The first representative conference of the Knanaya Catholic Region in the United States was inaugurated by His Grace Mar Mathew Moolakkatt, Metropolitan of the Archeparchy of Kottayam. The conference was themed “Pastoral Renewal Rooted in Knanaya Heritage.”
The three-day representative conference was made especially notable by the presence of His Excellency Kurishummoottil Mar Geevarghese Aphrem, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Kottayam for the Syro-Malankara faithful, who was visiting the United States for the first time.
The Holy Qurbana (Mass) was celebrated under the main celebrancy of His Grace Mar Mathew Moolakkatt, with co-celebrants including Bishop Geevarghese Mar Aphrem, Monsignor Thomas Mulavanal (Director of the Knanaya Region and Vicar General of the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago), along with all the regional priests and co-workers.
Speaking in the context of the Church’s preparation for the Pentecost feast, His Grace Mar Mathew Moolakkatt expressed his wishes that, just as the disciples were united in prayer with the Blessed Mother and received the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room, these three days may be fruitful and spiritually enriching.
Seventy representatives from fifteen parishes and seven missions across various parts of the United States participated in the Knanaya Regional Conference.
The closing ceremony of the conference was also inaugurated by His Grace Mar Mathew Moolakkatt. His Excellency Mar Joy Alappatt, Bishop of the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago, presided over the session. He thanked the Knanaya clergy, religious, and laity for their love and unity with the diocese, affirming that the hopes and aspirations of the Knanaya faithful are also his own, and he assured his continued support in fulfilling them.
At the concluding session, blessings and speeches were delivered by His Excellency Geevarghese Mar Aprem and Monsignor Pathros Champakkara, Vicar General of the Mississauga Syro-Malabar Diocese in Canada.
The Christ the King Knanaya Catholic Parish in Dallas hosted the representative conference.