Cardinal Baselius Cleemis Catholicos of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church launched the annual pilgrimage procession to the tomb of Mar Ivanios at Pattom St Mary’s Cathedral in Thiruvananthapuram from the Kurisumala St Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church at Perinad, near Ranni, on Monday.

The pilgrimage procession was organised by the Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM) as part of the 65th feast of Mar Ivanios to be celebrated on July 14. The Cardinal, assisted by Bishops, Youhanon Mar Chrysostum, Thomas Mar Anthonios, and Jacob Mar Barnabas, celebrated the holy eucharist held at the Kurisumala church, earlier, in the morning. The Cardinal himself led the procession that began in the forenoon. The Cardinal handed over a blessed wooden cross to MCYM leaders on the occasion. The procession reached Pathanamthitta, braving the heavy downpour in the evening.

In Thiruvalla

Meanwhile, another procession to the tomb of Mar Ivanios was launched by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Thiruvalla, Thomas Mar Koorilos from St John’s Cathedral in Thiruvalla in the afternnoon.

The pilgrimage processions from Perinad and Thiruvalla come together at Adoor on Tuesday.

Small groups

Various small processions too joined the Thiruvananthapuram-bound procession at different points en route.

The procession will reach the St. Mary’s Cathedral at Pattom in Thiruvananthapuram, via Adoor, Kottarakara, Ayur and Kilimanoor on July 13, according to the organisers.

The 65th feast of Mar Ivanios will be celebrated on July 15.

Procession will reach the capital via Adoor, Kottarakara, Ayur and Kilimanoor

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