Houston: Cardinal Mar George Koovakad, a priest of the Archdiocese of Changanassery and Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, was accorded a warm and enthusiastic reception at St. Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Forane Parish in Houston on Sunday, July 5.
The Cardinal was received at the church premises by Parish Vicar Fr. Abraham Mutholath, Assistant Vicar Fr. Joshy Valiyaveettil, trustees, religious sisters, and parishioners before being ceremonially escorted into the church.
Cardinal Koovakad was the principal celebrant of the solemn Holy Qurbana offered in connection with the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle. Fr. Abraham Mutholath and Fr. Joshy Valiyaveettil concelebrated the Eucharistic celebration.
In his homily, Cardinal Koovakad shared his personal experiences with the late Pope Francis and reflected on the late Pontiff’s humility, pastoral vision, and lasting legacy. He also commended the Knanaya Catholic community for faithfully preserving its rich Catholic faith and cherished traditions.
During the reception that followed, members of the Parish Council, led by Trustee Coordinator Saji Marangattil, honoured the Cardinal with a bouquet and extended their congratulations on his elevation to the highest ranks of the Catholic Church. The Cardinal also offered a special blessing to members of the parish Senior Citizens’ Ministry and the altar servers. Parish Vicar Fr. Abraham Mutholath expressed the community’s appreciation and conveyed a vote of thanks.
A native of Chethipuzha in Kerala, Cardinal George Koovakad was ordained a priest in 2004. Following higher studies, he entered the Vatican Diplomatic Service and served in the Apostolic Nunciatures in Algeria, South Korea, Iran, Costa Rica, and Venezuela.
He later served as the principal organizer of Pope Francis’ apostolic journeys outside Italy. In 2024, Pope Francis elevated him to the rank of Archbishop and subsequently created him a Cardinal. In January 2025, he assumed office as Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.
The reception programme was coordinated by Sr. Reji, Saji Marangattil, Sabu Karukapparambil, James Vadakkekara, Nidhin Vattamatathil, Jose Pulikkathottil, Bibi Thekkanattu, Jose Thannichuvatil, and Jose Kuruppamparambil.
