches. “The Syro-Malankara and Syro-Malabar Churches are not just sibling Churches but part of a shared faith legacy received from St. Thomas. Despite geographical distances, our faith binds us together,” he said.
The Bishop also reflected on the life and legacy of the late Oommen Chandy, describing it as an open book of the Gospel in action. “Our duty is to raise leaders like him, who embody the principles of faith and service,” he added.
A Testament to Growth and Collaboration
The convention served as a platform for fostering relationships between the faithful of both Churches in the diaspora. Bishop Mar Joy Alappat commended the growth of the Malankara Catholic Church in North America, describing it as “remarkable and a testament to the commitment of its members to pass on their faith to the next generation.”
Highlighting the spiritual leadership of His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Bishop Alappat observed, “The guidance of Mar Cleemis is a blessing not just for the Malankara Church but for the entire Indian and global Church.”
The convention reiterated the shared responsibility of the Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara Churches to preserve and nurture the faith among the diaspora communities. As Bishop Mar Joy Alappat aptly stated, “Wherever we may be in the world, our mission is to raise future generations rooted in faith and tradition.”
The event concluded with a spirit of gratitude and unity, underscoring the enduring bonds between these sister Churches and their shared mission to evangelise and serve.
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