12th Malankara Catholic Convention Draws the Faithful to Hilton, CT

Clergy, religious, and families from across the St. Mary Queen of Peace Eparchy in the USA and Canada came together this past week for the 12th Malankara Catholic Convention, a four-day gathering of prayer, formation, and celebration held under the theme “Worship the Father in Spirit and Truth” (Jn 4:23).

From the opening registration on Thursday, July 23, to the closing blessing on Sunday, July 26, the convention wove together the Holy Qurbono, catechetical formation for every age group, and moments of joyful cultural celebration, offering the Eparchy community four days of shared faith and fellowship.

A Joyful Opening
The convention began Thursday afternoon with arrivals and registration, setting the tone for what would become a lively gathering of the generations. A Social Hour and an MCYM Ice Breaker welcomed the youth, while the Inaugural Meeting in the Grand Ballroom officially opened the proceedings, followed by Evening Prayer and dinner.

The night came alive with the Malankara Olympics and Volleyball Tournament at Chelsea Piers in Stamford, a spirited Convention Quiz Competition, and Cultural Night 1, a Liturgical Music Concert that set a prayerful and festive mood for the days ahead. The day drew to a close in quiet reflection with private Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Eucharistic Chapel.

Formation for Every Generation
Friday and Saturday formed the heart of the convention’s catechetical program. Each morning opened with Holy Qurbono in the Grand Ballroom — Most Rev. Dr. Kuriakose Mar Osthathios delivered the homily on Friday, and Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thomas on Saturday — grounding the day’s activities in the Eucharist.

Throughout both days, four concurrent sessions offered age-appropriate faith formation for children as young as six through young adults in their thirties, covering themes of prayer, the meaning of worship, the Holy Qurbono, discernment, and the sacraments. Parallel tracks welcomed married couples, young couples, parents of teens and college students, and seniors. At the same time, the Eparchy’s Malayalam-speaking adults gathered for a series led by Rev. Dr. Jolly Karimpil exploring the depths of the Malankara Qurbono. A dedicated Life Skills and Career Fair, organized by the MCYM, gave young people practical guidance for the road ahead, and a Seniors’ Panel Discussion offered wisdom on retirement and legacy, moderated by Rev. Dr. George Oonnoony.

Friday afternoon also brought together the Eparchy’s leadership for meetings and photo sessions with the Eparchial Pastoral Council, Sunday School teachers, and clergy and religious. A Penitential Service and Sacrament of Reconciliation followed in the Grand Ballroom, led by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Peter Kochery, Cor Episcopo, with a message from Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mar Pachomios and confessions offered by priests throughout the convention.

Time with Our Bishops
A highlight of Saturday afternoon was “Time with our Bishops,“ a special gathering that allowed the faithful to come together with the shepherds present at the convention: Most Rev. Philipos Mar Stephanos, Eparchial Bishop of St. Mary Queen of Peace Eparchy; Most Rev. Dr. Kuriakose Mar Osthathios; Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thomas; and Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mar Pachomios.

Celebration and Culture
The evenings brought the community together in celebration. Cultural Nights 2 and 3 showcased performances from parishes across the Eparchy. At the same time, “Malankara Family Feud,” hosted by the Tea with Thomas Podcast team, brought laughter and friendly competition to the Grand Ballroom. Saturday’s program also included a milestone celebration: the Episcopal Silver Jubilee of His Beatitude, marked with a Valedictory Function in the Grand Ballroom. Youth and married couples continued the fellowship late into the night with the MCYM Afterhours and dedicated Family Apostolate gatherings each evening.

A Prayerful Farewell
The convention reached its conclusion on Sunday morning with Morning Prayer, a Liturgical Reception, and Holy Qurbono in the Grand Ballroom, with Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mar Pachomios offering the homily. The gathering closed with the Vote of Thanks and the Apostolic Blessing, known as “Sloosok Aman,” before participants departed following checkout and lunch.