The post-centenary silver jubilee celebration of the Archdiocese of Verapoly will have a unique mark with priests serving under the diocese deciding to donate their organs. Addressing reporters in Kochi on Wednesday, Archbishop of Verapoly Francis Kallarakkal said that the laity would also be encouraged to donate organ. ‘’So far, 193 diocesan priests have expressed their willingness to donate organs. The priests took such a decision in connection with the post-centenary silver jubilee celebration of the archdiocese,’’ Bishop Kallarakkal said.
As part of the efforts to create awareness among the laity, the message on organ donation is being spread in parishes that have members whose number range from 2,000 to 15,000. There are around 100 such parishes under the archdiocese, he said. The three-day long 125th anniversary celebrations of the Archdiocese will begin on October 26. The anniversary celebrations will be marked by cultural programmes. ’Amma Maram’, a light and sound show on the history of Christianity in Kerala, will be the unique highlight of the programme. The celebrations will end with a declaration of a synod. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will inaugurate the valedictory function on October 28 and Governor of Maharashtra, K Sankaranarayanan will be the chief guest. Apostolic Nuncio to India Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio and Archbishop Susiapakyam will also address the valedictory function to be held at St Albert’s grounds.