Trivandrum: Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations at the Vatican, celebrated Holy Qurbono in Trivandrum during the annual Mar Ivanios commemorations, reminding the faithful that the Venerable Archbishop's legacy continues to echo a powerful call to holiness, unity, and service.
Delivering the homily during his week-long visit to India, Archbishop Gallagher reflected deeply on the life and mission of Mar Ivanios, praising him as a visionary whose witness to Christ transcends generations. “Mar Ivanios was not merely a leader or educator,” he said, “but a prophetic voice who brought to life the Gospel’s ideals of unity and service.”
The Archbishop conveyed Pope Leo XIV’s warm greetings and Apostolic Blessing, expressing the Pope’s spiritual closeness to the Malankara Catholic Church during this important celebration. Gallagher spoke before an assembly of clergy and faithful gathered to honor Mar Ivanios, including Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Malankara Church.
In his homily, Archbishop Gallagher described Mar Ivanios as a “far-seeing visionary,” whose ministry was firmly rooted in the Gospel's call to unity one built not on conformity, but on the spiritual bond that comes from prayer and humility. “True unity cannot be imposed,” he affirmed. “It must arise from love and understanding, as Christ calls us to be one, just as the Father and Son are one.”
Gallagher urged today’s believers to look to Mar Ivanios as a model for healing divisions within the Church and society, calling his legacy “a living call to rediscover what unites us in Christ.”
The Archbishop also praised Mar Ivanios’ foresight in championing holistic education that nurtures not just intellect, but the soul. He emphasized the Archbishop's pioneering work in promoting education for women an uncommon vision at the time reflecting his unwavering commitment to human dignity and spiritual growth.
“Mar Ivanios believed that education should lead not only to knowledge but to wisdom and discipleship,” Gallagher noted, adding that his vision remains deeply relevant in today’s fragmented world.
Quoting from Mar Ivanios’ writings, Gallagher highlighted the Archbishop’s emphasis on personal prayer, sacramental life, and love for God. “He urged every believer to cultivate a deep relationship with Christ and to express that relationship through service to others,” he said.
According to Archbishop Gallagher, this depth of spirituality gave Mar Ivanios the strength to lead with humility, inspire movements for unity, and lay the foundation for an enduring Christian witness in India.
Concluding his message, the Archbishop reminded the faithful that the memory of Mar Ivanios is not simply an annual tradition, but a vibrant summons to every Christian: to live the Gospel fully in daily life. “His legacy invites us to carry his mission forward through prayer, unity, and love,” he said.
As the Holy Qurbono came to a close amid solemnity and devotion, Archbishop Gallagher called upon Christ, the Good Shepherd, to guide believers in continuing the noble journey begun by Mar Ivanios a journey of faith, courage, and compassion.