Message from Vicar
God is well pleased in saints. They are, indeed true models for people to live the faith. It is a fact that the Church is not able to provide details regarding the life of St. George. However, he is famous through out the world on account of his unending faith and love for Christ, which accomplished in martyrdom. It is a traditional belief that he was born at Lidda in Palestine. Deacon Theodosius is the first pilgrim who mentioned the tomb of St. George in A.D 530. He is the patron saint of England. In the Middle East, he is known Geevarghese El Khader which means "the living".Edathua festival of St. George is one of the most famous Christian festivals of South India in which there is the participation of almost 9 lakhs of pilgrims and devotees of St. George. Since the year 1810 this festival is celebrated annually from 27th April to 7th May and the celebration extended upto 14th May since the year 1980 at the demand of the people. It is being the regional festival, natives who are living outside, relatives as well as friends of natives and well wishers also join for the celebrations. In fact, Edathua is a cradle of religious harmony because of St. George Church, Pilgrims of various religions and castes, particularly from southern states of India visit the Church and seek divine blessings through the heavenly mediation of St. George during the festival season. Most of the pilgrims who are coming from distant places stay in Edathua for couple of days.
St. George Forane Church Edathua is specially blessed by the Almighty God, because Kerala Assissi Puthenparampil Thommachen, son of this parish is canonically declared 'Servant of God' by His Grace Mar Joseph Perumthottam, Archbishop of Changanacherry on 29th June 2012 in the presence of thousands gathered on the occasion in the church. As you all know, he is the first Servant of God from the laity of Kerala Catholic Church. Now pilgrims and devotees visit his tomb in the parish cemetery.
This festival celebration is organized every year in collaboration with various departments of state government, private organizations and people of this region. The parish is well prepared to receive the devotees. This year, there are 36 special committees already working for the meaningful conduct of festival celebrations. Like last year, this year also we have put up a water proof hangar pandal of size 40,000 square feet having a single roof system for the existing custom of grand trade fair beside the churchyard. There are 225 stalls.
I am very glad to bring to your attention that this year, we could beautifully renovate the holy place inside the church where the saint's statue is situated. It was blessed by His Grace Mar Joseph Powathil on 14th April 2013 and opened it for the devotees.
Bicentinary Memorial Georgian Pastoral Centre, a long cherished dream of our parish has been completed its construction and blessed by His Grace Mar Joseph Perumthottam on 19th April 2013,followed by its inauguration in the presence of Sri Kodikkunnil Suresh, the Honorable Minister of state for labour and human resources, Government of India.
On this occasion, I am very happy to wish you all a grace-filled feast of the saint. May the Almighty God bestow His blessings upon all of you. Let your prayers be fulfilled through the special mediation of St. George, our Heavenly Patron.
Together with the parishioner,s I cordially welcome you to receive divine blessings.
Yours' in Christ
Fr. Kurian Puthenpura
Vicar
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