The Syro-Malabar Church has appointed new secretaries for the Commission for Families, Laity, and Life. Rev. Fr. Arun Kalamattathil has been named the General Secretary of the Commission, George Koyickal as the Secretary of the Laity Forum, and Joyce Mukkudam as the Secretary of the Pro-Life Apostolate.
These appointments were made following the completion of service terms by the previous officeholders: Rev. Fr. Joby Mulayil, Tony Chittilappilly, and Sabu Jose. The appointments were carried out by Mar George Madathikandathil, the Chairman of the Commission, with the approval of the Permanent Synod. The new secretaries will serve a three-year term.
Rev. Dr. Arun Kalamattathil, the newly appointed General Secretary, is a priest of the Palakkad Diocese. He holds a Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and has been a faculty member in various seminaries. He has also served as the Director of the Family Apostolate and the STARS lay training center in the diocese.
George Koyikkal, the new Secretary of the Laity Forum, is from the Idukki Diocese and a member of St. Thomas Forane Parish in Irittyar. He has served in several leadership roles, including as President of the Catholic Congress in Idukki Diocese, Secretary of the Pastoral Council, Diocesan Public Relations Officer, and Coordinator of the Vigilance Committee. With 34 years of experience in faith formation, he has played an active role in various church activities.
Joyce Mukkudam, the newly appointed Secretary of the Pro-Life Apostolate, is from the Kothamangalam Diocese and a member of Nirmala Matha Parish in Muvattupuzha. He has been the Diocesan President of the Pro-Life Movement, State Coordinator of the Cultural Forum, Vice President of the Anti-Alcohol Movement, and a Resource Person for MG University. Additionally, he is well known for his work as a magician, using his talents to promote social and cultural awareness.
These appointments mark a new phase in the Syro-Malabar Church’s efforts to strengthen its mission among families, the laity, and the pro-life movement.