Dubai: “The Syro-Malabar community in the Gulf states continue to amaze me with their firmness in faith and ardent will in passing their tradition to the upcoming generation, and am proud of them”, said H.G Mar Joseph Perumthottam, Metropolitan Archbishop, Archeparchy of Changanacherry while speaking at the Syro-Malabar Day 2022 in St Mary’s Church, Dubai.
The SM Day’22 started with the celebration of the Holy Qurbana at 2pm in St Mary's Church, Dubai. Mar Joseph Perumthottam was the main celebrant of the Holy Qurbana.
The pursuing public event opened with a prayer song by Syro-Malabar Catechism Choir team.
H.B Cardinal Mar George Alencherry delivered the benedictory message to the Syro-Malabar faithful vide a video message.
The presidential address was rendered by Manoj Thomas - President SMC Dubai, recalling the history of the Syro-Malabar Church. Mathew Antony - Vice President SMC Dubai, made the Welcome address. Shaji George – Joint Secretary SMC Dubai, outlined the activities of the community over the last one year by presenting the Annual Report.
The SM Day 2022 was officially inaugurated by lighting the lamp. Mar Joseph Perumthottam, H.E Bishop Paolo Martinelli OFM Cap., Fr. Lennie J.A. Connully, OFM Cap., Fr. Varghese Kozhippadan, OFM Cap. and members of the SMC executive committee.
H.E. Bishop Paolo Martinelli OFM Cap. felicitated the members of the Syro-Malabar Community for safeguarding their tradition and ensuring it is passed onto the next generation. His Excellency also unveiled the e-souvenir “Avonodoppam”.
Fr. Lennie J.A. Connully, OFM Cap. and Fr. Varghese Kozhippadan, OFM Cap. offered felicitations to the Community alongwith Benny Mathew and Vipin Varghese.
The Musical Drama “Here I am” was staged after the public event. The drama was a culmination of the lives of two great saints of the Syro-Malabar Church, Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Saint Euphrasia Eluvathingal.
The drama brought to light the childhood of Chavarayachan and his path to Priesthood. It also highlighted his opposition to the social evils of caste system that existed in the Kerala society, his fight and reforms to ensure education and equality to all sections of the society. The drama also shed light on Chavarayachan’s initiative to establish a ‘pallikoodam’ (school) adjacent to every Church.
Saint Euphrasia Eluvathingal childhood and path to a religious life was also highlighted during the musical drama. The prayer life, mysticism, and spiritual life of this great Saint was also brought to life during the drama.
The musical drama encompasses key moments of the Christs birth and passion. The story of the expatriate family highlighted the importance of family prayer and the importance of parents in one’s life.
The musical show directed by Jomon Kanamala featured songs performed by around 130 SM Catechism students and also featured their parents, teachers and volunteers.
SMC Committee also organised a lucky draw with attractive prizes. Dinner was also arranged for the community.
The event which was live streamed on Syro-Malabar Dubai and CNewsLive YouTube channels were watched by thousands around the world. The event itself saw the attendance of a crowd of more than 3000.
SM Day’22 wound up with the final blessing from Mar Joseph Perumthottam.
The organisers thanked God, the media partner, well-wishers and community members for their active participation and contribution towards the success of the event.