Changanassery: A journey of ten years filled with compassion, connection, and cultural solidarity will be honored on July 19, as the Changanassery Archdiocese Pravasi Apostolate and Pravasi Sangam commemorate a decade of dedicated service to the global Malayali Catholic diaspora. The 10th anniversary celebration, to be held at St. Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral, is expected to draw over 2,000 expatriates, returnees, and their families from around the world.
Launched to serve the spiritual and social needs of Malayali Catholics abroad, the Pravasi Apostolate has evolved into a vital lifeline connecting expatriates with their cultural and religious roots. Over the years, it has provided pastoral care, moral support, and community building among migrants navigating foreign lands.
The Apostolate’s 10th anniversary celebration is envisioned as a moment of thanksgiving and reflection an opportunity to acknowledge both the sacrifices of the diaspora and the Church’s efforts in nurturing them spiritually and emotionally.
The event will open at 9:00 AM with the hoisting of the Pravasi Apostolate flag by Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil, symbolizing unity across borders. The Saudi Chapter and Parel Choir Team will perform the official Pravasi Anthem, capturing the emotional connection between the home Church and its scattered flock. Following this, Laisamma Jose, Secretary of the Central Committee, will deliver the annual report, highlighting key milestones and initiatives over the past year.
The program will also feature a Syriac hymn by the Kuwait Chapter, paying homage to the Church’s rich liturgical heritage.
The central event will be presided over by Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil and inaugurated by Union Minister George Kurien, whose presence underlines the significance of the Church’s engagement with civil society and national leadership. Spiritual reflections and congratulatory messages will be shared by Archbishop Mar Joseph Perunthottam, Apostolic Nuncio Mar George Kochery, and several other ecclesiastical dignitaries.
A highlight of the event will be the presentation of awards to 13 expatriates, who have rendered exceptional service to society and the Church in their respective countries. Their contributions ranging from charity and community work to educational and pastoral services will be formally recognized as a testament to the Church’s appreciation of its diaspora.
Further, the children of expatriates who achieved top marks in the Plus Two board exams last year will also be felicitated a symbolic nod to the resilience and excellence of migrant families.
The celebration will come alive with cultural programs staged by members of the Pravasi Apostolate representing multiple countries. Through dance, music, and drama, they will portray stories of migration, hope, faith, and unity.
One of the most anticipated performances is the short drama titled "Message of Hope", presented by the UAE Chapter, which seeks to convey the Church’s vision for the Jubilee Year 2025 a time of grace, mercy, and renewal.
The massive scale of the event is supported by a vast and committed organizing committee. Spearheaded by Central Coordinator Sibi Vaniyapurakkal and GCC Coordinator Biju Mattanchery, preparations are being overseen by a 40-member team that includes Adv. Lithin Thomas, Reji Thomas, Matthew Nelloveli, Sabin Kuriakose, Joseph Abraham Thekkekkara, and many others.
Their collaborative efforts are geared toward not only ensuring the event’s smooth execution but also reinforcing the bonds that tie the diaspora to their home Church.
This 10th anniversary celebration is more than a ceremonial occasion it is a powerful reminder of the Church’s unwavering commitment to its sons and daughters abroad. It honors the enduring strength of a faith that transcends borders and celebrates a decade of walking alongside the migrant faithful through their challenges and triumphs.