First Syro Malankara Catholic Convention in United Kingdom

The First Syro-Malankara convention in the United Kingdom was held at Mar Ivanios Nagar, St John’s Fisher Parish in Coventry, on 9 July, 2011. His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis, the Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, Rt. Rev. William Kenney, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Birmingham were the main dignitaries of the Convention.

The Convention commenced at 10:30 am by a traditional & ceremonial welcome to dignitaries. This was followed by the Holy Qurbono celebrated by His Beatitude and Rt. Rev. William Kenney & Rev Fr. Daniel Kulangara were the co-celebrants. Bishop William delivered the homily during the Holy Qurbono. During the Qurbono four children had received First Holy Communion from His Beatitude. Hundreds of Malankara Catholics flocked to witness and partake the Holy Qurbono.

Following lunch, the convention meeting started by a devotional prayer song. Rony Jacob, the Pastoral Council Secretary, welcomed the dignitaries and delegates to this great occasion. The event also witnessed devotional songs and speeches performed by our young artists. Rev. Fr. Daniel Kulangara, the Special Pastor and Coordinator for the Malankara Catholic Missions in U.K. addressed the delegates emphasising the significance of this convention and also reminded the delegates about the need for continued and renewed faith. Dr John Shankarathil, one of the senior citizens of the Malankara Catholic Church felicitated and congratulated His Beatitude for completing 25 years of priestly ministry. Various representatives from the Malankara Catholic missions in U.K took the opportunity to introduce their mission activities and also solicited cooperation from all to help grow these missions.

His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis then addressed and enlightened the delegates with an ardent fervour reminding them of responsibilities of Catholic Christians and also the need to help the growth of Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in the U.K. His Beatitude also emphasised on the significance of family values and their pivotal role in the growth of Church. This was followed by handing over a cheque to the Charity-Fund of His Beatitude by Rev. Fr. Daniel Kulangara.

His Beatitude also declared the venue for the next convention. Manchester was the venue that was picked up by His beatitude following a ballot. The event concluded with photo sessions with His Beatitude followed by a high tea. Numerous Malankara Catholics poured in from all parts of the country to witness and participate in this historic event.