The Syro-Malabar Catholics of North India got their own diocese on Saturday. The diocese of Faridabad, or administrative unit of the church, was inaugurated in a grand ceremony at Thyagaraj Stadium in the capital. Monsignor Kuriakose Bharanikulangara was appointed its first bishop.
White and yellow paper-flags were waved amid prayers by thousands who turned up for the ceremony.
White and yellow paper-flags were waved amid prayers by thousands who turned up for the ceremony.
A message from Pope Benedict XVI sanctioning the new diocese and appointment of the new bishop was read out.
Major archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church cardinal Mar George Alencherry, Delhi archbishop Vincent M Concessao, and auxiliary bishop of Eranakulam Angamaly Archdiocese Mar Thomas Chakiath were the main celebrants.
The ceremony included a dance performance by a group of children dressed in the colours of the national flag.
Major archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church cardinal Mar George Alencherry, Delhi archbishop Vincent M Concessao, and auxiliary bishop of Eranakulam Angamaly Archdiocese Mar Thomas Chakiath were the main celebrants.
The ceremony included a dance performance by a group of children dressed in the colours of the national flag.
It was followed by a holy mass where the newly appointed Bishop greeted the people.
Dressed in red and golden robes, archbishops, bishops, and heads of other Christian denominations attended the ceremony.
The new diocese is the 165th Diocese of Catholic Church in India and the 31st Diocese of Syro-Malabar Church.