Celebrations of the 61st Feast of Commemoration of the Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios started

The spiritual preparatory services for the 61st Feast of Commemoration of the Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios commenced on 1 July at St Mary’s Cathedral, where His tomb is situated. The services continue till 15 July, the memorial day of the Servant of God. His Excellency Thomas Mar Anthonios, Curia Bishop and Postulator of the Cause of Canonization inaugurated preparatory services with a message and Dhoopaprarthana. In his message, His Excellency said that the observance of these days helps us to acquire the charism of the Servant of God and be sanctified by his sanctity. He also invited the faithful to pray fervently to the Lord to give a visible sign, a miracle through the intercession of the Servant of God, for the promotion of the Cause of his Canonization.

In the evening, Holy Qurbono was concelebrated by His Excellency Mar Anthonios with Rev. Fr Varghese Manackalett, Rev. Fr Joseph Poovathumtharayil, Rev. Fr John Kallumpurath and Rev. Fr Xavier Konnathvila. It was followed by Dhoopaprarthana and Nercha. Many religious and faithful participated in the service.

On the 14 days preceding the feast, prayer services, Holy Qurbono, Memorial Speeches and Dhoopaprarthana are held every day at the tomb. Padayathra to the tomb from various regions of the Church start on 9 July onwards.

The main Padayatra from Ranni-Perunadu begins on 10 July with the concelebrated Holy Qurbono led by His Excellency Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom, Bishop of Pathanamthitta. The pilgrims of the Padayatra will converge at the tomb at 5 pm on 14 July. It will be followed by sandhya Prarthana and candle procession.