60th Feast of Commemoration – Theerthadana Padayatra by UAE Community in Trivandrum

The Syro Malankara Catholic faithful, residing in various emirates in United Arab Emirates, participated in the celebrations of the 60th Feast of Commemoration of the Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios. As scheduled, the members of MCYM in UAE, who are on vacation gathered at St. Aloysius Minor Seminary, Kuravankonam, on 14 July. Following the inauguration by His Excellency Vincent Mar Paulos, the Chairman, MCYM & the bishop of Marthandom, the Padayatra started towards the tomb of Mar Ivanios at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom at 3.30 PM. Rev. Fr. Mathew Kandathil and the office bearers of MCYM, UAE lead the Theerthadana Padayathra. The Padayathrees were received at the entrance of the tomb chapel by Very Rev. Fr. James Paravila, the parish priest of the Cathedral. It was followed by special prayers at the Tomb of Servant of God. It is for the first time the UAE community organizes a padayathra in Trivandrum and for the majority of the participants it was a new experience. About 100 people participated in it and they hope to continue in the coming years.  Most of the members stayed back and had attended the functions on 15th July. The members of MCYM in UAE lead by Mr. Shaju Baby and Mr. Xavier Mathew, had done all the preparations for the padayathra.