The Great Indian Mission Rally in Thrissur

Organized by the Fiat Mission movement, which, based in Kerala, promotes lay apostolate both in Indian dioceses and among Malayali migrant communities worldwide. Archbishop Moolachira of Guwahati presided over the Mission Mass. Among the most visited booths was that of the Archdiocese of Imphal, featuring testimonies from Christians in Manipur.

Thrissur (AsiaNews) – The seventh edition of the Great Mission Gathering (GGM 2026), organized by the Fiat Mission movement, is currently underway in Thrissur, in the state of Kerala. Held at the Jerusalem Retreat Centre through April 19, the event brings together hundreds of faithful from Kerala and other parts of India, offering a powerful opportunity for prayer, reflection, and a renewed commitment to the Church’s missionary vocation.

Over the years, FIAT Mission has inspired countless people—both in India and around the world—to embrace their role in spreading the Gospel message. With the participation of Malayalis living abroad and lay representatives from various dioceses, the event highlights the universal and inclusive nature of the Church’s mission. It aims to rekindle missionary zeal among the faithful by offering opportunities for deep prayer, Eucharistic adoration, inspiring talks, and personal testimonies. Participants are encouraged to reflect on their personal vocation and explore how to contribute meaningfully to the Church’s mission in their own contexts—in families, workplaces, or communities.

One of the distinctive aspects of this gathering is the emphasis on the role of the laity in evangelization. In a rapidly changing world, the Church recognizes that the laity play a fundamental role in witnessing to the faith in daily life. Through sessions led by experienced missionaries, spiritual leaders, and lay evangelizers, participants receive practical insights and spiritual encouragement to live their faith with courage and conviction. The presence of Malayali communities abroad adds a global dimension to the event, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared mission that transcends geographical boundaries.

One of the most significant moments each year is a special “Mission Mass” led by the bishops of Northeast India. This year, eight bishops attended the celebration, which was presided over by Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati. Among the 54 booths set up, the one for the Archdiocese of Imphal was particularly well-attended; the Church of Manipur has long been the focus of attention due to serious ethnic tensions that have also led to religiously motivated violence.

“The purpose of the Great Mission Rally is to learn about, love, and pray for the missions and to promote everyone’s participation in this task,” Fr. Varghese Velickakam, Vicar General of the Diocese of Imphal, told AsiaNews. “In addition to the exhibition of cultural costumes, the Imphal booth features videos on the recent ethnic violence, relief and rehabilitation efforts, and pastoral activities. Gathering together here helps raise awareness among Christians, pray for vocations, and support the missions with both financial and human resources, particularly through lay volunteer work.”