Cardinal Ferrão inaugurates Jubilee in St. Francis Xaviers Parish, Kaloor, Kerala

Kochi, 7 December 2025: St. Francis Xavier’s Parish, Kaloor, in the Archdiocese of Verapoly, Kerala inaugurated the Silver Jubilee Year of the construction and blessing of its new church on 7 December 2025. The year-long celebrations were opened by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) and Archbishop of Goa and Daman.

Cardinal Filipe Neri, visiting the parish for the second time, recalled his presence at the blessing of the church in November 2001. He paid homage to the late Archbishop Daniel Acharuprambil and Msgr. Joseph Padiyaramparambil, acknowledging their vision and leadership in shaping the parish community.

Tracing the parish’s deep roots, the Cardinal noted that it began in 1862 with 92 families. Today, it has grown into a flourishing community of 6,800 Catholics from 1,680 families, organized into 55 family units. The parish runs a dynamic Sunday school serving 549 children with the support of 63 teachers and is enriched by seven active lay associations.

Located in the heart of Kochi, the parish plays a vital role in welcoming and supporting migrant Catholic faithful. The Cardinal called this a grace and a responsibility for the parish.

Reflecting on the missionary life of St. Francis Xavier, he urged the faithful to love Jesus wholeheartedly and to share the Gospel with courage and compassion. He reminded the community of the saint’s inspiring example, whose relics continue to draw pilgrims to Goa.

Cardinal Filipe Neri invited the parish to live the jubilee year with gratitude, unity, and renewed missionary commitment. He encouraged families, youth, and parish groups to become bearers of Christ’s light in society. He expressed appreciation for Parish Priest Father Paulson Simethy, parish leaders, and volunteers for their dedicated service. He prayed that all activities during the jubilee year may strengthen faith and touch lives.

The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI. Rev. Fr. Paulson Simethy, the parish priest welcomed the dignitaries and presented a memento to Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão.

With the formal declaration of the Silver Jubilee Year, the parish begins a year of celebrations marked by thanksgiving, renewal, and hope.

By Catholic Connect Reporter