“The parents of priests are specially chosen by God, and it is their faith that forms the foundation of a dedicated priestly life,” said Bishop Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil. He was addressing the gathering of priests of the Thamarassery Diocese, along with their parents, organized as part of the Ruby Jubilee celebrations of the Diocese.

Bishop Remigiose emphasized that the faith and prayer of parents play a vital role in the vocation of priests. “Priests pray not only with greater intensity than they once prayed to become priests, but also to remain steadfast and strengthened in their priesthood. In meditating on divine mysteries, priests also carry with them the faith and lives of their parents. The Diocese of Thamarassery takes pride in its priests. From the early days of settlement in the high ranges, priests held the community together and played a pivotal role in building up the region,” the Bishop said.

The gathering commenced with the Holy Qurbana at the Thamarassery Mary Matha Cathedral, led by Bishop Mar Remigiose. Subsequent sessions were hosted at the Bishop’s House, followed by lunch. Later, priests and their parents visited the Minor Seminary, reviving memories of the formative days of priestly life.

Vicar General Msgr. Abraham Vayalil, Ruby Jubilee Convener Fr. John Oravunkara, and Tom Thomas Iykolambil also addressed the gathering. Rev. Dr. Kurian Puramadom led special sessions.

The event was coordinated under the leadership of Fr. Benny Mundanattu, Fr. Subin Kavalakkattu, Fr. Sai Parankulangara, Fr. Lins Mundackal, and Fr. Kurian Thannickal.