Bishop Geevarghese Mor Aprem Inaugurates Malankara Catholic Association’s Pastoral Initiatives in Tiruvalla

Tiruvalla, Kerala – The grandeur of a Christian’s calling is not merely in personal devotion but in the sacred responsibility to transform the world around them. This profound truth echoed through the halls of the Malankara Catholic Association (MCA) Tiruvalla Region’s annual gathering, where His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mor Aprem, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Kottayam, inaugurated the region’s pastoral initiatives and development projects for 2025–26.

Speaking with prophetic urgency, His Excellency reminded the faithful that the mission of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church is to be a bridge of unity—uniting communities in faith, charity, and shared purpose. “Each layperson is called not merely to exist within the Church but to be an agent of transformation in the world. We must become ambassadors of unity,” he exhorted.

The bishop reflected on the challenges facing Christian communities in Kerala, including declining Christian demographics, migration of the younger generation, and the fragmentation of familial bonds. “We live in a time when the dignity of human life is debated, yet laws exist to protect animals with greater vigour than they do for the vulnerable. Governments change, but the plight of the Christian community remains neglected. The time for Christian unity is not just near—it is overdue,” His Excellency warned, urging all faithful to stand together as a community bound by faith and action.

A Gathering of Leadership and Faithful

The programme was presided over by MCA Tiruvalla Regional President Mr. Biju George, with Rev. Fr. Mathew Vazhayil delivering the keynote address. Rev. Fr. Mathew Punakulam offered a special benedictory message. MCA National President Mr. S.R. Baiju, Mr. John Mamman, Mr. A.C. Reji, Mrs. Mini David, MCA Eparchial President Mr. Biju Palathingal, and Mr. Shibu Abraham were among those who addressed the gathering.

A symbolic handover of the pastoral action plan took place, where unit presidents and secretaries received the annual strategy document and the ceremonial lamp from the bishop, signifying their commitment to the Church’s mission.

Honouring Leadership and Launching Key Initiatives

The event also witnessed the felicitation of key MCA leaders, including Dr. Shibu Zachariah, Mr. Shaji Mathew Kooliyat, Mr. Baiju S.R., Mr. Shibu Chunkathil, Mr. Biju Palathingal, and Mr. Justin John, acknowledging their dedicated service to the Church.

The official launch of various mission initiatives followed:

• MCA National President Mr. S.R. Baiju unveiled the pastoral mission document.
• Eparchial Procurator Rev. Dr. Thomas Parackal released the Mission Karunya Project Brochure.
• Dr. Shibu Zachariah inaugurated the Mission Aid Coupon Scheme.
• Rev. Fr. Varghese Chamakala introduced the MCA Mission Magazine – Misio.
• Rev. Fr. Philip Thayillam launched the Catholic Convention Brochure, and Rev. Fr. Mathew Vazhayil conducted the first sale of mission aid coupons.

Participation and Unity in Mission

The event brought together 14 parish communities, with over 170 active members in attendance. Among the prominent priests who graced the occasion were Rev. Fr. Santhosh Azhakathu (Cherian), Rev. Fr. Thomas Kanjirathinkal, Rev. Fr. Cherian Kurisummoottil, Rev. Fr. Philip Mangattethu, Rev. Fr. Mathew Puthenpurackal, and Rev. Fr. Thomas Thoppilkalathil.

Leading the organisational efforts were Mrs. Binu John, Mr. P.C. George, Mr. Bersily Joseph, Mr. Jaymon T, Mr. Reji A.C., Mr. Saji Abraham, Mrs. Vasamma John, and Mrs. Jaya Mathew. The programme concluded with a public meeting, where General Secretary Mr. John Mamman welcomed the gathering, and Treasurer Mr. Shibu Abraham expressed gratitude.

This year’s MCA Tiruvalla pastoral initiatives reaffirm the Church’s mission—not just to preserve faith, but to live it boldly, advocating for unity, social justice, and the common good. As the faithful step into another year of service, the message is clear: the Church must stand firm, shine brightly, and work tirelessly in faith, charity, and unity.