Kerala CM launches 700th anniversary celebrations of Kollam Diocese, the oldest Latin Catholic diocese in India

Inaugurating the 700th anniversary celebrations of the Kollam Diocese, the oldest Latin Catholic diocese in India, Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan described lighting the ceremonial lamp as “a divine opportunity to bear witness to history.”

Addressing the gathering at the event in Kollam, the Chief Minister highlighted the Catholic Church’s massive contributions toward India’s socio-economic and educational progress.

“The Church helped eradicate social subjugation through literacy, and led society out of darkness and into light through its acts of love and compassion,” said Mr. Satheesan.

Archbishop Thomas J. Netto of the Trivandrum archdiocese, who presided over the function, lauded the State government’s prompt interventions in improving the living conditions of coastal communities, particularly in areas like Neendakara, as well as its swift response in search and rescue operations for fishers lost at sea. The Archbishop pointed out that when critical issues facing the coastal population were brought forward, the Chief Minister responded with immense clarity and responsibility.

”The government’s vigilance in ensuring the protection of the lives and property of fishermen, as well as developing the infrastructure of coastal areas, including Neendakara, is praiseworthy,” he said.

Kollam Bishop Paul Antony Mullassery, Emeritus Bishop Stanley Roman, Ministers Shibu Baby John, Bindu Krishna, and P. C. Vishnunath, along with MLA Vishnu Mohan and Mayor A. K. Hafeez were also present. Jubilee convener Fr. Joseph John read the Papal message from the Vatican Ambassador to India, which was translated into Malayalam by the diocese PRO, Fr. Lazer S. Pattakkad.

Archbishop lit the ‘Christu Jyothi Jubilee Flame’, designed to travel to every household in the diocese during the 700th-anniversary milestone, alongside the unveiling of a portrait of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

At the event Bishop Paul Antony Mullassery also handed over the jubilee torch and portrait to general convener Fr. Xavier Lazer to mark the official commencement of the celebrations.