Kakkanad - Mar Raphael Thattil said that his appointment as the new Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church reminds him of the call to move together with a strong sense of trust in God. Mar Thattil was speaking during his installation ceremony held at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad, the headquarters of the Syro-Malabar Church.
Mar Thattil recalled that God elevated him as the Major Archbishop of the Church as a result of the prayers and sacrifices of many. He expressed his gratitude to the Synod Fathers who chose him as Major Archbishop according to the will of God, the members of the Curia who made arrangements for the enthronement ceremonies and the faithful who participated in the rites. He also added in his reply that the church will never forget his predecessor Cardinal Mar George Alencherry and his noble leadership.
The enthronement ceremonies started with a procession from the Church. Mar Sebastian Vaniyapurackal, current Administrator of the Syro-Malabar Church welcomed the new Major Archbishop, the Synod Fathers and all who were present for the ceremony.
Rev. Father Abraham Kavilpurayadathil read the official letter from the Holy Father Pope Francis confirming the election of Mar Raphael Thattil as the Major Archbishop, chosen by the Syro-Malabar Synod. Mar Sebastian Vaniyapurackal officiated the enthronement ceremony. Mar Raphael Thattil was installed as the fourth Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church after receiving the Miter, Crozier (Pastoral staff) and being seated on the Bishop's Chair.
The new Major Archbishop further offered Holy Qurbana and thanked God for His blessings. Archbishops Mar Joseph Perumthottam, Mar Andrews Thazhath, Mar Mathew Moolakkatt and Mar Joseph Pamplany were the cocelebrants. Mar Joseph Pamplany, Metropolitan Archbishop of Thalassery Archdiocese and Synod Secretary, delivered the Gospel sermon during the thanksgiving Qurbana.
In a short and simple eulogy held after the Holy Qurbana, His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, Secretary General of KCBC and Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church; Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) president and Thrissur Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, Bishop Alex Joseph Vadakumthala, Bishop of Kannur representing the Latin Church, HB Mar Awgin Kuriakose, Secretary of the Inter-Church Council; Fr. Varghese Pottackal, Proto-syncellus of Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese also greeted the new Major Archbishop.
CMI Prior General Rev.Fr. Thomas Chathamparambil, representing the community of religious monks; Sr. Grace Therese CMC, representing the community of religious nuns, Brother Varghese Manjaly CST, representing the community of Consecrated Brothers, Adv. Biju Parayannilam, Global President of Catholic Congress representing the lay community; Ancy Mathew, Secretary of Mathruvedi; SMYM GLOBAL President Adv. Sam Sunny felicitated the Major Archbishop with bouquets.
The Enthronement and Installation Ceremony concluded with the Syro-Malabar anthem.