MALAYATTOOR: The hilltop of Malayattoor pilgrim centre witnessed unprecedented gathering of pilgrims who climbed the hilltop throughout the day and night on Good Friday.
St Thomas Apostle, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ, is believed to have taken initiative to establish the church at Malayattoor in AD 52.
Lakhs of pilgrims, cutting across religion and region, thronged the international pilgrim shrine on the hilltop and 'Way of the Cross' ritual was held at 14 stations on the way to the hilltop.
Most of the pilgrims carrying cross, some of them holding largesize crosses, used to climb the hill chanting 'Ponnin Kurisu Muthappo Pon Mala Kayattam.' Women folk would carry long brooms with them with prayers for prosperity. Some pilgrims carried even stones on their heads, an offering which is meant to remove burdens from their lives.
The district administration, police and the Motor Vehicles Department have made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the ritual.
The ceremonies at St Thomas Thazathepally began at 6.30 am with vicar Fr John Theckanath as the main celebrant. The rituals at the Hilltop shrine began at 8 am with Rector Fr Xavier Thelakkattu as the main celebrant. The 'Way of the Cross' procession led by Fr John Theckanath, Fr Xavier Thelakkattu, Fr Joyson Puthussery, priests and trustees Biju Chirayath, Martin Vattaparambu and Joseph Menachery, was attended by thousands of parishioners and pilgrims. The Way of the Cross commenced from St Thomas church and concluded on the Vanibhathadam Church premises in the evening. Fr Mathew Sankurickal delivered the homily.
The main feast Puthunjayar festival will begin at St Thomas Church here on April 28. Vicar Fr John Theckanath will hoist the festival flag. Fr Paul Manayampilly will give the sermon. The festival flag will be hoisted by Rector Fr Xavier Thelakkattu at the hilltop church at 7 am. The festival will conclude on May 1 with various ceremonies.