Pathanamthitta: Marking the 72nd anniversary of the heavenly repose of Venerable Mar Ivanios, revered as the visionary behind the reunification movement, thousands of faithful began the annual pilgrimage walk from Ranni Perunad on Friday.
The spiritual journey was inaugurated with a solemn Holy Qurbana at the Kurishumala Pilgrimage Church in Ranni-Perunad, presided over by Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis Catholicos. The service drew large crowds of devotees and clergy alike, united in prayer and remembrance.
Among the dignitaries present were Bishop Samuel Mar Irenaeus (President, Pathanamthitta Diocese), Bishop Thomas Mar Anthonios (Delhi-Gurgaon), Bishop Mathews Mor Polycarpos (Mavelikkara), Bishop Mathews Mar Pachomios (Pune-Khadki), Curia Bishop Anthony Mar Silvanos, and Bishop Yuhanon Mar Chrysostomos, the first bishop of the Pathanamthitta Diocese. Vicar Generals Rev. Dr. Varkey Attupurath Cor Episcopa, Msgr. Varghese Mathew Kalayil Vadakkethil, and Msgr. Thomas Kayyalakkal, along with several priests, were also part of the organizing committee.
The Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM) is leading this year’s pilgrimage. A wooden cross, ceremoniously brought from the forests of Nilakkal, was formally handed over at Perunad Church to Bibin Abraham, President of the Pathanamthitta Diocese. The Catholic flag was also passed in a symbolic gesture from Cardinal Cleemis to Monu Joseph, the Church’s president.
Today, the pilgrim groups from the Archdiocese of Tiruvalla and Muvattupuzha Diocese will merge with the main procession at Omallur. Together, the pilgrims will proceed toward Puthussery, passing through Kaipattur, Chandanappally, and Adoor.
On July 14, the journey will culminate with prayers at the tomb of Venerable Mar Ivanios at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom, as pilgrims pass through Kottarakkara, Ayur, and Pirappancode. The walk stands as a vibrant expression of faith and unity, honoring the enduring legacy of a saintly shepherd who envisioned communion and renewal in the Church.