71st Memorial of Venerable Archbishop Mar Ivanios and 44th Pilgrimage Commences Today

Pathanamthitta: In commemoration of the 71st death anniversary of the Venerable Archbishop Geevarghese Mar Ivanios, the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church is embarking on a significant pilgrimage from Pathanamthitta to Pattom, Trivandrum. This marks the first such commemoration since Archbishop Mar Ivanios was declared venerable. Organised by the Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM), the pilgrimage begins on July 10 and concludes on July 14.

Pathanamthitta Pilgrimage Itinerary

• Day 1 (July 10):
  • 6:30 AM: Holy Qurbana and incense prayer at Kurishumala Church, Pathanamthitta.
  • Visits include Mar Ivanios Centre in Ranni Perunad, Eraviperur, Vennikulam, and Muthoor.
• Day 2 (July 11):
  • 6:00 AM: Departure from Ranni Perunad.
  • Stops at Maramon, Elanthoor, Cheekanal, Omallur, Kaipattor, Thatta, Anandapally, and various churches.
  • Merge with the Thiruvalla pilgrimage group.
• Day 3-4 (July 12-13):
  • Continue visiting various Malankara Syrian Catholic Churches.
  • Engage in prayers and community services along the way.
• Day 5 (July 14):
  • Arrival at Pattom St. Mary’s Major Archdiocesan Cathedral Church.
  • 5:30 PM: Final prayers and concluding ceremony.

Ranni Perunadu holds historical significance as it was the site where Mar Ivanios established the first ashram in Malankara on August 15, 1919, named “Bethany” after a contemplative biblical location, became a place of pilgrimage and spiritual retreats. It was also envisioned as a shelter for the poor and marginalized, alongside a house for orphans.

Thiruvalla Pilgrimage Itinerary

• Day 1 (July 10):
  • 8:00 AM: Holy Qurbana and incense prayer at St. John’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Thiruvalla.
  • Stops include Merygiri Aramana, Cherupushpagiri Aramana, Bathany, Thiruvalla Bodhana Social Service Society, Holy Spirit Matham, Regional Centre Thukalassery, and Bethany Convent Thirumoolapuram.
  • Conclude at Pullad St. Anthony’s Malankara Syrian Catholic Church.
• Day 2 (July 11):
  • 6:00 AM: Departure from Pullad.
  • Visits to Maramon, Elanthoor, Cheekanal, Omallur, Kaipattor, Thatta, Anandapally.
  • Merge with the Ranni Perunad pilgrimage group.
• Day 3-4 (July 12-13):
  • Continue through significant churches, engaging in prayers and community activities.
• Day 5 (July 14):
  • Arrival at Pattom St. Mary’s Major Archdiocesan Cathedral Church.
  • 5:30 PM: Final prayers and concluding ceremony.

Additional Pilgrimages

• Mavelikara: Starting from Mar Ivanios’s birthplace on July 9, inaugurated by Bishop Joshua Mar Ignathios.
• Muvattupuzha: Commences on July 10, inaugurated by Bishop Yoohanon Mar Theodosius, passes through Kottayam and Changanacherry, merging with the Thiruvalla group on July 11.
• Marthandam: Begins on July 13, led by Bishop Vincent Mar Paulos.
• Parassala: Also begins on July 13, led by Bishop Thomas Mar Eusebius.

Significance of Venerable Title: Being declared venerable by the Catholic Church is a significant recognition, marking a person’s life of heroic virtue. This declaration by the Vatican acknowledges Mar Ivanios’s profound impact on the church and his exemplary Christian life. The faithful now seek his intercession and celebrate his legacy with greater fervor.

Additional Events and Celebrations

Cardinal Cleemis’ Address: Cardinal Baselios Mar Cleemis Catholicos delivered a profound message at the commencement of the commemoration events at Pattom St. Mary’s Cathedral on 1st July 2024. He emphasized that the life of Mar Ivanios is an inspiration and model for relying on and clinging to God, especially in times of moral upheaval.

Daily Prayers and Services: From July 10 to 15, there will be evening prayers and Qurbana, followed by incense prayers at the tomb of Mar Ivanios. Continuous prayers will be held from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM led by various religious communities, organisations, and institutions.

Candlelight Procession: On the evening of July 14, a candlelight procession with thousands of pilgrims will take place after the evening prayers.

Grand Holy Mass: On the concluding day, July 15, Cardinal Baselios Mar Cleemis Catholicos will lead the grand Holy Mass. Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil of the Syro-Malabar Church will be the chief guest for this year’s commemoration.

This pilgrimage and the associated events serve not only as a spiritual journey but also as a celebration of the life and legacy of Mar Ivanios, uniting the faithful in prayer and reflection on his exemplary life and dedication to God and the Church.