The Mannanthala St. John Paul II Malankara Syriac Catholic Church: An Epitome of Interfaith Harmony During Attukal Pongala

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 25 February 2024 – As the city of Thiruvananthapuram is adorned with piety and the spiritual symphony of the Attukal Pongala festival, the St. John Paul II Malankara Syriac Catholic Church in Mannanthala stands as a beacon of faith and a paradigm of interfaith harmony.

The annual Attukal Pongala festival, a revered tradition cherished by women in Kerala, is celebrated with grandeur and collective spirit. It is here at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple that the world witnesses the largest gathering of women – a phenomenon so profound that it has etched its name in the Guinness World Records. This cultural needlework weaves together strands of devotion as thousands of women prepare the sacred Pongala offering, a ritual sweet rice pudding, to appease and honour Goddess Bhagavathy.

In this unique celebration of divine femininity, which unfurls across the city during the Malayalam month of Kumbham, the St. John Paul II Malankara Syriac Catholic Church has emerged as a sanctuary of solace and support. In an act of communal solidarity and respect for the sacred festivities, the church has graciously altered its schedule, postponing its morning Mass and other liturgical services, to accommodate the throngs of devotees. The church’s auditorium and parking spaces are open to the pilgrims, providing a space for rest, reflection, and participation in the Pongala rituals.

Established in 2012 by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the church has swiftly become an integral part of the spiritual landscape of Mannanthala. As the Navathi Memorial Church within the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum, it resonates with the legacy of its namesake, St. John Paul II, echoing a message of love, peace, and unity that transcends religious boundaries.

The Attukal Pongala festival and the St. John Paul II Malankara Syriac Catholic Church may represent diverse faiths, yet they stand united in the cause of spiritual upliftment and communal harmony. This synergy is a beautiful testament to Thiruvananthapuram’s ethos of religious coexistence and mutual respect. As the city awakens to the chants of prayers and the warmth of the Pongala flames, it is a reminder of the cohesive fabric of society that thrives on cooperation, understanding, and shared reverence.

Let us, therefore, embrace the essence of these celebrations, where the spirituality of the people is a binding force, creating a mosaic of cultural and religious unity. As the festivities of Attukal Pongala unfold, the St. John Paul II Malankara Syriac Catholic Church stands proud, not just as a structure of stone and mortar, but as a monument to the indomitable spirit of togetherness and the enduring power of faith.