Kakkanad: Cardinal Mar George Alencherry said that Archbishop Emeritus Mar Joseph Powathil was able to make unique contributions in reviving the unique oriental traditions of the Syro-Malabar Church and developing ecclesiastical spirituality. The Cardinal spoke while conferring the “Paurasthya Rathnam‘(Gem of the East) Award instituted by the Syro-Malabar Liturgical Commission to Mar Joseph Powathil, the former Archbishop of Changanassery Archdiocese. The award was instituted by Dr. Thomas Mannooramparampil, who was the professor of Liturgy at the St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor.

Syro-Malabar Central Liturgical Committee Chairman, Mar Thomas Elavanal; Mar Pauly Kannookadan, Mar George Madathikandathil, Mar Sebastian Vaniyapurackal, Fr. Francis Pittappillil were the members of the award selection committee.

The award committee considered those who have made contributions to the Eastern Liturgical Theology, Liturgical art, and Liturgical music. The award committee commended that Mar Joseph Powathil was able to make invaluable contributions in retrieving and preserving the unique traditions of the Church and raising awareness among the laity about the Liturgy.

Cardinal Mar George Alencherry presented the award of fifty thousand rupees and a certificate to Mar Joseph Powathil in a public meeting held in the Changanassery Archdiocesan Centre. The Archbishop of Changanassery Mar Joseph Perumthottam delivered the welcome speech and Mar Thomas Padiyath, Bishop of Shamshabad Diocese recognized the contributions of Mar Joseph Powathil. Archbishop George Kocheri, the Apostolic Nuncio of Bangladesh, was the guest on the dais.

Mar George Madathikandathil, member of Syro Malabar Liturgical Commission, adorned Mar Joseph Powathil with a ‘Ponnada’ and Dr. Thomas Mannooramparampil gave him a bouquet. Liturgy Commission Secretary Fr. Francis Pittappillil delivered the vote of thanks. Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese Mar Thomas Tharayil, Vicar General Mon. Joseph Vaniyapurackal, Marthoma Vidyaniketan Director Dr. Thomas Karukakkalam and the priests of the Archdiocesan Centre were also present during the award ceremony.