India – Thiruvananthapuram
An unprecedented 20,000 people concluded a five-day “walking pilgrimage” to remember Servant of God Mar Ivanios.
“He is father of our Church. It is part of the Eastern spiritual practice to walk in pilgrimage to the tomb of our fathers,” said Father Thomas Kayyalackal, chief organizer of the pilgrimage that ended July 15 in southern Indian Kerala state.
When the pilgrimage started 37 years ago less than 20 people participated but now the numbers have increased phenomenally, said Father Kayyalackal.
Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, head of the Church, led the 130 kilometers walk from Mar Ivanios’ birthplace to his tomb.
Mar Ivanios “always worked for religious and spiritual harmony,” he said.
Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, president of Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace was chief guest for this year’s programs. In his address, he described Mar Ivanios as the “modern Moses who led his faithful to the promise land.”
Less than 10 people joined Mar Ivanios when he came to Catholic fold, but the Church today has some 500,000 Catholics in eight dioceses and two archdioceses.
USA
The 62nd anniversary of the heavenly journey of the Servant of God Mar Ivanios was celebrated by the Exarchate on Sunday, July 12, 2015. The celebration was started with the morning prayers at the St. Vincent de Paul Malankara Catholic Cathedral, followed by concelebrated Holy Qurbono. His Excellency the Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Eusebius presided over the liturgical celebration. Rev. Dr. Paul Thelakkat gave the homily. Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Mangalath, Rev. Fr. Sathyan O.I.C, Rev. Fr. Abraham Lukose, Rev. Dr. Sunny Mathew, Rev. Fr. Rev. Fr. Francis Assisi and Rev. Fr. Michael Edathil were concelebrants. After the Holy Qurbono, special prayers were offered for Mar Ivanios. Rev. Fr. Francis Assisi OIC delivered the commemoration speech in honor of the Servant of God. The celebration was concluded with agape. Around 500 people participated in the celebration.
UAE – Sharjah
Sharjah Malankara Catholic Community celebrated Feast of Commemoration of the servant of God Mar Ivanios on 10th of July 2015 at 11am at St. Micheal’s Church, Sharjah. The Padayathra was lead by the MCYM members. A total of 600 Malankara members were present during the Padayatra followed by the Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Mathew Kandathil.
UAE – Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Malankara Catholic Community celebrated Feast of Commemoration of the servant of God Mar Ivanios on 9th of July 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Abu Dhabi. The Padayathra was lead by the MCYM members. The Malankara members of the Abu Dhabi emirate participated in the Padayatra followed by the Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Mathew Kandathil.
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