Preston(UK): Preston’s St Ignatius Church which was closed after long years of dwindling congregation, tonight became St. Alphonsa’s cathedral for Indian Catholics – one of only three such cathedral churches worldwide. The Grade II-listed (protected for historical importance) St Ignatius Church , which was shut in December 2014, was reopened today serving the Indian branch of the Roman Catholics- the Syro-Malabar Church.
Today (8th October) a reception is being held for the dignitaries with the Bishop-Elect of Syro Malabar Eparchy , Joseph Srampickal, as he formally takes possession of his Cathedral of St Alphonsa. Following this, the official dedication of the Cathedral will also take place with invocation to the patroness -St Alphonsa, followed by Ramsa (Evening Prayer) and Huthamma (blessing with the relic of the Saint).
The Episcopal Consecration on Sunday, 9th October of Joseph Srampickal, will be held at the Preston North End stadium known as ‘Deepdale’ in order to accommodate the vast numbers of faithful coming from different Syro-Malabar Mass Centres across England, Wales and Scotland. The Deepdale stadium has a capacity of 24,800 people and has parking for an expected 10-12,000 people hoping to be in attendance.
Cardinal George Alencherry, the Archbishop of the Syro Malabar Church will be the main celebrant of the Episcopal consecration. Bishop Michael G Campbell OSA, the hosting Bishop of Lancaster and Joseph Kallarangattu, the Bishop of Palai will be the co-consecrators.
Many of the bishops from different dioceses in Kerala and India have arrived for the ordination.
Bishop Antonio Mennini, the Papal Nuncio to Great Britain, numerous Latin-rite Bishops in Great Britain, a good number of Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara Bishops from India and different parts of the world are also expected to be present.
12 different committees worked together with Syro-Malabar priests, religious and lay people from across England, Wales and Scotland for planning the celebrations. All the aspects of work took place the under the coordination of Fr Thomas Parayadiyil, the former National Coordinator of Syro-Malabar Church UK and Fr Mathew Jacob Choorapoikayil ( priest in charge of St Alphonsa Cathedral-designate)
A colourful liturgical procession with its cultural richness with the participation of the vibrant communities of different Mass centres of the Syro-Malabar Church of the new Diocese will also be held at the stadium on Sunday.