- 15 July, 2025
India, July 15, 2025: Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, offered a moving tribute to Venerable Archbishop Mar Ivanios during the 72nd annual Mar Ivanios celebrations in Trivandrum on Tuesday. Presiding over the Holy Qurbono as part of his week-long visit to India, Archbishop Gallagher reminded the faithful that Mar Ivanios continues to call each person to holiness and to remain deeply rooted in Christ.
"Venerable Archbishop Mar Ivanios encouraged his brethren to cultivate a personal relationship with Christ, to seek holiness in everyday life, and to serve others selflessly," he stated during the homily.
Venerable Archbishop Mar Ivanios Continues to Inspire
Standing before the faithful gathered in Trivandrum, Archbishop Gallagher said it was with a profound sense of gratitude that he conveyed the greetings and Apostolic Blessing of His Holiness Pope Leo, “who asked me to send you his warm regards.”
“It is truly an honour,” he added, “to be welcomed into this sacred assembly of faithful in Trivandrum, a place that proudly preserves the ardour of faith since the times of the Apostle Thomas, to celebrate this Holy Qurbono on the feast of the Venerable Archbishop Mar Ivanios, a man whose life and mission continue to inspire us to this day.”
“Archbishop Mar Ivanios' life and mission continue to inspire us to this day.”
A Holy and Far-Seeing Visionary
Describing the Venerable Archbishop as a visionary, Archbishop Gallagher said, “This faithful servant of God was not just a church leader or an educator; he was a far-seeing visionary who embodied the Gospel’s call to unity, holiness, and service.”
He emphasised that the principle of unity guided Mar Ivanios’ entire ministry — a unity grounded in prayer, humility, and dialogue. “True unity cannot be imposed by force but must be drawn from the heart of the Gospel, which calls us to be one as the Father and the Son are one,” he noted.
“His example,” the Archbishop urged, “challenges us to look beyond our differences and to seek the common ground of faith in Christ.”
Deep Commitment to Holistic Education
Archbishop Gallagher highlighted Mar Ivanios’ dedication to education, calling it another foundational aspect of his ministry. “This Apostle of unity understood that education should be transformative, not merely intellectually but above all morally and spiritually,” he said. “It should be holistic, nurturing the whole person: mind, body, heart and soul.”
He also noted that Mar Ivanios was a pioneer in promoting women's education “at a time when this was not widely established, showing his broadminded outlook and profound respect for human dignity.”
A Life Rooted in God's Love
Reflecting on the Venerable Archbishop’s spiritual writings, Archbishop Gallagher said they emphasised “the importance of prayer, the sacraments and living a life rooted in the love of God.”
“Mar Ivanios encouraged his brethren to cultivate a personal relationship with Christ, to seek holiness in everyday life, and to serve others selflessly,” he reiterated.
As he concluded his homily, Archbishop Gallagher invited all present to see the legacy of Mar Ivanios not merely as a historical memory, but as a present and personal call. “Let us never forget that his legacy is not just a historical fact,” he said. “It is a living call to each of us. Whether through prayer, education, unity, or service, we are invited to continue his mission in our own context.”
He concluded with a prayer: “May Christ, the Good Shepherd, bestow on us the grace to be faithful disciples, courageous leaders, and compassionate servants, building a Church and a world where unity, peace, and love reign.”
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, is currently visiting India to “strengthen bonds of friendship and collaboration.” He officially arrived in India on Sunday, 13 July, and will remain in the country until Saturday, 19 July.
Courtesy: Vatican News
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