Marking a glorious chapter in the history of missionary work in North India, the Etawah Mission celebrated its Golden Jubilee on April 27, 2025. The jubilee celebrations began with the Holy Mass, presided over by His Grace Mar Thomas Tharayil, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Changanassery. The homily was delivered by Most Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Agra, filling the hearts of the faithful with spiritual awakening.

Co-celebrants included former Archbishop of Changanassery Mar Joseph Perumthottam, former Archbishop of Agra Most Rev. Dr. Albert D’Souza, Bishop of Shamshabad Mar Prince Panengaden, Auxiliary Bishop of Shamshabad Mar Thomas Padiyath, Bishop of Gorakhpur Mar Mathew Nellikkunnel CST, Bishop of Jagdalpur Mar Joseph Kollamparampil CMI, Bishop of Ujjain Mar Sebastian Vadakel MST, Bishop of Faridabad Mar Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, Bishop of Jaipur Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Kallarackal, Bishop of Meerut Rt. Rev. Dr. Bhaskar Yesuraj, Bishop of Lucknow Rt. Rev. Dr. Gerald John Mathias, and Bishop of Jhansi Rt. Rev. Dr. Wilfred Moras, along with over a hundred priests who concelebrated the Holy Mass. More than 150 religious and over a thousand faithful from the mission joined together in this thanksgiving celebration.

As part of the jubilee, 13 children from the mission received their First Holy Communion. Later, a requiem prayer was offered under the leadership of Archbishop Mar Joseph Kollamparampil for the repose of the soul of the late Pope Francis.

The closing session of the jubilee celebrations began with a welcome address by Auxiliary Bishop Mar Thomas Padiyath of Shamshabad, who also holds special responsibility for the Etawah-Rajasthan region. Bishop Mar Prince Panengaden of Shamshabad presided over the function and addressed the gathering.

Former Archbishop of Changanassery, His Grace Mar Joseph Perumthottam, delivered the inaugural address. The ceremonial lamp was lit by Mar Thomas Tharayil, Mar Joseph Perumthottam, Most Rev. Dr. Rafi Manjali, Most Rev. Dr. Albert D’Souza, Mar Sebastian Vadakel, Mar Prince Panengaden, Mar Thomas Padiyath, Mr. Brahmanand Kateriya PCS (SDM), Sr. Pavithra CMC, Sr. Regis CMC, Mrs. Lauli, and Mr. Roman to formally inaugurate the conference.

The Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, His Beatitude Mar Raphael Thattil, addressed the gathering through video conference. Following this, Most Rev. Dr. Albert D’Souza, Mar Sebastian Vadakel MST, Mr. Brahmanand Kateriya PCS (SDM), and Sr. Pavithra CMC delivered felicitation speeches.

Missionaries celebrating the Silver Jubilee of their priesthood — Fr. Jiju Kulathingal, Fr. Jijo Chekathattil, and Fr. Binoy Paraykkal — along with religious sisters celebrating the Silver Jubilee of their consecrated life — Sr. Jessy Varghese SJSM, Sr. Navya Thopilan SJSM, Sr. Ancin SH, Sr. Liz SH, and Sr. Jinzy CMC — and married couples celebrating 25 years of married life were honored with mementos.

A visual presentation on the history of the Fathehgarh parish’s mission, dance performances by the Etawah parish members, and a musical evening under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Francis Meenatheriyachan added warmth and charm to the celebrations.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks and words of appreciation from Mission Superior Fr. Thomas Ezhekkat.

Founded in 1975 under the leadership of the Archdiocese of Changanassery, this mission is today part of the Shamshabad Diocese, continuing as a vibrant witness to Christ’s Gospel.