Handhoosa 2024: A Historic SMYM Youth Gathering of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain

The Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain hosted a historic youth gathering, Handhoosa, at the Hangar in Wolverhampton on Sunday the 15th of September 2024. This unprecedented event brought together over 1,650 young people across the Eparchy, making it the largest youth gathering in its history.

The highlight of Handhoosa was the presence of His Beatitude Mar Raphael Thattil, the Major Archbishop, Successor to the Holy Throne of Mar Thoma Sleeha. His presence added a significant spiritual dimension to the gathering, inspiring and motivating the young people.

The event was a vibrant blend of faith, fellowship, and celebration. The day began with a lively music ministry, followed Celebration of Solemn Holy Qurbana and a hart-to-hart address of His Beatitude Mar Raphael Thattil and Bishop Mar Joseph Srampickal.

In his inaugural address, His Beatitude Mar Raphael Thattil reminded the youth to sprout up in their roots. He reminded the adults of the necessity of restoring and preserving the treasures of Apostolic Tradition. He also urged that accompanying the children and youth should be the priority of the pastoral strategy of any Eparchy. His Beatitude also congratulated the Eparchy of Great Britain for its wonderful service among the youth and children.

Bishop Joseph Srampickal encouraged the youth to seek true happiness in Jesus Christ, drawing inspiration from the words of Pope Benedict XVI, who said, “The happiness you are seeking has a name and a face: it is Jesus of Nazareth.” He also invited the youngsters to walk with and to think with the Church.

The event also featured a captivating talk by Mr Brendan Thompson, the UK Program Director of Word on Fire. Thompson spoke about the significance of faith in the modern world and encouraged attendees to deepen their relationship with Christ. The felicitations were delivered by Very Rev Dr Antony Chundelikkatt, the Proto-Syncellus, Rev Dr Tom Olikkarott, the Pastoral Co-ordinator, Rev Fr George Cheleckal, Rev Fr Joseph Mukkatt, the Director of SMYM, Mr Alan Josy, Mr Jitto David, Joyal Tomy, Andria George, Judin Joji, and Ritty Tomichan.

Beyond the spiritual elements, Handhoosa was a celebration of Catholic youth culture. It is noteworthy that the SMYM Great Britain formed a music band named SaMaYaM that consisted of more than 50 young musicians including singers and different instrumentalists.  The day offered ample opportunities for fellowship and networking among the young people.

The success of Handhoosa is a testament to the growing vibrancy and engagement of the Syro-Malabar youth in Great Britain. The event provided a platform for young people to connect with their faith, with each other, and with the spiritual leaders of their community. As the Eparchy continues to grow and evolve, Handhoosa serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring faith and enthusiasm of its young people.

Bishops Office
St.Ignatius Presbytery,
St. Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral
St.Ignatius Square,
Preston,
PR11TT ,
Tel : +44 (0) 1772587186
Email : chancery@csmegb.org
Web : www.eparchyofgreatbritain.org
COPYRIGHT @ 2024 | SYRO-MALABAR EPARCHY OF GREAT BRITAIN | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED