Historic Installation of Venerable Mor Ivanios OIC’s Portrait at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Muscat

In a monumental first for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, the portrait of Venerable Mor Ivanios OIC was permanently installed in the Saints Gallery of the Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Ruwi, Muscat during the church’s annual parish feast on June 28, 2024. The honour of unveiling and blessing the portrait was carried out by His Excellency Bishop Paul Hinder OFM Cap, Emeritus Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, in a ceremony that marked a historic occasion for the Syro-Malankara Catholic community in the region.

The installation of the portrait of Venerable Mor Ivanios, the founder of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, is a noteworthy milestone not only for the faithful of Oman but also for the wider Catholic community in the GCC. This installation highlights Mor Ivanios’s enduring legacy of unity, spiritual leadership, and missionary zeal, values that resonate deeply with the expatriate Catholic community of the Gulf.

A Testament to Mor Ivanios’ Vision and Legacy

Venerable Mor Ivanios OIC was the pioneering architect of the reunion movement that brought the Malankara Syrian Church into full communion with the Catholic Church in 1930. His vision for ecclesial unity and dedication to spiritual renewal has left an indelible mark on the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, which continues to flourish worldwide. The presence of his portrait in the Saints Gallery alongside other revered figures of the Church symbolizes the profound connection between the Catholic faithful in the region and the wider universal Church.

The installation at the Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Muscat highlights the growing visibility and significance of the Syro-Malankara Catholic community in the Arabian Peninsula. With thousands of Syro-Malankara Catholics working and residing across Oman and the broader GCC, this event serves as a reminder of their deep-rooted faith and contribution to the spiritual life of the region.

Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church: A Multinational Hub of Faith

Founded in 1977, the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Ruwi is one of the most important centres for Catholic worship in Muscat, Oman, catering to a vibrant, multicultural congregation. The Church has long been a witness to the faith and perseverance of expatriate workers who first flocked to Oman in the early 1900s. Over the years, the church has grown to accommodate the rising number of Catholic faithful in the city, becoming a place of worship for various rites, including the Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara Catholics.

The first church on the site was consecrated on November 4, 1977, by His Excellency Simon Cardinal Lourdusamy, and the current, larger structure was blessed on March 10, 1995, by Cardinal Jean Louis Tauran to meet the spiritual needs of the growing community. The Church continues to play a pivotal role in the religious and community life of Catholics in Oman, acting as a hub of unity and faith for expatriates from all over the world.

A Call to the Faithful

This historic event is not only a celebration of Mor Ivanios’ contribution to the Catholic Church but also a call to the faithful residing in and around Muscat to visit the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and honour the legacy of Mor Ivanios. The Church’s Saints Gallery now stands as a place of inspiration, where visitors can reflect on the lives of saints and revered Church figures, including Mor Ivanios, who have shaped the faith through their dedication to Christ and the Church.

or those interested in attending Mass or visiting the Church, the location is easily accessible at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Ruwi, Muscat. You can find the location on Google Maps here.