Seven Deacons Ordained to the Priesthood in the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum

Trivandrum – As the first light of dawn touched the St. Mary’s Major Archiepiscopal Cathedral, Pattom, an air of solemnity and joy filled the sanctuary. On 13th February 2025, seven deacons of the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum received the grace of priestly ordination through the sacred hands of His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.

A Night of Reflection, A Morning of Anointing

The previous night had been one of profound spiritual intimacy. In the Chapel of the Tombs, the seven soon-to-be priests spent their final hours as deacons in deep prayer, accompanied by His Beatitude. The Major Archbishop-Catholicos, as a father preparing his sons for a sacred mission, stood beside them, calling them by name, offering personal words of guidance, encouragement, and blessing. His voice carried both paternal love and the weight of apostolic responsibility.

As the night surrendered to the dawn, the Church prepared to receive these new shepherds, anointed and consecrated to serve God’s people.

The Ordained Servants of Christ

Through the sacred laying of hands, the following deacons were ordained as priests:

1. Rev. Fr. Joseph Vadakkadathu – St. Mary Queen of Peace Basilica, Palayam, Trivandrum
   • First Holy Qurbono: 15th February 2025, 8:30 AM
2. Rev. Fr. Cyril Kottayil – St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church, Mangalakara
   • First Holy Qurbono: 15th February 2025, 2:30 PM
3. Rev. Fr. Sam Thomas Manalussseril – St. George Malankara Catholic Church, Enathu
   • First Holy Qurbono: 16th February 2025, 2:30 PM
4. Rev. Fr. Benedict Palanikunnathil – St. Behanan’s Malankara Catholic Church, Kodumon
   • First Holy Qurbono: 17th February 2025, 7:30 AM
5. Rev. Fr. Hanock Valuthundil – St. Joseph’s Malankara Catholic Church, Elamannoor
   • First Holy Qurbono: 17th February 2025, 2:30 PM
6. Rev. Fr. Abraham Uzhathil – St. George Malankara Catholic Church, Chennipara
   • First Holy Qurbono: 18th February 2025, 8:30 AM
7. Rev. Fr. Jobin Poovannathil – St. Joseph’s Malankara Catholic Church, Puthur
   • First Holy Qurbono: 18th February 2025, 2:30 PM

A Gathering of Clergy, Families, and the Faithful

The ordination ceremony was witnessed by numerous priests, religious sisters, families of the newly ordained, and the laity, who gathered in prayer and thanksgiving. The presence of esteemed bishops further elevated the occasion:

• His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Vincent Mor Paulos, Bishop of Marthandam
• His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Mor Irenios, Bishop of Pathanamthitta
• His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Yoohanon Mor Theodosius, Bishop of Muvattupuzha & Apostolic Visitator to Europe
• His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Antony Mor Silvanos, Bishop of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia
• His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mor Polycarpos, Auxiliary Bishop of the Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum

A Day of Blessing and Thanksgiving

Speaking on the occasion, His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos addressed the gathering, expressing his immense joy and gratitude:

“We are here with extreme happiness, filled with the Spirit. For our Church, our Major Archdiocese, and the families of these seven new priests, this is a day of divine blessing. Eleven years of rigorous formation, the prayers of so many, and the grace of heaven have culminated in this sacred moment.”

The number seven, His Beatitude noted, holds profound significance in Sacred Scripture. Seven is the number of completion and divine perfection, seen in the creation of the world in seven days, the seven sacraments, and the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is a sign that these seven priests are called to be instruments of God’s grace, bringing completeness to the mission of Christ on earth.

Gratitude to Formators, Clergy, and Families

The Major Archbishop-Catholicos extended his heartfelt gratitude to:

• The priests and sisters who guided them through their formation, from minor seminary, philosophical and theological studies, regency, diaconate ministry, and major seminary.
• The parish priests who mentored them during their pastoral experience.
• Fr. Francis and all seminary professors, particularly those from Aluva Little Flower Minor Seminary, for their dedication in both teaching and praying for these young men, ensuring their formation in both faith and moral strength.
• Fr. Sheen Palakkuzhy and the seminary staff.
• Fr. Dr. Abraham Charivupurayidathil, Rector of the Major Seminary at Nalanchira, for his leadership in shaping these new shepherds.

A Special Tribute to Parents

Turning his attention to the parents of the newly ordained priests, His Beatitude acknowledged their profound sacrifice:

“You have witnessed an experience today that is beyond anything else in life. All your years of sacrifice and encouragement have led to this moment. Until yesterday, you would say, ‘My son is studying to be a priest,’ but today, you can proclaim with joy, ‘My son is a priest in the Church.’ From this day forward, your identity is changed—you are now known as the parents of a priest. Wherever you go, in your parishes and communities, this honour will follow you.”

A Guiding Word for the New Priests

As a father guiding his sons into priestly ministry, His Beatitude offered words of wisdom:

• Remain close to the altar of God.
• Strengthen your hands in prayer, so they may serve the faithful with grace.
• Be present among those in suffering, not merely among your own family.
• Do not seek wealth or material comforts; your treasure is in serving the people.
• Live simply, as our elder priests once did—do not become accustomed to luxury and excess.

With a touch of humour, His Beatitude looked at the newly ordained priests, checking if their joyful expressions remained unchanged after hearing these instructions.

Finally, he invoked a blessing upon their journey:

“May heaven strengthen their feet, fill their hearts with compassion, and give them a spirit of deep listening to the needs of God’s people. May they always carry the fire of faith and remain shepherds after Christ’s own heart.”

As the Church rejoices in the ordination of these seven new priests, the faithful of the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum and beyond continue to pray for their priestly journey, that they may always remain true servants of Christ and His Church.