19th Feast of Commemoration of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church celebrated the 19th Feast of Commemoration of His Grace Benedict Mar Gregorios, the Second Metropolitan Archbishop, on 9 & 10 October 2013. As part of the commemoration Malankara Social Service Society conducted a seminar on Development on 9 October at Catholicate Centre auditorium. Rev. Dr. Jacob Naluparayil (Editor, Karunikan), Dr. Kurias Kumblakuzhy(Kerala State Information Commissioner), Sri. V.M Sudheeran and Sri. Binoy Visham presented the different themes on Development. Rev. Fr. Romance Antony (Director, Kerala Social Service Forum) and Sri. P.P James (President, Trivandrum Press Club) were the moderators. A memorial meeting was held in the afternoon. The meeting was presided by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos and it was inaugurated by G. Karthikayan (Hon’ble Speaker, State Legislative Assembly), Most Rev. Dr. Joshua Mar Ignathios and Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Mar Irenios made benedictory address.

Santhi Yathra organized by MCA started from St. Thomas Church, Nalanchira to the Tomb of Mar Gregorios at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom and it was inaugurated by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Joshua Mar Ignathios . Priests, religious, and faithful participated in the Santhi Yathra. It was followed by evening prayer and Dhoopaprarthana at Tomb chapel.

On 10 October at 8 a.m. the Holy Qurbono was concelebrated by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos with Most Rev. Dr. Joshua Mar Ignathios, Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Mar Irenios, Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos and many Rev. Priests at the Cathedral. In his memorial Speech at Tomb Chapel after the Holy Qurbono, His Beatitude remembered Benedict Mar Gregorios as a great visionary, a great lover of the Church community and the Community at large. Saplings were distributed in memory of Mar Gregorios who was true lover and friend of trees.

It was followed by the Dhoopaprarthana. The celebrations were concluded with the distribution of Nercha. Many Priests, Religious and faithful participated in the celebration.