The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church celebrated a momentous occasion on 26 December 2024, as five deacons were ordained to the sacred priesthood at St. John’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Tiruvalla. Presided over by His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mor Koorilos, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archieparchy of Tiruvalla, the solemn ceremony marked a sacred milestone for the Church and the faithful. Adding to the significance of the day was the esteemed presence of His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, and His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Antony Mor Silvanos, Bishop of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia, who blessed the newly ordained priests with their prayers and presence.
A Sacred Ceremony Rooted in Tradition
In the presence of clergy, religious, and a large congregation of the faithful, the ordination ceremony was a profound act of worship and devotion. The five deacons—Rev. Fr. George Elamatha, Rev. Fr. Kurian Parathanathu, Rev. Fr. Sajan Thomas Peedikayil, Rev. Fr. Ninan Vetterathu, and Rev. Fr. Mathew Mulavelil—stood at the altar, ready to dedicate their lives in service to God and His people. This sacred event symbolised not only their personal commitment to Christ but also the Church’s ongoing mission to nurture and guide the faithful.
The Laying of Hands: A Moment of Grace
The ordination rites reached their pinnacle when His Grace Mor Koorilos laid his hands on each of the deacons, invoking the Holy Spirit to bestow upon them the sacred priesthood. The solemn act, deeply rooted in the Church’s apostolic tradition, was followed by the investiture of priestly vestments, marking their official entry into the priesthood. Holding lit candles during the reading of the Gospel, His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis and His Excellency Mor Silvanos offered their prayers and blessings, symbolising their support and encouragement for the newly ordained priests.
A Call to Serve with Faith and Compassion
In his homily, His Grace Mor Koorilos exhorted the newly ordained priests to embrace their ministry with humility, love, and unwavering faith. Drawing inspiration from Christ’s own life of service, he reminded them to focus on pastoral care, especially for the marginalised, the suffering, and those seeking God’s mercy. The Archbishop’s message resonated deeply with the congregation, emphasising the immense responsibility and privilege of the priestly vocation.
A Day of Joy and Unity
The ordination ceremony was a moment of immense joy and pride for the families, parishes, and the entire Archieparchy of Tiruvalla. The cathedral resounded with hymns of praise as the faithful gathered to witness this transformative occasion. The blessings of His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis and His Excellency Mor Silvanos further enriched the sacred event, underlining the unity and strength of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.
The Journey Ahead
The five newly ordained priests will soon embark on their pastoral ministry, serving in parishes and institutions across the Archieparchy of Tiruvalla and beyond. As they begin their journey as shepherds of Christ’s flock, they carry with them the prayers and blessings of their community, ready to spread God’s love, compassion, and hope.
This ordination reflects the vitality and dedication of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in nurturing vocations. The Church prays that these new priests will be instruments of grace, bringing the light of Christ into the lives of those they serve. May their ministry bear abundant spiritual fruit and continue to strengthen the faith of the Church for generations to come.
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