After much anticipation, the preparations for the consecration of the St. Alphonsa Cathedral of the Syro-Malabar faithful in Melbourne have been completed. The final touches inside and outside the church are finished. The beautifully adorned new cathedral offers a stunning visual experience.
Fr. Varghese Vavolil, the Cathedral Vicar, has requested the faithful to participate in special Holy Masses and Eucharistic Adoration held today and tomorrow to pray for the smooth completion of the sacred ceremonies scheduled for Saturday.
Mar Raphael Thattil, the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church and the main clergy for the consecration ceremonies, arrived in Melbourne today. He was received at the airport by Mar John Panamthottathil, the Bishop of Melbourne Diocese; Fr. Sijish Pullankunnel, Chancellor; Monsignor Francis Kolancherry, Vicar General; Fr. Varghese Vavolil, Parish Vicar; Dr. Johnson George, Diocesan Procurator; Shiji Thomas, Convenor; and trustees Anto Thomas and Cleetus Chacko. Secretaries Sibi Isaac and Sabu Thomas were also present to welcome the Archbishop.
As part of the celebrations, Mar George Madathikandathil, Bishop of Kothamangalam Diocese, arrived in Melbourne earlier. He presided over a special Holy Mass on Wednesday, held as part of "Red Wednesday" commemorations. This event remembers martyrs who suffered persecution and sacrificed their lives for the faith. "Red Wednesday" is observed globally between November 16 and 23.
The consecration of St. Alphonsa Cathedral, scheduled for Saturday, November 23, will be broadcast live by Shalom Media Australia. The live telecast begins at 9 AM Melbourne time, starting with the ceremonial reception for Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil at the Cathedral gates.
The events will be available to watch on Shalom Media’s YouTube channel, Shalom Media Australia’s Facebook page, the Melbourne Syro-Malabar Diocese’s Facebook page, and the St. Alphonsa Cathedral Facebook page. For those present at the cathedral, the ceremonies will also be live-streamed on large screens in the parish hall and outside the cathedral.