Conclusion of the 44th Pilgrimage on the 71st Memorial of Venerable Mar Ivanios

Thiruvananthapuram, July 14, 2024 – The 44th pilgrimage commemorating the 71st memorial of Venerable Archbishop Mar Ivanios reached its culmination yesterday, with the final mass and prayers scheduled for tomorrow. The pilgrimage began on July 10 from Ranni Perunadu Mundanmala, a place of great significance in Mar Ivanios’ life, and concluded in Thiruvananthapuram, attracting thousands of faithful from across the globe.

Arrival at the Tomb

Upon reaching the doorstep of the tomb, His Beatitude Most Rev. Mar Thattil Raphael, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, placed a shawl on the Vallikurush that started its journey from Mundanmala, followed by His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis kissing the cross. The bishops, along with Mar Raphael, then visited the tomb of Mar Ivanios, where they offered their prayers.

Opening the Tomb to Pilgrims

Following this solemn moment, the tomb was opened to the public, allowing the faithful to visit and pay their respects. The bishops then proceeded to the Cathedral for the evening prayers.

Evening Prayer and Procession

The Sandhya Prarthana (evening prayer) began at 6:30 PM. During the prayer, His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis expressed gratitude to God for helping the pilgrims endure the elements and acknowledged the dedication of the participants. He emphasized the teachings of Mar Ivanios on spreading the gospel and being the light of the world. Cardinal Cleemis reminded everyone that carrying the candle symbolises their commitment to spreading the word of God. Despite the rain that began during the procession, he encouraged the participants, highlighting their perseverance.

The pilgrimage’s motto this year, inspired by Mar Ivanios’ vision, was to spread the gospel everywhere. His Beatitude shared that when he prayed at the tomb, he was enlightened with the message to be the light of the world, as Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Candlelit Procession

This was followed by a candlelit procession (Mezhuthiri Pratheekshanam) that began from the church, passing through the John Paul II gate, the Catholicate Centre, via St. Mary’s School, and culminating at the tomb at the base of the church.

Prayer for Mar Ivanios

The bishops re-entered the tomb chapel, where they offered prayers for Mar Ivanios.

Apostolic Blessing

The bishops, accompanied by His Beatitude Most Rev. Mar Thattil Raphael, then stepped above the tomb chapel to give the apostolic blessing to the tens of thousands of attendees.

Slusho Aman Prayer

While the bishops stood there, the Slusho Aman prayer, meaning “We believe in One God,” was recited. Following the prayer song, all the bishops, along with Mar Raphael, gave the apostolic blessing.

Closing Remarks by His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis

In his closing remarks, His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis thanked everyone for their participation and resilience, especially in battling the rains. He expressed gratitude to God for the protection over the past five days, despite brief drizzles.

He also extended a special welcome to His Beatitude Most Rev. Mar Thattil Raphael, noting it was his first major event with the Syro-Malankara Church since his enthronement as the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church. The crowd responded with applause. Cardinal Cleemis reminded everyone of the official welcome ceremony for His Beatitude Mar Raphael at 7:45 AM tomorrow at the Cathedral, marking the concluding day of the Ormaperunnal.

Bishops in Attendance

The pilgrimage saw the attendance of several Bishops, including:

• His Beatitude Most Rev. Mar Thattil Raphael
• His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos
• His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Koorilos
• His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Joshua Mar Ignathios
• His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thomas
• His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Vincent Mar Paulos
• His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Mar Irenios
• His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Makarios
• His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Eusebius
• His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Anthonios OIC
• His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos
• His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Yoohanon Mar Theodosius
• His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Antony Mar Silvanos
• His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mar Polycarpos
• His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Julios
• His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mar Pachomios OIC

Padayatra from various regions, including Muvattupuzha, Thiruvalla, Gurgaon, Pune, Marthandam, Parasalla, and the Gulf, joined the pilgrimage, reflecting the widespread devotion to Mar Ivanios’ legacy.

Tomorrow’s Schedule

The final day’s schedule includes the concluding mass and prayers, starting with the official welcome of His Beatitude Most Rev. Mar Thattil Raphael at 7:45 AM at the Cathedral. The event will culminate in a grand Eucharistic celebration and apostolic blessings, commemorating the life and teachings of Venerable Mar Ivanios.