In a symbolic gesture marking the beatification of Mar Mathew Makil, Kottayam Archdiocese Metropolitan Mar Mathew Moolakkatt lit the ceremonial lamp. Joining him in the solemn occasion were Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church Mar Raphael Thattil, Auxiliary Bishops Mar Joseph Pandarasseril, Geevarghese Mar Aprem, and several other dignitaries from the Church.
Kottayam: A historic chapter was written in the spiritual legacy of the Syro-Malabar Church as Mar Mathew Makil, the first Vicar Apostolic of Changanassery and later Kottayam Vicariate, was officially declared "Blessed" in a solemn ceremony held at the Christ the King Cathedral in Kottayam. The event also marked the 50th death anniversary of Archbishop Thomas Tharayil.
The beatification ceremony began with a grand procession led by Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil, Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakkatt, auxiliary bishops, and priests of the archdiocese. Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakkatt inaugurated the event and delivered the welcome address, describing the beatification as a moment of profound grace for the entire Church and a matter of deep pride for the Knanaya Catholic community.
Archdiocesan Chancellor Fr. Thomas Adopilli read the official decree declaring Mar Mathew Makil as “Blessed,” following which Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil addressed the faithful. He hailed Blessed Mar Makil as a symbol of holiness and dedication, calling him a shining example of a life lived in alignment with God’s purpose. Archbishop Thattil emphasized that Mar Makil’s elevation to the status of Blessed is not only a joyous moment for the Knanaya community but for the entire Syro-Malabar Church.
Mar Thattil portrayed Blessed Mar Makil as a visionary who dreamed of a spiritually and socially vibrant Knanaya community. “Just like the biblical Joseph, Mar Makil carried the dream of his people and translated that dream into the reality we see in the flourishing Kottayam Archdiocese today,” he said. The Archbishop credited the unity and sacrifices of priests, religious, and laity for realizing Mar Makil’s vision.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakkatt, with Auxiliary Bishops Mar Joseph Pandarasseril and Geevarghese Mar Aprem as co-celebrants, along with several priests. In his homily, Archbishop Moolakkatt described Mar Mathew Makil as a true saint whose life radiated holiness and humility. He noted that the challenges Mar Makil faced were turned into divine opportunities through his unwavering faith and trust in God. “He recognized God’s plan even in the midst of hardship and remained steadfastly close to the Church,” the Archbishop said.
Mar Moolakkatt highlighted that it was through Mar Makil’s foresight and commitment that the Kottayam Vicariate and the Visitation Congregation were established to serve the unique needs of Knanaya Catholics. “His leadership with holiness, humility, and ecclesiastical discipline helped Kottayam grow from a vicariate to a diocese and eventually an archdiocese,” he noted.
A memorial prayer service was held at the BCM College Auditorium, presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Mar Joseph Pandarasseril. The event was attended by a wide array of clergy, religious, and laity. Father Geevarghese Mar Aprem welcomed the gathering, followed by messages from dignitaries including Fr. Abraham Parampet, Knanaya Catholic Congress President Babu Parambadamalayil, Visitation Congregation Superior General Sister Immaculate SVM, and Caritas Secular Institute Director General Sister Lisi MM Kodakkodil.
The ceremony also featured the release of three commemorative publications: The Path to Purity by Fr. Thomas Adopilli, Snehatheertham Part II by Sister Alice Vattamthottiyil, and The Story of the Venerable Mar Mathew Makil by Sister Mercilette SVM. Archdiocesan Pro-Protosynchelus Fr. Thomas Animoottil extended a heartfelt vote of thanks, and a documentary film on the lives of both Mar Makil and Archbishop Tharayil was screened.
The event witnessed the participation of several prominent figures, including Chevalier Joy Joseph Kodiyanthara, Justice Cyriac Joseph, MP Francis George, MLA Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, Thomas Chazhikadan, and Stephen George, alongside a large contingent from the Knanaya community and the wider Church.
The beatification of Mar Mathew Makil stands as a monumental recognition of his enduring spiritual legacy and unyielding commitment to his people and the universal Church.