Eighth Syro-Malankara Catholic Convention held in Hudson Valley
Beginning on Thursday, August 9, 2012, Malankara Catholics from across the nation gathered together for the eighth national convention. This Convention, the first since the establishment of the Exarchate two years ago, was organized by the Pastoral Council in close consultation with the Bishop of the Exarchate, the Most Reverend Thomas Mar Eusebius. Bishop Eusebius envisioned a Convention wherein people could mingle with each other, pray together, worship together - all in an atmosphere conducive to rest, relaxation, study and prayer. And from the very first moments of the Convention until its bittersweet end on Sunday afternoon, all participants experienced the fruits of this tremendous labor of love by the Convention Committee. The members of this committee had been working hard for months and put in countless hours for the smooth flow and running of the Convention.
The Convention began with a public meeting wherein Bishop Eusebius welcomed all the faithful and the dignitaries and resources persons who had arrived from different places both in Kerala and in America. The presence of the Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church throughout the entire Convention was a supreme blessing to the Exarchate and all participants, young and old alike, expressed their gratitude toward the Most Exalted Catholicos for his leadership, guidance, and paternal affection for our young Exarchate. Similarly, the presence of Bishops Joseph Mar Thomas (former Apostolic Vistitator to North America and Europe and present Metropolitan of the Eparchy of Bathery), Vincent Mar Paulos (Metropolitan of the Eparchy of Marthandom), and Samuel Mar Irenios (Auxiliary Bishop of the Major Archeparchy of Trivandrum) were a sign of the fraternal charity that exists among our bishops and a sign of the bonds of communion which unite as and make us one Church, whether in America or in India. Bishop Gregory Mansour of the Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn and Bishop William Murphy of the Diocese of Rockville Centre were present as well to demonstrate their affection and love for the Exarchate and to strengthen the ties which unite us to them. The presence of the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, His Excellency Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, is sure sign of the Holy Father's affection for our Church and for the Exarchate in particular.
Classes were arranged for the participants according to their age. Classes and spiritual conferences were given by Reverend Father Bobby Jose Kattikad, Reverend Father Ciya Thomas, CSsR, Reverend Father Stan Fortuna, CFR, Bishop Mansour, Miss Jaisy Joseph, and others. In addition to these classes, ample opportunities for prayer and reflection were given to all participants.
The heart of the Convention though was the communal celebration of the Holy Qurbono, both in Malayalam and in English. The Sunday celebration of the Holy Qurbono, which marked the climax of the Convention, was special since it marked the last time the participants gathered. It served as a befitting conclusion to the Convention and even more appropriate beginning to the return journey.
The Exarchate expresses its gratitude it to all who made the 8th North American Convention a fruitful one and all who worked tirelessly for its success, especially the General Convener (Very Rev. Augustine Mangalath), the General Secretary (Mr. Philip John), and all members of the Convention Committee.