Kottayam: At Sahadekunnu Monastery, which is associated with St Sebastian’s Church in Kunnonni Takidi, Fr Sebastian Adappassery has officially entered monastic life. He received the religious name Sebastianos d’ Sleeva, and the consecration ceremony was led by Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt.

Fr Sebastian completed one year of canonical novitiate under the guidance of Dr Xavier Koodappuzha, the superior of the Mar Thoma Sleeha Monastery at Nellathanni Murinjapuzha. He will now begin his life as a monk following the discipline and traditions of monastic living.

In front of the diocesan bishop, he professed the three vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience, formally dedicating himself to the monastic path. With this profession, he also receives the responsibility and authority to guide others who feel called to this way of life and to admit them into the novitiate.

The place where he will reside is officially called Dayara d Sahade Kantheeshe, which means The Monastery of the Holy Martyrs. It is commonly known as Sahadekunnu Dayara. At present, it is not yet a fully functioning monastic community, but there are plans to gradually develop it into a place that fully follows the monastic lifestyle.

The ceremony took place at St Sebastian’s Church in Takidi under the leadership of Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt. Mar Joseph Pallikkaparampil, the auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Pala, assisted in the celebration.

A large number of clergy, religious superiors, monks, nuns, parishioners and representatives from various monastic communities attended the event. Participants included members from Kurisumala Ashram, the Mar Thoma Sleeha Monastery and other religious houses. Among the concelebrants were Vicar General Dr Joseph Thadathil, Dr Sebastian Vettanath, Procurator Dr Jose Muthanatt and Dr Kurian Mookkankuzhy along with many other priests and religious.