“I take this opportunity to thank the church in India and Kerala for your apostolic vigour and for your witness to the Faith! My heartfelt gratitude! Keep up the good work! Kerala is rich in vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Continue on this path, working through your witnesses.” These words of Pope Francis thrilled the thousands of Indian Pilgrims, who came to Rome to participate in the Canonization of St. Kuriakose Elias Chavara and St. Euphrasia.
St. Peter’s Basilica
On Saturday, at 16.00 the spiritual preparation began with the Vigil Service at the Basilica of the Santa Maria Maggiore. Cardinal Leonardo Sandri was the main celebrant. On Sunday, 23 Nov, from onwards, the Indian pilgrims entered into St. Peter’s Square. Most of the Indian Pilgrims were seated in the first block on the right side of the Vatican Square. So that particular block displayed our national flag and banners with pictures of the Indian Saints. It was so heart-warming to see that the pilgrims were preparing themselves by praying rosaries and singing Malayalam devotional songs. On 24th, the pilgrims gathered at the Basilica of St. Peter’s for the Thanksgiving Mass. At 09.00, the Holy Father greeted the pilgrims of the Indian Church and at 10.00 the Holy Eucharist in Syro Malabar rite was celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal George Alencherry. The CBCI President, His Eminence Cardinal Baselios Cleemis shared the word of God. It was a rare and unique scene, where more than 600 priests were con-celebrating, wearing the Syro-Malabar vestments. An unforgettable moment for the Syro Malabar Church!
St. Peter’s Square
Keralites are known for migration. In every corner of the world, there is a keralite. Almost every Diocese and Congregation in India has been blessed with the presence of a keralite. That is why, the Holy Father reiterated on Sunday and ‘Kerala the land of Vocation’. Now the migration from earthly world to the eternal world has been initiated by St. Alphonsa, St. Kuriakose and St. Euphrasia. They have shown the way and destination. Let us live in holiness, in our vocation and walk through the shown path to reach God.
