Mavelikkara: In a solemn and spiritually uplifting ceremony, Dr. Mathews Mar Polycarpos officially assumed office as the second Bishop of the Mavelikkara Diocese of the Malankara Catholic Church. The enthronement took place amidst a devout gathering of clergy, faithful, and dignitaries at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Punnamoodu, marking a significant moment in the history of the diocese.
The ordination and installation liturgy began at 2 PM and was led by Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop of the Malankara Catholic Church. The ceremonial declaration confirming the appointment, as resolved by the Holy Episcopal Synod, was solemnly read by Bishop Antony Mar Silvanos, Curia Bishop of the Church.
The event also witnessed a heartfelt farewell to Metropolitan Dr. Joshua Mar Ignatius, who retired after nearly two decades of tireless spiritual leadership as the founding Bishop of the Diocese. His tenure was marked by pastoral growth, spiritual renewal, and strong ecclesial administration, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of an impressive assembly of bishops from across the Catholic Church in India. Among those attending were Archbishop Dr. Thomas Mar Koorilos, Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil, Dr. Joseph Mar Barnabas Safagran, Bishop Joseph Mar Thomas, Yuhanon Mar Theodosius, Dr. Thomas Mar Eusebius, Mathews Mar Pakhomios, Samuel Mar Irenaeus, Yuhanon Mar Chrysostom, Abraham Mar Julius, Mar Jose Pulikkal, Mar Joseph Kallarangatt, Mar George Madathikandathil, Dr. Justin Mathathiparambil, Dr. James Raphael Anaparambil, and Dr. Stanley Roman, along with several other bishops and ecclesiastical leaders.
The felicitation ceremony following the ordination was formally inaugurated by Union Minister George Kurien, with Cardinal Baselios Cleemis presiding. The event turned into a grand ecumenical and civic celebration with the participation of several prominent public figures including Kerala Minister Saji Cherian, MP Kodikunnil Suresh, MLAs Ramesh Chennithala, M.S. Arunkumar, U. Pratibha, Chandy Oommen, and former Union Minister Prof. P. J. Kurien.
The installation of Bishop Mathews Mar Polycarpos heralds a new chapter for the Mavelikkara Diocese, founded in 2007. Known for his theological scholarship and pastoral sensitivity, the new bishop is expected to continue building upon the foundations laid by his predecessor, focusing on deepening spiritual life, strengthening church institutions, and fostering harmony within the community.