Pala: The Diocese of Pala, long hailed as a cradle of priestly vocations and spiritual heritage, brought the curtain down on its Platinum Jubilee with a resplendent celebration that radiated clerical richness and ecclesial unity. The culmination of the 75-year milestone was marked by a grand Holy Mass, attended by nearly 400 priests from the diocese, many of whom serve across the globe as tireless witnesses of the Gospel.
From its inception, the Pala Diocese has stood as a vibrant beacon of priestly life and missionary zeal. Today, more than 500 priests from this diocese are active in diverse pastoral, educational, and social missions, while 40 bishops born from the spiritual soil of Pala now shepherd dioceses both in India and abroad.
The concluding Holy Eucharist was solemnly presided over by Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil of Changanassery. A stirring message was delivered by Major Archbishop Cardinal Baselios Mar Cleemis, Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Church, who highlighted Pala’s extraordinary contribution to the universal Church.
The celebration was graced by an array of bishops and clergy, including Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplani, Bishop Mar Sebastian Vadakkel, Yuhannan Mar Chrysostom, Bishop Justin Mathathiparambil, Mar George Mathathikandathil, and Bishop Emeritus Mar George Punnakottil. Also present were Mar James Anaparambil, Bishop Sylvester Ponnumuthan, Mar Thomas Padiyath, Mar Jose Pulikkal, Dr. Jose Sebastian Thekkumcherikunnel, Mar Joseph Kollamparambil, Mar Joseph Srampikkal, Mar Jacob Angadiath, and Bishop Emeritus Mar Joseph Pallikkaparambil each of them sharing a fraternal bond with the Diocese of Pala.
The event was not just a liturgical gathering but a powerful testimony to the enduring vitality and spiritual legacy of a diocese that has consistently nurtured vocations and led by example. The Platinum Jubilee served as a moment of gratitude, reflection, and renewed commitment to the mission of the Church.
With messages of congratulations pouring in from various corners of the Catholic world, the Pala Diocese’s Jubilee celebrations concluded on a high note an inspiring reminder of a local Church that continues to illuminate the global stage with unwavering faith and missionary zeal.