Pathanamthitta: The Malankara Catholic Church is preparing for a historic milestone as it celebrates the 95th Reunification Anniversary and Congregational Meeting from September 16 to 20 at Mar Ivanios Nagar, All Saints Public School, Adoor. Hosted by the Diocese of Pathanamthitta, the gathering will bring together faithful from across Kerala in prayer, reflection, and fellowship.
The inaugural day on September 16 will open with colorful processions at 5 pm, followed by the flag-hoisting ceremony led by Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis, Catholicos. Dignitaries including Deputy Speaker Chittayam Gopakumar and Adoor Municipality Chairman K. Mahesh Kumar will extend greetings. A musical evening featuring renowned performer Stephen Devassy will set the tone for the days ahead.
From September 17 to 19, the evenings will be marked by the Bible Convention at 6.30 pm, inaugurated by Archbishop Thomas Mar Kurilos. Preacher Fr. Daniel Poovannam will deliver the reflections. On September 19, the laity will gather for a special session at 1.30 pm, inaugurated by Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan, with Dr. K.M. Francis leading the session. Parallel sessions include the Youth Meeting at St. Anthony’s Church, Thatta, inaugurated by Minister Roshi Augustine with a message from Anto Antony MP, and the Children’s Meeting at St. Mary’s Church, Anandapally, inaugurated by Minister Veena George, with input from Dr. Alex George.
Another highlight on September 19 will be the commemoration of the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, inaugurated at 5.30 pm by Joseph Mar Barnabas Suffragan Metropolitan, presided over by Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, and addressed by various church leaders.
The celebrations will culminate on September 20 with the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church Meeting. At 8.15 am, the faithful will receive the Patriarch of the Antiochian Syrian Catholic Church, His Holiness Ignatius Joseph III Younan, alongside Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis Catholicos and bishops of the Malankara Catholic Church. A solemn festive Holy Mass will follow, with the homily delivered by Mar Jose Pulikkal, Bishop of Kanjirapally.
The grand conclusion will be marked at 11.45 am with the closing ceremony of the Mar Ivanios commemoration, inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and presided over by Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis Catholicos. Eminent leaders including Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai and Ramesh Chennithala will deliver keynote addresses.
Organizers affirm that the 95th anniversary is not only a celebration of history but also a renewal of the Church’s commitment to faith, unity, and service in the contemporary world.