Believers celebrate ordination of Cardinal George Koovakad

PTI Kottayam (Kerala): A day after 51-yearold Indian priest George Jacob Koovakad was elevated to the rank of Cardinal by Pope Francis, a wave of profound joy and pride engulfed the faithful of Mammoodu Lourdes Matha Church and Changanassery town as they celebrated the remarkable achievement of their native. The parish community came together to express admiration for the priest who has become a beacon of faith and hope for the Changanassery Archdiocese and the country.

Hailing from the Archdiocese of Changanassery in Kerala, Koovakad's appointment brings the total number of Indian cardinals to six, further strengthening the country's representation in the Vatican. The parish members and others are planning to accord a warm reception to the Cardinal who will be coming to his native town by next week from Rome. "We are planning to give him a grand reception in Changanassery on December 23, and preparations have already begun," Fr. John V Thadathil, vicar of Mammoodu Lourdes Matha Church told media. A large crowd gathered at Mammo o du Lourd e Matha Church, the Cardinal's home parish in Kottayam, on Saturday night to watch the ordination ceremony of Cardinal George Koovakad, streamed live on a big screen in the church hall.

The church resonated with hymns of gratitude, and the air was thick with emotion as believers reflected on the monumental achievement of one of their own. Among those present were Changanassery MLA Job Michael, and others. Litty Mathew, the sister of Cardinal Koovakad, shared her excitement, calling it "God's great will." "We never expected this, and we are overjoyed as this is a wonderful gift for us during the Christmas season," she told reporters. Her husband, Mathew Scaria said the Cardinal is expected to return home by December 15.