Church organizes thanksgiving ceremony

The Mass was led by Cardinal George Alencherry, Major Archbishop of the Syro Malabar church.

Kochi:  At least 50,000 people attended a thanksgiving Mass and meeting on Sunday that the Church in Kerala organized in connection with the canonization of Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Sister Euphrasia Eluvathinkal as Saints.

The Mass led by Cardinal George Alencherry, Major Archbishop of the Syro Malabar church, was held at the Rajagiri valley at nearby Kakkanad.

Cardinal Baselious Cleemis, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India addressed the gathering from various parts of the state. Apostolic Nuncio to India Archbishop Salvatore Penancchio also attended the function.

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy addressed a public meeting held later.
Priests and Bishops of three Catholic denominations--Syro Malabar Church, Latin Catholic Church and Malankara Church participated.

Earlier, the faithful carrying the holy relics of Fr Chavara from Mannanam and those of Sr Euphrasia from Ollur reached the valley.

Source: Business-standard