Changanassery Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil recently paid a courtesy visit to Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected head of the global Catholic Church, and presented him with special tokens of affection. Cardinal Mar George Alencherry was also present during the meeting.

As part of the gift presentation, Archbishop Tharayil offered two notable artistic creations: an icon of St. Thomas the Apostle painted by Changanassery archdiocesan priest Fr. Jacob Koottuthara, and an intricate sculpture crafted by renowned artist Thomas Vellarathunkal, a native of Vayala, Kottayam.

The sculpture, a masterpiece in wood relief, beautifully portrays the sanctity of the Syro-Malabar Catholic community of Kerala. The artwork includes symbolic wheat and grapevines representing the body and blood of Christ, with a globe at the center flanked by hands in prayer — symbolizing global intercession. The globe also features an engraving of India.

Above the globe is an engraved image of Saint Alphonsa, the first canonized saint from the Syro-Malabar Church and a symbol of Kerala’s Christian heritage. Flanking the grapevines on either side are depictions of four revered saints from Kerala: St. Elias Chavara, St. Euphrasia Eluvathingal, St. Mariam Thresia, and the Servant of God Augustine Thevarparambil (Kunjachan).

The sculpture, which also features a vivid portrayal of St. Thomas the Apostle and the Marthoma Cross, reflects Kerala’s rich Christian tradition and aims to inspire spiritual renewal among the faithful. It was crafted entirely by hand through days of dedicated labor.

Thomas Vellarathunkal is no stranger to international recognition, having previously gifted sculptures to many global dignitaries. Notably, he gained attention for creating a handcrafted staff (amsavadi) depicting the faces of 263 popes, intended as a gift for Pope John Paul II. Now, with his creations presented to two different popes, Vellarathunkal holds the rare honor of having offered personal handmade gifts to both Pope John Paul II and Pope Leo XIV.