Syro Malankara Catholic Church Hosts Saudi Expatriate Gathering at Catholicate Centre

The Syro Malankara Catholic Church organised a special gathering for its Saudi Arabian expatriates on July 20, 2024, at the Catholicate Centre in Kerala. The event brought together expatriates from across Saudi Arabia for a day of spiritual reflection, fellowship, and reaffirmation of their connection to the Church.

The day began with the Holy Qurbono (Holy Mass) celebrated by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, Catholicos of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church. The Mass took place at the tomb of the venerable Archbishop Mor Ivanios, where His Beatitude led the expatriate faithful in prayer and reflection, offering words of encouragement and spiritual wisdom.

Following the liturgical celebration, a public meeting was held at the Catholicate Centre. The gathering was inaugurated by His Excellency Msgr. Aldo Berardi O.SS.T., Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia. His Excellency addressed the assembly, highlighting the unique challenges faced by the expatriate community in Saudi Arabia and commending them for their steadfastness in faith amidst difficult circumstances.

Present at the meeting were esteemed members of the Church hierarchy, including His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mor Koorilos, Metropolitan Archbishop of Pathanamthitta; His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Mor Irenios, Bishop of Pathanamthitta; and His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Antony Mor Silvanos, Bishop of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia. Each offered words of support and encouragement, affirming the Church’s unwavering commitment to its diaspora.

Rt. Rev. John Thundiyath Corepiscopo, Coordinator of the Gulf Region, played a pivotal role in organising the event, working closely with clergy and laity to ensure its success. Former vicars and many members of the Malankara Catholic community residing in Saudi Arabia attended, making it a heartening and spiritually uplifting experience.

The event’s coordination and arrangements were led by Rev. Fr. George Thannimoottil, who is in charge of the Syro Malankara Catholic Mission in Saudi Arabia. His dedicated leadership ensured the smooth execution of the day’s activities, enabling the expatriate faithful to feel connected and supported despite being far from home.

This gathering served as a valuable opportunity for the Church’s expatriate community to strengthen their ties with the Church and each other, reinforcing their faith and commitment to living out their Christian identity in their daily lives.