Thiruvananthapuram: A sea of flickering candlelight and devout footsteps marked a deeply spiritual evening in Thiruvananthapuram, as thousands of pilgrims gathered in reverence near the tomb of the Servant of God Mar Ivanios. The grounds of St. Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom, transformed into a glowing sanctuary of faith as the faithful concluded their days-long pilgrimage with a solemn candlelight procession, in commemoration of the 72nd death anniversary of the revered Metropolitan.
The devotional convergence saw pilgrim groups marching from various parts of Kerala and beyond, many of them having journeyed for several days on foot. These spiritual treks were not merely symbolic but deeply personal acts of faith, echoing the enduring legacy of Mar Ivanios, the founding father of the Reunion Movement within the Malankara Catholic Church.
One of the most prominent of these walking pilgrimages began from Ranni-Perunad and lasted five days, winding through towns and villages before reaching the cathedral in Pattom. At the tomb, the weary but spirited pilgrims were received by none other than Major Archbishop Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, who offered words of welcome and spiritual encouragement to the gathered faithful.
Another significant procession, beginning from Mavelikkara—the birthplace of Mar Ivanios—was led by Bishops Mathews Mar Polycarpus and Joshua Mar Ignatius. Meanwhile, bishops Vincent Mar Paulose and Thomas Mar Eusebius led pilgrim delegations from the Marthandam and Parasala dioceses respectively. The arrival of these groups culminated in an emotional evening of liturgy and remembrance.
Adding to the international dimension of the gathering were pilgrims from Gulf nations and other parts of India, representing Malankara Catholic communities abroad. Their participation underscored the spiritual unity of the global Malankara Catholic diaspora, drawn together by their shared devotion to Mar Ivanios.
As dusk descended, the cathedral courtyard came alive with the glow of thousands of candles. Men, women, children, clergy, and religious marched silently in reverence, candles in hand, in what became a moving symbol of light and hope an affirmation of the spiritual teachings and sanctity of Mar Ivanios. The solemnity of the moment reached its peak as Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations at the Vatican, appeared on the cathedral balcony to impart his apostolic blessing upon the vast assembly.
This year’s anniversary observance did more than commemorate the passing of a Church leader; it reawakened the spiritual fervor he ignited. The candlelight procession and the pilgrim footsteps resounded as living tributes to a man whose vision shaped a generation of faithful and whose tomb continues to draw thousands into deeper communion with the Church and with God.
As prayers rose into the night sky and candles flickered against the wind, one message stood clear: the memory and mission of Mar Ivanios are alive, carried forward in the hearts of the people who still walk, pray, and believe.