The Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (MCBS) rejoices with profound gratitude and pride as Mar Thomas Elavanal MCBS, Bishop Emeritus of Kalyan, has been chosen to receive the Pourasthya Rathnam Award 2026 of the Syro-Malabar Church. This distinguished honour is bestowed in recognition of his lifelong and outstanding contribution to the preservation, promotion, and renewal of the Eastern heritage and liturgical tradition of the Syro-Malabar Church.

The Pourasthya Rathnam Award is among the highest recognitions conferred by the Syro-Malabar Church. It honours individuals whose scholarship, pastoral commitment, and dedicated service have made lasting contributions to the Church’s Eastern identity, particularly in the fields of liturgy, theology, sacred art, liturgical music, and the preservation of the Church’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

Mar Thomas Elavanal’s selection for this prestigious award is a fitting acknowledgement of decades of faithful service to the Church. A renowned liturgist, theologian, educator, and church leader, he has devoted his priestly and episcopal ministry to deepening the understanding, authentic celebration, and faithful preservation of the Syro-Malabar liturgical tradition.

One of the defining aspects of his ministry has been his service as Chairman of the Synodal Commission for Liturgy of the Syro-Malabar Church. In this pivotal role, he guided numerous initiatives aimed at the careful study, renewal, and authentic implementation of the Church’s liturgical heritage. His leadership has been instrumental in fostering greater appreciation for the theological richness and historical continuity of the East Syriac liturgical tradition.

Under his guidance, the Commission undertook the preparation, revision, and publication of several important liturgical texts that have become invaluable resources for bishops, priests, religious, seminarians, and the faithful. Among these were the revised Malayalam Taksa (Order of the Holy Qurbana), the Lectionary, Syriac liturgical texts, editions of the Qudasha of Mar Theodore and Mar Nestorius, and other foundational liturgical publications that have enriched the worship and spiritual life of the Syro-Malabar Church.

Beyond his work in publishing liturgical books, Mar Thomas Elavanal has consistently emphasized the profound theological and spiritual dimensions of the sacred liturgy. Through lectures, seminars, scholarly writings, and pastoral guidance, he has inspired clergy and laity alike to rediscover the beauty of the Church’s Eastern liturgical spirituality. His vision has always been to preserve the authentic traditions handed down by the Fathers while ensuring that they continue to nourish the contemporary life of the Church.

His academic formation has greatly contributed to this mission. Holding advanced degrees in liturgy and theology from the Pontifical Oriental Institute and the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome, along with post-doctoral studies in the United States, he has brought exceptional scholarly depth to the service of the Church. As professor, seminary rector, Superior General of the MCBS Congregation, and later as Bishop of Kalyan, he combined academic excellence with pastoral wisdom, becoming one of the foremost authorities on Syro-Malabar liturgy.

Throughout his episcopal ministry, Mar Thomas has tirelessly promoted unity in worship, fidelity to the authentic liturgical tradition, and a deeper appreciation of the spiritual treasures inherited from the East Syriac patrimony. His calm leadership, balanced judgment, and unwavering commitment to ecclesial communion have earned him the respect and admiration of bishops, priests, religious, scholars, and faithful across the Syro-Malabar Church.

For the Missionary Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (MCBS), this honour is a moment of immense joy and thanksgiving. Mar Thomas Elavanal has long been a source of inspiration to the Congregation through his exemplary religious life, intellectual brilliance, pastoral charity, and unwavering dedication to the Church. His recognition reflects not only his personal achievements but also the enduring contribution of the MCBS Congregation to the liturgical, theological, and pastoral life of the Syro-Malabar Church.

As the Church celebrates this well-deserved recognition, we thank Almighty God for the remarkable ministry of Mar Thomas Elavanal MCBS. His lifelong commitment to preserving the sacred heritage of the Eastern Church will continue to inspire future generations of priests, religious, scholars, and faithful.

May the Lord continue to bless him with good health, wisdom, and peace, and may his enduring witness inspire many to cherish, preserve, and faithfully live the rich liturgical and spiritual traditions of the Syro-Malabar Church.