Pala: The grand finale of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Pala Diocese a year-long spiritual journey marked by faith, renewal, and communion will take place on Friday, July 26, at St. Thomas Cathedral, Pala. The jubilee, which began on the same date last year at the St. Alphonsa Pilgrimage Church in Bharananganam, will conclude with a series of solemn liturgical services and gatherings attended by prominent church leaders and dignitaries.
The closing celebrations will begin with a Holy Mass at 9:00 a.m., presided over by Mar Thomas Tharayil, Archbishop of Changanassery. The message of the day will be delivered by Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, the Major Archbishop of the Malankara Catholic Church, adding spiritual depth to the liturgical ceremony.
Following the Eucharistic celebration, a general assembly will commence at 10:45 a.m., with Cardinal Mar George Alencherry presiding. The session will be inaugurated by Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil, head of the Syro-Malabar Church. The keynote address will be given by His Holiness Baselios Thomas I Catholicos, Supreme Head of the Jacobite Syrian Church. Pala Diocese Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt will deliver the welcome and introductory remarks, reflecting on the diocese’s journey over the past 75 years.
The event will witness the participation of an esteemed group of ecclesiastical leaders and public figures. Among them are Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, CBCI President Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, Archbishops Mar Joseph Pamplani (Thalassery), Dr. Varghese Chakkalakkal (Kozhikode), Mar Thomas Tharayil (Changanassery), and bishops Mar Jose Pulikkal, Dr. Jose Sebastian Thekkumcherikunnel, Mar Joseph Srampickal, Mar Jacob Angadiath, and Mar Joseph Kollamparambil. Former Pala Bishop Mar Joseph Pallikaparambil will also be present.
The event will also be graced by national and regional leaders, including Union Minister George Kurien, State Minister Roshi Augustine, KPCC President Sunny Joseph, Members of Parliament Francis George, Jose K. Mani, and Shashi Tharoor. Also participating will be dignitaries from sister churches such as Mar Augustine Kuriakose (Assyrian Church), Kuriakose Mar Severios, Metropolitan Cyril Mar Baselios (Malabar Independent Syriac Church), Nilakkal Metropolitan Joshua Mar Nicodemos, and Rev. V.S. Francis (CSI Church).
Lay leadership and religious life will be represented by Pastoral Council Chairman Dr. K.K. Jose, Sister Marina Njarakattil, Sheeba Binoy Palliparambil, Chief Vicar General Monsignor Dr. Joseph Thadathil, and various other community leaders and clergy.
As the curtain falls on this milestone jubilee, the Diocese of Pala reflects on 75 years of faithful service, evangelization, and social contribution. The closing day is expected to be not just a ceremonial gathering, but a moment of renewed commitment for the church and its faithful as they step into the future rooted in heritage and hope.