Kozhuvanal: In a significant ecclesiastical development, the Kozhuvanal Parish under the Diocese of Pala has officially been raised to the status of a Forona Church, marking a moment of joy and spiritual importance for the local faithful. The declaration was made by His Excellency Mar Joseph Kallarangatt, Bishop of Pala, underscoring the growing pastoral and administrative significance of the Kozhuvanal Parish in the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church.
This upgrade to Forona status recognizes the parish’s vibrant community life, its exemplary spiritual and social engagement, and its capacity to serve as a coordinating hub for the surrounding churches. A Forona, in the ecclesiastical hierarchy, functions as an intermediate administrative and pastoral unit serving several parishes within a region to enhance coordination and pastoral care under the direction of a Forona Vicar. In a solemn liturgical celebration, Father Jose Nellickatheruvil was officially installed as the Forona Vicar of the newly elevated Kozhuvanal Forona.
Fr. Jose Nellickatheruvil, a dedicated priest known for his pastoral zeal and deep spiritual grounding, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him. In his address, he vowed to uphold the responsibilities of the Forona Vicarate with humility and diligence. "It is not merely a position, but a mission entrusted by God through the Church, to serve more closely the people of this region," he stated during the service.
The Kozhuvanal parish community has long been active in fostering religious vocations, catechetical excellence, and vibrant laity participation. With its elevation to Forona status, the parish will now take on a broader leadership role in coordinating liturgical activities, pastoral services, and social outreach among neighboring parishes under its jurisdiction.
Faithful from nearby communities joined in the celebration, which included Holy Mass, prayers of thanksgiving, and a cultural gathering to mark the historic occasion. Many lauded the Church's decision, viewing it as a recognition of Kozhuvanal's spiritual vitality and organizational readiness.
This transition also marks a milestone in the Diocese of Pala’s pastoral vision to decentralize services for more effective grassroots ministry. As Kozhuvanal steps into its new role, it is expected to bring renewed spiritual vigor and collaborative leadership to the wider Catholic community in the region.
The Diocese has announced that formal pastoral structures and inter-parish committees under the Forona will be established in the coming months to ensure smooth implementation and coordination. With this elevation, Kozhuvanal Parish not only deepens its identity as a beacon of faith but also steps into a leadership role that strengthens the collective mission of the Syro-Malabar Church in the region.