10th Syro-Malankara Catholic Convention concluded

  • Posted on: 7 August 2018

The 10th Syro-Malankara Catholic Convention was held on August 2 to 5, 2018, based on the theme "Young People, The Faith, and Vocation Discernment" at Stamford, Connecticut. The preparations were conducted under the guidance of Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos, Bishop of the Eparchy, Rev. Fr. Augustine Mangalath, the General Convener, and Rt. Rev. Msgr. Peter Kochery, the Vicar General. The Pastoral Council and the various Convention committees worked hard and with dedication behind the scenes to make the Convention a success.

The landmark event was attended by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Major Archbishop-Catholicos, along with Most Rev. Thomas Mar Eusebius, Bishop of the Eparchy of Parassala, Most Rev. Geevarghese Mar Makarios, Bishop of Eparchy of Puttur, and Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Theodosius, Bishop of the Major Archieparchial Curia and Apostolic Visitator to Europe & Oceania. The event was also attended by Most Rev. Paul Patrick Chomnycky, OSBM, Bishop of Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Stamford and Most Rev. Kurt Burnette, Bishop of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic.

The seminars of the Convention were divided into five simultaneous sessions : Children 6 & Below, Children (7-10) led by Sr. Joan, Teens (11-14) led by Dr. Antone Raymundo, Young Adults (15-25) led by Bryan Mercier and Msgr. James McDonald, Adults (English) led by Rev. Dr. Abraham Orapankal, and Adults (Malayalam) led by Rev. Dr. Roy Palatty, CMI. It is notable that this Convention, for the first time, had sessions for adults fully in English. The Convention also featured entertainment programs, comedy hour, games, Bible Quiz, perpetual adoration, availability of Sacrament of Confession, and meetings of various Eparchial Apostolates and Councils. Around 700 people attended this highly successful and historic event.