The Christmas celebration 2024
The Christmas celebration for the priests and nuns of the Diocese of Punalur took place at St. Xavier’s Animation Center in Pathanapuram. The event began with a prayer, followed by a warm welcome by Msgr. Sebastian Vas, Vicar General of the Diocese of Punalur. In his welcome speech, he emphasized that Christmas is a time when God incarnates as a human being, coming closer to us. Rt. Rev. Dr. Selvister Ponnumuthan, Bishop of Punalur, formally welcomed the chief guest, Most Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Netto, Metropolitan of the Latin Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram. Bishop Selvister recalled Archbishop Thomas’s life as a person who was moderate in speech and precise in action. Archbishop Thomas J. Netto delivered the keynote address, reminding the gathering that Christmas is about sharing with others—just as the shepherds did—through influential individuals, ideas, and experiences.
The occasion also honored the memory of Late Bishop Mathias Kappil, the first bishop of the Diocese of Punalur. The Archbishop shared an impactful phrase that had influenced him: “Keep the rules, and the rules will keep you,” emphasizing the importance of following the law to be protected by it. The Metropolitan also spoke fondly of Bishop Selvister Ponnumuthan as the father prefect who had greatly influenced him during his seminary years, describing him as a person of love, care, and compassion. The celebration included the Sacrament of Confession, a festive lunch. The cultural programmes organized by the Bishop Mathias Cultural & Heritage Institute. Very Rev. Sr. Deepa, Provincial of the SRA Congregation, expressed gratitude to all participants. The gathering concluded with heartfelt Christmas greetings and a deep sense of gratitude as everyone parted ways.
