A Historic Day for Melbourne’s Syro-Malabar Community: Consecration of St. Alphonsa Cathedral
Melbourne, Australia – November 23, 2024: The Syro-Malabar Catholic community in Melbourne marked a historic milestone with the consecration of the St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Cathedral in Epping. The event, held on the eve of the Feast of Christ the King, was a profound celebration of faith, perseverance, and unity, bringing together parishioners, clergy, and dignitaries from across Australia and beyond.
The day began with a grand reception of bishops at 9:00 AM, followed by the solemn consecration of the cathedral at 9:30 AM, transforming the beautifully designed space into a sacred house of God. The highlight of the day was theSolemn Celebration of the Holy Qurbana, led by Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil, who traveled from India to preside over the ceremony.
A Gathering of Church Leaders
The consecration brought together an extraordinary assembly of bishops and clergy, underscoring the importance of the occasion for the wider Catholic community. Notable attendees included:
• Archbishop Peter Comensoli, Archbishop of Melbourne
• Archbishop Mark Coleridge, Archbishop of Brisbane
• Archbishop Christopher Prowse, Archbishop of Canberra-Goulburn
• Archbishop Julian Porteous, Archbishop of Hobart
• Bishop Mykola Bychok, Cardinal-elect, Ukrainian Catholic Diocese
• Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay, Maronite Catholic Eparchy
• Bishop Robert Rabbat, Melkite Catholic Eparchy
• Bishop Amel Nona, Chaldean Catholic Eparchy
• Bishop Sebastian Vadakkel, Eparchial Bishop of Ujjain
• Bishop Jose Porunnedom, Eparchial Bishop of Mananthavady
• Bishop George Madathikandathil, Eparchial Bishop of Kothamangalam
• Bishop Joseph Srampickal, Eparchial Bishop of Great Britain, Syro-Malabar, Preston, UK
• Bishop Greg Bennett, Bishop of the Diocese of Sale
• Bishop Ken Howell, Bishop of Toowoomba
• Bishop Antony Ireland, Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne
• Bishop Martin Ashe, Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne
• Bishop Richard Umbers, Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney
• Bishop Terry Curtin, Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne
• Mar Jacob Manathodath, Bishop of Palakkad
Adding to the significance of the day, the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Balvo, unveiled the commemorative plaque, further elevating the spiritual importance of the event.
A Testament to Faith and Perseverance
The St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Cathedral is the result of over 15 years of relentless effort and prayer by the community. Located at 53 McKellar Way, Epping, the cathedral is a stunning example of Eastern Syrian ecclesiastical architecture, spanning 1711 square meters and accommodating more than 1000 worshippers. It also features a modern parish hall, classrooms for catechism, and ample parking facilities, ensuring it serves as a center for spiritual and community life.
Bishop John Panamthottathil, Eparchial Bishop of Melbourne, who has overseen the final stages of the project, praised the collective effort that brought this vision to life. “This cathedral stands as a testament to our faith and God’s providence. It is a place where generations will gather to worship and grow in their spiritual journey,” he said.
Acknowledging the Contributors
Heartfelt gratitude was extended to Bishop Bosco Puthur, the first Eparchial Bishop of Melbourne, for his pioneering vision and dedication to the project. Parish Priest Fr. Varghese Vavolil, the building committee, and countless parishioners were also recognized for their tireless contributions. Special remembrance was given to Fr. Peter Kavumpuram MST, a former chaplain who played a pivotal role in shaping the parish community.
A Sacred Beginning
Quoting Genesis 28:17,Monsignor Francis Kolencherry, Vicar General of the Melbourne Eparchy, reflected, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” He emphasized the cathedral’s significance as a spiritual beacon for the Syro-Malabar community in Australia.
As the faithful gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion, the consecration of St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Cathedral heralded a new chapter for the Melbourne Eparchy. A place of worship, prayer, and community, the cathedral stands as a lasting symbol of faith, unity, and God’s enduring grace.
