Divine Mercy Congress Held in Bathery Diocese as Part of Kerala Church Renewal

A Divine Mercy Congress was held on October 2, 2023, at the St. Thomas parish church in Bathery diocese, as part of the Kerala Church Renewal. The congress began with a rosary and was followed by classes and worship.

The Holy Eucharist was celebrated under the chairmanship of His Grace Joseph Mar Thomas Metropolitan, the bishop of Bathery diocese, and concelebration by His Grace Samuel Mar Irenios Metropolitan, the bishop of Pathanamthitta diocese, and other respected priests of the diocese.

In his homily, His Grace Samuel Mar Irenios Metropolitan spoke on the theme “The Holy Eucharist and the Christian Life.” He said that the church is centered on the Divine Mercy, and that every Christian must strive to be sanctified through it.

The congress was organized by the diocese’s vicar general, Msgr. Sebastian Keypullil Coorepiscopa, Msgr. Jacob Olikkal, Chancellor Fr. Sebastian Itayat, Fr. Wilson Kochuplakkal, Fr. Thomas Christumandiram, Fr. Benny Panchirapparambil, Fr. Thomas Kanniramkulam, and Pastoral Council Secretary Shri. Philip Nainan.

Sisters from various religious congregations in the diocese, representatives from 10 areas and 105 parishes, members of the Pastoral Council, and other laypeople were present.

The congress was a significant event that provided an opportunity for Catholics in the Bathery diocese to learn more about the church’s Divine Mercy devotion and to commit themselves to living a more holy life.