New Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad attended a consistory ceremony to elevate Roman Catholic prelates to the rank of cardinal, in Saint Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, on December 7, 2024.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
As the grand consistory at Vatican City elevated 51-year-old George Jacob Koovakad to the rank of Cardinal, celebrations erupted in Changanassery late on Saturday (December 7, 2024).
Hundreds of devotees flocked to the Lord’s Matha Church in Mammoodu, the Cardinal’s home parish in Kottayam, to mark the joyous occasion. Firecrackers lit up the night as sweets were distributed among the gathering. A large screen set up inside the church streamed the services from St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, allowing devotees to witness the historic moment live.
The festivities began with a special prayer led by the parish vicar, Fr. John V. Thadathil, accompanied by assistant vicars Fr. Antony Kizhakkethalakkal and Fr. Francis Mattel.
Litty, the Cardinal’s sister, attended the celebrations with her family, sharing in the community’s joy. Changanassery legislator Job Michael was also present to partake in the event.
“This is indeed a proud moment for the Catholic Church in India, and we thank God for this wonderful Christmas gift’’, said Litty.
While the family had always believed in Koovakad’s potential to become a Cardinal, they had not expected it to happen so soon, she added.
Fr. John V. Thadathil described the elevation as a historic moment for the parish.
Special prayers were also conducted in several other parishes under the Archdiocese of Changanassery. Official sources revealed plans for a grand reception to honour the newly appointed Cardinal in Changanassery on December 24.
George Jacob Koovakad, whose episcopal ordination was held in November, is the third Cardinal from the Changanassery Archdiocese, following Cardinal Antony Padiyara and Cardinal George Alencherry. Joining the Vatican Diplomatic Service in 2006, Koovakad has served in apostolic nunciatures across Algeria, South Korea, Iran, Costa Rica, and Venezuela. Since 2020, he has played a pivotal role in the Vatican Secretariat of State, overseeing Papal visits worldwide.
During the consistory at Vatican, Pope Francis officially elevated Koovakad to the rank of Cardinal, along with 20 others.
Published – December 08, 2024 10:58 am IST