Kottayam: The Kottayam Archdiocese Cherupushpa Mission League successfully organized a spiritually enriching pilgrimage in honor of Venerable Mar Mathew Makil, drawing faithful from across the archdiocese. The devotional walk began at St. Thomas Knanaya Church, Mallussery, where the faithful were formally flagged off by Fr. Thomas Animoottil, Vicar General of the Kottayam Archdiocese, who delivered an inspiring message to the participants emphasizing faith, service, and devotion.
The vicar of Mallussery Church, Fr. Biji Pallonnil, welcomed the pilgrims with an introductory address, setting the tone for the day’s spiritual journey. The participants, numbering over a thousand members of the Cherupushpa Mission League, proceeded along the route toward St. George Church, Edakkat, the sacred resting place of Venerable Mar Mathew Makil. Upon arrival, they were warmly received by Fr. Simon Pullat, Vicar of Forona.
The solemn blessing prayer at St. George Church was presided over by Mar Joseph Pandaraseril, Auxiliary Bishop of the Kottayam Archdiocese, who highlighted the life and legacy of Venerable Mar Mathew Makil, calling upon the pilgrims to draw inspiration from his unwavering commitment to faith and community service.
Adding a community dimension to the occasion, Fr. Michael Vettikat, Vicar General of the Archdiocese and Managing Director of Rashtradeepika, inaugurated the Pitrusammanam Raffle Prize Scheme, designed to support charitable initiatives within the archdiocese. The day concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Fr. Jeffin Ozhungalil, Archdiocese Director of the Cherupushpa Mission League, who expressed gratitude to the clergy, participants, and volunteers who contributed to the smooth execution of the pilgrimage.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over a thousand members of the Cherupushpa Mission League, representing various parishes across the archdiocese. The pilgrimage not only served as an expression of faith but also as a reminder of Venerable Mar Mathew Makil’s enduring spiritual legacy, inspiring the faithful to continue his mission of service, devotion, and community upliftment.