Dubai – Seventy-One Graduates were awarded with their Bachelors and Masters Degree in Theology by Mar Joseph Pamplany, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archeparchy of Thalassery and Chancellor of Alpha Institute of Theology and Science and Rev. Dr. Tom Olikarott, the Director of the Institute during the Convocation Ceremony held on 25th March 2023, in Dubai.
Alpha Institute of Theology and Science, Thalassery, Kerala, offers comprehensive theology courses through distance education mode, focused on educating the laity on various aspects of faith through reasoning.
The ceremony started with the rendition of ‘Veni Creator Spiritus’, invoking the presence of the Holy Spirit during the convocation procession.
The prayer song sung by the Catechism choir raised the audience to a faith filled atmosphere.
The lighting of the lamp reinforced the presence of the Trinty throughout the event and inspired all to be the 'light of the world'.
His Excellency Bishop Paolo Martinelli OFM Cap., the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia felicitated the graduates through a video message pointing out the importance of theological studies.
Mar Joseph Pamplany, during his Inaugural address, enlightened the congregation on the works of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit brings unity, lights our paths, helps us to be filled with Jesus and brings out our inner beauty.
Rev. Dr. Tom Olikarott remined the graduates on the various disciplines of theology that they have garnered throughout the years. He also encouraged others to join in this noble journey of faith.
The event was graced by the presence of Rev. Fr. Lennie J.A. Connully, OFM Cap., Rev. Fr. Varghese Kozhippadan, OFM Cap., Rev. Fr. Jose Vattukulathil Alexander, OFM Cap. and Rev. Fr. Anoop Paulose, OFM Cap. They congratulated the graduates and appreciated their hard work and love for the Church.
Mr Manoj Thomas, former student also felicitated the graduates and encouraged all to pursue theological studies.
The Rank holders were specially awarded with trophies as a reminder of their outstanding achievement.
The faculty of Alpha Institute also offered their special appreciations to the general coordinators of the program in the region Mrs Lizy K Fernandez and Mr Manoj Thomas. The batch coordinators, Shaji K.M, John Britto Justin, Latha George, Martin Jose, Reena Thomas, Vino Peterson and Liju George were presented with momentos for coordinating the study and online exams of their respective batches.
The blessed ceremony also witnessed various cultural programs put together under the coordination of Juby C Baby.
Shan K Fernandez opened the cultural celebration after the closing of the official convocation ceremony with a melody.
Two songs written and composed by Mrs Lizy K Fernandez were performed by the teens and youth team.
The Dubai team performed a graceful rendering of the song, deshbehutha lalaha, meaning ‘Glory to God in the highest’.
The Jebel ali team performed an heart touching visual treat of the song, ‘kattadi malayil’, a tribute to the first lay saint of India, Saint Lazarus Devasahayam, also a martyr of faith.
Mr Jo Kavalam, Chief Editor of CNewsLive, Malayalam edition also congratulated the graduates.
Mrs Lizy K Fernandez, Main Coordinator of the course in the region gave the Vote of thanks.
The Papal Anthem closed the blessed evening, which was an unforgettable event for the Alpha faculty, the graduates, their family and friends.