Vilakkannoor: In a historic and spiritually momentous development, the Vatican has formally confirmed the authenticity of the Divine Mercy Miracle that occurred in Vilakkannoor, where the Holy Face of Jesus is said to have appeared on the Sacred Host during Mass. The official announcement will be made today at 2:30 PM at Christ the King Church, Vilakkannoor, marking a deeply significant milestone in the faith journey of thousands.
The decree of approval, issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith after more than a decade of meticulous theological and scientific evaluation, will be solemnly proclaimed by Archbishop Dr. Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio to India and the Vatican's official diplomatic representative. The recognition validates the miraculous event of November 15, 2013, when during the Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Thomas Pathikkal, an extraordinary image believed to be the face of Jesus appeared on the Eucharistic Host.
The celebrations will begin at 1:45 PM, when the revered Holy Eucharist will be ceremoniously received at Oduvallithattil. From there, it will be transported in a vibrant motorcade to Vilakkannoor, welcomed by the faithful in a grand reception, and carried in a solemn, prayer-filled procession to a specially decorated pandal near the church.
The official decree will be proclaimed in the presence of a distinguished assembly of church leaders, including Thalassery Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplani, Kannur Bishop Dr. Alex Vadakkumthala, Auxiliary Bishops Dr. Dennis Kuruppassery (Kannur) and Mar Alex Taramangalam (Mananthavady), Archbishop Emeritus Mar George Njaralakkatt, and Mar George Valiyamattom. The announcement will include the installation of the Eucharist on a specially constructed pedestal, symbolizing its sacred significance.
The Vatican decree, originally issued in Latin, will be translated and read in Malayalam by Rev. Dr. Biju Muttathukunnel, Chancellor of the Thalassery Archdiocese, making it accessible to the local faithful.
Following the official announcement, Fr. Mathew Vengakunnel will lead a solemn Eucharistic Adoration, offering prayers of thanksgiving and reflection on the miracle's spiritual meaning. At 3:15 PM, a grand festive Holy Mass will be concelebrated by all priests of the Thalassery Archdiocese, underscoring the unity and reverence of the clergy in this once-in-a-generation moment.
An estimated 10,000 devotees are expected to converge at Christ the King Church to witness and partake in the sacred ceremony, a testament to the depth of devotion this miracle has inspired in the local Christian community.
The miracle at Vilakkannoor, once a quiet spiritual event, gained traction over the years through local witness accounts and devotional testimony. However, it wasn't until today—after eleven years of rigorous investigation and spiritual discernment—that the Holy See has deemed it an authentic manifestation of the divine.
This recognition elevates the Vilakkannoor Eucharistic miracle into the rare and solemn league of officially recognized Catholic miracles, carrying profound implications for faith, pilgrimage, and ecclesiastical history in India.
As bells ring and prayers rise across the hill town, the faithful of Kerala stand witness to what they see as a divine affirmation—an invitation to deeper devotion and a renewed call to recognize Christ in the Eucharist, now with the Church’s highest seal of affirmation.