Thiruvananthapuram: Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, offered heartfelt gratitude to the Malankara Church for its enduring contributions to education, spiritual formation, and pastoral service. Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the new Malankara Theological Institute at St. Mary’s Malankara Major Seminary on Wednesday, the Archbishop, who also serves as a senior Vatican diplomat, praised the Church’s deep apostolic roots and unwavering commitment across generations.
Archbishop Gallagher reflected on the legacy of sacrifice, prayer, and perseverance left by the Church’s forebears, stating that such institutions were not merely founded they were labors of love that helped shape communities and transform lives. “We are called not only to inherit these sacred traditions but to breathe new life into them,” he remarked. “This Institute is a testimony to the Church’s duty to equip future generations.”
Describing the vision for the new theological center, he emphasized that it should be more than an academic hub it must be a sanctuary where faith and intellect walk hand in hand. “Let it be a place for profound thought, spiritual nourishment, and renewal. A place where the light of Christ shines forth with clarity,” he said.
Archbishop Gallagher also envisioned the institute as an inclusive space that welcomes diversity, uplifts the marginalized, and cultivates a culture where justice and compassion coexist. “Here, every individual must find room to grow in their God-given gifts,” he concluded, underscoring the Church’s mission to be a beacon of hope in today’s world.