Welcome Speech 23.04.2022

 

We are in Jubilee Meet: it is a twin Jubilee celebration. 1950^th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of St. Thomas the Apostle and Silver Jubilee of the Episcopal Ordination of Mar Thomas Elavanal.

 

In Christianity, the Great Commission of the resurrected Jesus Christ is the mandate (mandatum) to His disciples to spread the gospel to all the nations of the world. With this mandate, Thomas came to India and toiled till his last breath.

It was thought previously that the Apostle landed at Kodungallur in AD 52 and died at Mylapore in AD 72. However, as per recent research, St. Thomas first evangelized North India and then the South on two separate visits to India - the first between AD 42 to 50, and the second journey to South India in AD 52.

Different historical documents state that we have had Christians in Maharashtra especially in Kalyan, Thane and Nalasopara in the early centuries.

I am sure that Mar Thomas Elavanal will enlighten more on the historical elements during his speech.

 

In this St. Thomas Cathedral Church where venerate the relic of St. Thomas, we can take a solemn commitment.

 

We praise Jesus Christ for showing the way and the truth and giving this mandate of preaching of the Gospel to the ends of the earth as part of our very being as Christians.

 

We remember God, our Father, full of gratitude for enabling this unique coming together.  This Jubilee and gathering in unity remind ourselves about the need of recommitting ourselves in the evangelizing mission by our Churches with added vigour.

Christ’s Church grows by attraction. Let our walking, praying, working together; listening to each other and the fragrance of our love attract many more to follow Christ.

 

We are not only proud to have Thomas as the founder of Christianity in India but also ready to courageously proclaim our faith at the cost of our lives. The statement of Thomas “Let us also go, that we may die with him” moves us to decisions and actions.

Apostle Thomas was the first Christian migrant to come to India. Most of us are migrants in this metropolitan city of Mumbai. This meeting can open a new horizon and vast vision.

 

We are not just migrants for a better life here but rather we are missionaries of Christ, to take the word of God to all the people of Maharashtra especially in Mumbai.

We are called to be a people that experiences and shares the joy of the Gospel, praises the Lord and serves our brethren with burning hearts.

Today, on the Eve of Puthunjayar, i.e. Sunday of Neophytes and declaration of faith “Mar Valah” - “My Lord and My God” by Apostle Thomas, we proclaim the same faith on our Indian soil, which was made wet by the blood of the apostle, who accepted martyrdom 1950 years ago.

 

The present crisis of war between Russia and Ukraine cannot be justified. For that matter there has not taken place any war that could be justified.

 

In this context, ‘Fraternity, and Social Friendship’, proposed by Pope Francis is very significant. Respecting the dignity of others, fostering justice, love, and cooperation, let us partake in the process of peace and harmony of the world family.

 

Our Lord reminds us, "Blessed are those who make peace, for they shall inherit the Kingdom of God".

 

His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias

 

And now, may I be permitted to welcome the Chief Guest of the day. It is our joy to have His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias in our midst.

He is presently the President of CBCI and member of the Council of Cardinal Advisors, established by Pope Francis. He was former president of CCBI and FABC.

Ever since the inception, the Cardinal had been a close collaborator and mentor of our Eparchy in the capacities of Chancellor, Auxiliary Bishop and now as Archbishop of Bombay.

I have heard the Cardinal several times exclaiming about the beautiful and harmonious relation between the Latin and Syro-malabar Churches in Maharashtra.

His readiness to find time for this meeting shows his love for the Eparchy of Kalyan, for Bishop Thomas Elavanal and for all of us.

 

A very cordial and warm welcome to your Eminence to be the Chief Guest of this meeting.

(Rev. Fr. Shibu Pulikkal, the Rector of the Cathedral and the Forane Vicar of Kalyan Forane does the honours to the Chief guest).

 

 

Mar Thomas Elavanal

The cause of coming together is sweetened and perfected by our Silver Jubilarian, the second Thomas in our midst, Mar Thomas Elavanal who too came to Mumbai after a mandatum began in 1997, 25 years ago.

 

We can clearly see the divine providence and plan of God when we see the following connections. Bishop Thomas was born in 1950 and this year we celebrate the 1950^th anniversary of St. Thomas. Apostle Thomas was martyred in AD 72 and this year Bishop is completing his 72 years. In this Jubilee year of St. Thomas, we also celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Thomas.

 

Let all these deepen our faith and make us more committed to the divine call. He is the maker of the Eparchy into this beautiful and graceful shape that we all enjoy and cherish in our daily life. In short, the past 25 years he was with us or we were with him, and they were 25 glorious years!!!

 

I quote some of the reactions of Bishops after seeing the invitation.

“Bp Thomas Elavanal is really a great bishop, a sound spiritual leader, an outstanding liturgist and a great humanist. We always enjoy his wits and humours. He has a leading role in the synod. It is mainly to his credit that we have in use the current Malayalam Holy Qurbana text implemented in November 2021. Being a liturgist-bishop, he is always vigilant to preserve the proper liturgical traditions of the church. Kalyan Diocese has its complexities being comprised of modern, urban, semi-urban and rural areas. The Bishop has organized several programs, manifesting his enthusiasm and spirit of initiative and dynamism. His has been a fruitful Episcopal ministry. He is “vir ecclesiasticus” means ecclesiastical man.”

 

By now we have placed him in the centre of our life, and he is the president of our Meeting today. He need not be welcomed but be honoured on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee. We wish you healthy, cheerful, and peaceful life in our midst for many more years to come dear loving Bishop Thomas Elavanal. 

 

(While Adv. Samji Joseph, the Joint Secretary of the Pastoral council honours him with a shawl and Mrs. Joffy Anil, the secretary of the Pastoral Council with a bouquet, I request you all to extend him a standing ovation).

 

His Grace Geevarghese Mar Coorilos is the Metropolitan of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Mumbai Diocese.

He was ordained a Bishop in 1991 and since then, he has been in Mumbai.

In the recent past, he caught the media attention as “papabile” of the Catholic understanding in the Orthodox Church.

His Grace has held many positions in the church. He is the senior-most reigning Bishop in Mumbai and a great friend of the Eparchy of Kalyan and of Bishop Thomas Elavanal. 

We extend a very warm and hearty welcome to Your Grace Mar Coorilos.

(Mr. James Abraham, the first Trustee of the Cathedral Church does the honours to the Bishop).

 

 

Bishop Thomas Mar Anthonios Valiyavilayil, OIC is the Bishop of Eparchy of Khadki in Pune of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, which was established in 2015, which extends over the entire southern part of India namely, the entire states of Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, together with parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

He served also as the Curia Bishop of the Syro-Malankara Church.

I have a personal connection to him: though he is an oriental canonist, he directed my thesis in Syro-Malabar liturgy during my Theology studies in Papal Seminary, Pune.

Hearty welcome to such an enthusiastic and zealous migrant missionary Bishop to this Jubilee Meet.

(Mrs.  Maria Tony, the Mathrusangam president of the Cathedral Church does the honours to the Bishop).

 

Rt. Rev. Dr. Bishop Allwyn D’Silva, (Auxiliary Bishop of Archdiocese of Bombay), a winner of several awards, a bishop from January 2017, is now the Chairperson of Prison Ministry of India, Chairperson of CCBI Commission of Ecology, Member of the CBCI Executive Committee of Justice and Peace Commission. He is truly socially committed. Ecology is close to his heart.

 

Burning hearts is a post Easter experience. Our hearts were burning while you spoke during the Ecumenical prayer meeting. On 20^th April he just celebrated his birthday. We welcome your lordship to our midst. (Sr. Moly DSHJ, Superior of Kalyan West convent does the honours to him)

 

 

His Grace Thomas Mor Alexandrios, Bishop of Mumbai Diocese of Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church had consented to be present for today’s meeting but could not be here due to some inconveniences.

Representing him, we are extremely happy to have Very Rev. Wilson Philip Cor Episcopa, Diocesan secretary of Mumbai Jacobite Syrian Church with us.

While appreciating his readiness to make it in the last moment, we would like to welcome Rev. Wilson Cor Episcopa to this Ecumenical meeting.

(Mr. Ajay Thomas Pithruvedi president of the Cathedral does the honours)

 

 

Our meeting adds its richness with the presence of the Ecumenical representatives who have come here.

I am sure that we have representatives of the Latin Church, Syro-Malankara Church, Orthodox Church, Jacobite Church and Marthoma Church.

 

We extend a hearty welcome to all the Priests and other lay representatives of these Churches.

Representing all the four Missions of the Eparchy of Kalyan including 10 districts of Maharashtra, Rev. Fr. Jerry Vallomkunnel MCBS Superior and Syncellus of the MCBS are present on the stage. (Mrs. Sajitha Joseph, a Pastoral council executive member does the honors). 

Representing all the priests ministering in the Eparchy of Kalyan, Rev. Fr. Davis Tharakan, secretary to the presbyterium is on the dais. (Mr. Pius VM, trustee of Ambernath does the honors). 

Representing all the men and women religious in the Eparchy of Kalyan, Rev. Sr. Shimi Joseph MSMI the vice-president of Catholic Religious of India of Kalyan unit also with us. (Mr. Joju CK Trustee from Badalpur does the honours).

Representing all the lay persons and various councils of the Eparchy of Kalyan, Mrs. Joffy Anil, the Eparchial Pastoral council secretary is present here. (Mr. Jose, Trustee from Ulhas Nagar does the honors).

Representing all the associations in the Eparchy of Kalyan, we have Mr. Rajeev, President of Kalyan Laity Movement and president of Pithruvedi is among us, (Mr. Joy, Trustee from Bhiwandi does the honors)

Representing all the mothers of our Eparchy, Mrs Joycee Thomas, President of Mathrusangam is present here. (Mrs. Lini Bijoy from Mathrusangam Kalyan unit does the honors

Representing all the youth of Kalyan Eparchy Youth, we have Mr Nelson Wilson. (Mr. Frinto from Mumbra does the honors)

Representing all the nurses we have Ms. Geethu Sunny, the President of JNF here. Mr. M S Baby from from Nasik Forance does the does the honors)

 

I am extremely happy to welcome all the specially invited guests off the dais.

 

Warm welcome to all my dear priests and religious who have shed their sweat and blood, working hard in the past 33 years in this eparchy and all the priests, religious and seminarians who are now part of the spiritual and material development of the Eparchy,

 

Former Superior General of Holy Family Rev. Sr. Udaya, Rev. Sr. Maris Stella, provincial of Holy Family, regional superiors, volunteers of our Social wing: Karunya Trust, representatives of the different churches and seminaries.

 

A special welcome to the members of Pastoral, Forane, parish councils, Pithruvedi, Mathrusangam, youth, catechism, JNF and all other associations, departments, movements, etc.

 

A Cordial welcome to all the faithful who are the real strength and power of the Eparchy of Kalyan. We are very grateful to you all for accepting our invitation, having come together in pilgrimage to this Cathedral seeking intercession from the Apostle Thomas and to jubilate with Bishop Thomas. A Hearty welcome to one and all.

 

Easter is behind us, the Pentecost is ahead of us. Pentecost is not an event ended but it is a never-ending reality. May the Holy Spirit guide the Christians in Mumbai and Maharashtra.

 

Jai Yesu, Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra

 

 

Fr. Francis Eluvathingal

Proto-Syncellus, Eparchy of Kalyan