His Eminence Cardinal Mar George Alencherry, Major Archbishop of Syro-Malabar Church, while addressing the faithful gathered for the inauguration of the new Eparchy of Shamshabad and installation of its first Bishop His Excellency Mar Raphael Thattil, conveyed that Raphael Thattil is a wholehearted missionary. His Beatitude Cardinal Alencherry highlighted that Mar Raphael Thattil is a perfect shepherd for the new Eparchy of Shamshabad. The faithful gathered applauded for the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church when he began addressing them in Telugu.
As reported by syromalabarchurch.in, Honorable Mr. Kurian Joseph, judge of Supreme Court of India, remarked that “The Gospel has the same four main values of Justice, Freedom, Equality, Fraternity, like in the Indian Constitution. May Mar Raphael Thattil fight like a prophet for the underprivileged, ignored, falsely accused and for the people who don’t know about Jesus Christ.” His Excellency Mar Raphael Thattil highlighted that “The rhythm of Shamshabad Diocese is its unity and it shares the border of 72 dioceses.”
The ceremony began around 9:00 am on 7th January, after which a public meeting was arranged in CKR & KTR Convention Hall, Belapur, Hyderabad. More than 1000 faithful joined the function, which included the representatives from Rome and major Cardinals across India.
