UAE Malankara Community Welcomes New Coordinator and Bids Farewell to Dedicated Leader

The Syro Malankara Catholic community in the UAE recently witnessed two significant events – the heartfelt farewell of Rev. Fr. Dr. Adv. Reji Manakallettu, and the warm reception of Rt. Rev. Fr. John Thundiyath Corepiscopo as the new Coordinator for the UAE.

On August 1, 2024, Rt. Rev. Fr. John Thundiyath Corepiscopo was warmly welcomed by the UAE Malankara Council’s Central Committee at Sharjah International Airport. Fr. Thundiyath assumes the role of Coordinator for the Malankara Catholic Church in the UAE. The reception was led by former Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Dr. Reji Manakallettu, along with Fr. Savari Muthu, UAE Malankara Council President Shajubaby, General Secretary Rajesh John, Joint Treasurer George Williams, and other committee members and community leaders.

Fr. Thundiyath brings a wealth of pastoral experience and spiritual leadership, and the community looks forward to his guidance as he takes on this important role.

In the days following this, on August 15, 2024, the UAE Malankara Catholic community bid a fond farewell to Rev. Fr. Dr. Adv. Reji Manakallettu at Sharjah International Airport. Fr. Reji served as the UAE Coordinator since March 2021, leading the community with dedication and commitment for three years. His pastoral care extended to the Syro Malankara faithful and St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Dubai. As Fr. Reji returns to Kerala to continue his ministry, Rt. Rev. Fr. John Thundiyath, along with community members, gathered to express their deep gratitude and best wishes for his future endeavors.

Both events highlight the UAE Malankara community’s deep-rooted bonds of faith and fellowship, as they transition from one chapter of spiritual leadership to the next.

These transitions mark moments of continuity, growth, and gratitude for the Syro Malankara Catholic community in the UAE, as they unite under the pastoral care of Rt. Rev. Fr. John Thundiyath while cherishing the contributions of Rev. Fr. Dr. Reji Manakallettu.