Rev. Fr. Mathew Padayanickal Becomes Roman Postulator for Canonisation Cause

In a moment of great pride for the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Mathew Padayanickal from the Eparchy of Pathanamthitta has been appointed as the Roman Postulator for the canonisation cause of the French missionary martyrs Fr. Nicolas Krick and Fr. Augustin-Etienne Bourry, who sacrificed their lives for the faith in Arunachal Pradesh, India, in 1854. This marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first-ever priest from the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church to take on the vital role of postulator at the Roman phase of a canonisation process.

The Life and Martyrdom of Fr. Nicolas Krick and Fr. Augustin-Etienne Bourry

The two missionaries, members of the Missions Étrangères de Paris (MEP), travelled to the remote frontiers of Northeast India in the mid-19th century to preach the Gospel among indigenous communities. They embraced incredible hardships as they journeyed through treacherous terrain, ultimately reaching Arunachal Pradesh. Tragically, their ministry was cut short when they were martyred by local tribes. Their steadfast faith, courage, and commitment to Christ serve as a beacon of inspiration for all Christians.

Their canonisation process began in the Diocese of Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, under the guidance of the local ordinary. The process reached a significant juncture with the appointment of Rev. Fr. Mathew Padayanickal as the Roman Postulator, tasked with advancing their cause at the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

Rev. Fr. Mathew Padayanickal: A Trailblazer for the Malankara Church

Rev. Fr. Mathew Padayanickal, affectionately known as Jemso Achan, is a member of the Murinjakkal parish in the Pathanamthitta Eparchy. His appointment as a Roman Postulator is a significant achievement not just for him personally, but also for the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, which has seen its sons and daughters make an indelible mark on the universal Church.

Fr. Padayanickal is currently pursuing a doctorate in Canon Law at the prestigious Pontifical Lateran University, known as the “Pope’s University” in Rome. In addition to his studies, he serves as the Cooperative Vicar at the Santa Maria di Nazareth Parish in Rome, a role that enables him to engage with the global Catholic community while continuing his academic and ecclesial contributions.

His appointment as Postulator for the canonisation cause of Fr. Nicolas Krick and Fr. Augustin-Etienne Bourry demonstrates the Church’s trust in his expertise, dedication, and theological acumen. As a postulator, Fr. Padayanickal will gather evidence, promote devotion to the martyrs, and present the case for their sainthood to the Holy See.

A Historic First for the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church

This marks the first time in history that a priest from the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church has been entrusted with the role of Roman Postulator in a canonisation process. It is a moment of immense pride and a reflection of the growing recognition of the Church’s contributions to the universal Catholic mission. The appointment also underscores the rich spiritual legacy of the Malankara Church, which has been a wellspring of missionary zeal, theological depth, and pastoral care.

The Canonisation Process: A Path to Sainthood

The process of canonisation is a meticulous journey that involves local diocesan investigations, scrutiny of miracles attributed to the candidates’ intercession, and theological examination at the Vatican. The postulator plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the candidate’s life, virtues, and martyrdom are thoroughly documented and presented to the Holy See for consideration.

Fr. Nicolas Krick and Fr. Augustin-Etienne Bourry were declared Servants of God, the first step toward sainthood, during the diocesan phase. With Fr. Padayanickal’s leadership, the canonisation process now enters its Roman phase, bringing their cause closer to recognition by the universal Church.

The Church’s Support and Blessings

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, under the leadership of His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, offers its heartfelt prayers and blessings to Fr. Mathew Padayanickal as he embarks on this sacred mission. The Eparchy of Pathanamthitta, led by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Mor Irenios, has also expressed immense joy and pride in Fr. Padayanickal’s appointment.

The Church invites all the faithful to join in prayer for Fr. Padayanickal and the successful progress of the canonisation cause of Fr. Nicolas Krick and Fr. Augustin-Etienne Bourry. Let us pray that their heroic witness to Christ may soon be recognised officially, inspiring countless souls to live lives of faith, hope, and charity.

Fr. Padayanickal’s appointment is not just a personal milestone but a moment of collective joy and responsibility for the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. As the process unfolds, the faithful are encouraged to deepen their understanding of the lives of these martyrs and seek their intercession. Their story is a testament to the power of faith and the enduring legacy of missionary work in the Church.

Let us stand united in prayer and support as Fr. Padayanickal undertakes this sacred mission. May the lives of Fr. Nicolas Krick and Fr. Augustin-Etienne Bourry inspire us to live boldly for Christ and proclaim the Gospel with courage and love.