Pala: In a heartfelt and symbolic gesture, the Diocese of Pala celebrated its Platinum Jubilee by honoring individuals who were born in the same year as the Diocese itself those now turning 75. The commemorative event, filled with joy, gratitude, and spiritual reflection, was held at the historic Lalam Old Church Auditorium in Pala, bringing together faithful who have journeyed through life alongside the Diocese.
The conference was formally inaugurated by Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt, who spoke with reverence about the shared milestone. In his address, the Bishop emphasized that the lives of these individuals, who were born during the founding year of the Diocese, represent a special part of its spiritual and historical legacy. “Your presence here is not mere coincidence,” he said, “but a beautiful manifestation of God’s providence. As the Diocese marks 75 years of mission and service, your lives too testify to God’s faithfulness and grace through every season.”
Monsignor Sebastian Vethanam, Vicar General of the Diocese, presided over the ceremony, offering his heartfelt greetings to all attendees and highlighting the unique parallel between the individuals’ personal journeys and the growth of the Church over the past seven and a half decades.
The event was also graced by the presence of various dignitaries and spiritual leaders. Fr. Joseph Thadathil, Vicar of the Lalam Old Church, welcomed the audience with words of warmth and historical reflection, noting the Church’s vital role in shaping the faith and social fabric of Pala. Diocesan lay leaders including Jose Thomas Muthanattu, President of the Pitruvedi (Fathers’ Forum), and Shirley Cherian Mathathiparambil, President of the Matruvedi (Mothers’ Forum), offered felicitations, acknowledging the celebrants' enduring faith and active involvement in building the Church community.
Prominent public figure P.C. George delivered a tribute highlighting the contributions of these 75-year-olds to both Church and society. Their unwavering commitment to family, parish, and community life, he said, reflects the values upon which the Diocese was founded.
Fr. Joseph Narithook, Director of the Family Apostolate, extended a warm welcome to the attendees, recognizing the event as a bridge between generations. He remarked that celebrating the lives of these faithful members underscores the Diocese’s mission to cherish every stage of life with respect and gratitude. Mathew M. Kuriakose, President of the Pro-Life Commission, offered the vote of thanks, expressing deep appreciation to the celebrants for their enduring witness to the faith over the decades.
As part of the celebration, the honorees were presented with tokens of appreciation and were invited to share reflections on their personal journey of faith, family, and service. Many recounted memories of early Church life in the Diocese, offering a living narrative of how the Church grew alongside them through social change, modernization, and spiritual renewal.
The event served not just as a tribute, but as a living connection between the roots of the Diocese and its present mission. It stood as a testament to the enduring spirit of a community that has thrived through unity, service, and faith led by those who have lived every moment of the Diocese’s 75-year story.