Pranamam 2015 – Kuwait Celebrates the Birth Centenary of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios

The Malankara Catholic Community under the leadership of Kuwait Malankara Rite Movement (KMRM) celebrated the Birth Centenary of Metropolitan Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios, on Friday, 4th September 2015, at Carmel School Auditorium, Khaitan, Kuwait. Three hundred invited persons belonging to various Christian churches, religions and associations took part in the Memorial lecture organized by KMRM. His Grace Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom, Bishop of Pathanmthitta, Kerala, inaugurated the function. During the inaugural speech, His Grace offered praises to Mar Gregorios and focused on his contribution to the Political, Social, Cultural, Agricultural and Economic field of the society of Kerala.

The Memorial Speech was delivered by honorable Hafiz P.H Abdul Gaffar Moulavi, Imam of Manakkad Valiya Pally, Trivandrum and former WAKF Board Chairman. He was a close associate of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios in Trivandrum, a renowned scholar and an orator. During his speech on the topic “Secularism and the Secularist Political Situation of India”, he presented Mar Gregorios as a role model of Secularism. He recalled pleasant memories of his association with Benedict Mar Gregorios. During the time of communal riot in Poonthura, Travandum, the “Shanthi Yathra” (Peace March) lead by Benedict Mar Gregorios, Sawmi Saswathikananda and himself regained peace and communal harmony in Trivandrum. He presented with tremendous emotion that during the event of the demolition of Babari Masjid, Benedict Mar Greorios visited Maulavi and hugged him and expressed his sorrow to him and the whole community. Indian Secularism should live long as a model for the whole world. Unfortunately, Indian Secularism is in a precarious situation, and he expressed his concern over the present situation in India.

Rev. Fr. Mathew Kunnelpurayidam, Vicar General of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, in his felicitation speech, recollected his memories of Archbishop Mar Gregorios. He highlighted Mar Gregorios’ affection towards nature, as he has witnessed on several occasions, how the great Archbishop valued flowers and plants at the premises of the Carmel Monastery in Trivandrum. Rev. Dr. John Padipurackal, Spiritual Director, KMRM, recalled that Mar Gregorios could communicate with all, the educated and the uneducated and people of all walks in the society, and without any difficulty.

During the presidential address Mr. George Mathew, President of KMRM, emphasized that Kuwait Malankara Rite Movement got the privilege to host one of the Centenary Speeches in Kuwait, representing the entire Middle East and Northern Arabia.

The Centenary Song, “Sathasangeethi” by hundred singers and a short video presentation named “Glimpses of a Great Legend” brought the distinguished audience’s attention to the life and vision of the Archbishop.

During the function His Excellency Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom released KMRM directory by receiving a copy from Mr. Synoy Varghese, Directory Convener & Secretary of KMRM and handed over to Mr. George Mathew (Bose), President after releasing. Mr. Jomon Cherian had given a memento to honorable Abdul Gaffar Moulavi as a token of love and appreciation. During the occasion, KMRM honored students who attained highest marks in 10th & 12th from various catholic communities and the prizes of MCLS were also distributed.

A special applause to Baladeepam for conducting Valamkali song, and all prayer groups for presenting various cultural programs to the audience.

Mrs. Sajitha Skaria General Secretary, KMRM welcomed the invited guests and gathering. While delivering the felicitation, Program Convener Mr. Babuji Betheri, presented the value of Hindu Culture and pointed out how beliefs are connected with nature. Mr. Jomon Cherian Vazhathara, proposed the vote of thanks. Pranamam-2015, a memorial celebration of an extraordinary nature, concluded with delicious traditional Onam Sadya. Advocate Shibu Jacob, Master of Ceremonies managed the whole event to be within the scheduled time with his skills.