Sultanpet Diocese Honours Paris Foreign Missions Society Legacy

Palakkad, August 24, 2026: The Diocese of Sultanpet welcomed Vincent Sénéchal, Superior General of the Paris Foreign Missions Society, during his pastoral visit to Palakkad on Sunday as part of celebrations marking 250 years of the society’s missionary presence in India.

The visit included programmes at Navajyothi Bhavan and Sahodara Bhavan in Kanjikode, the Ancient Kovilpalayam Church and the Bishop’s House. At St. Sebastian Cathedral, Sultanpet, Sénéchal blessed and inaugurated Fr. Ravel’s Religious Stall and unveiled a memorial bust of the Servant of God Joseph Louis Ravel.

A solemn procession was followed by Holy Mass attended by priests, religious, parish representatives and the faithful of the diocese.

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During the felicitation programme, Maria Joseph, Vicar General, delivered the welcome address. Bishop Antonysamy Peter Abir of Sultanpet spoke about the history and contribution of the Paris Foreign Missions Society to the Church in Palakkad and felicitated its Superior General. Members of the Franciscan Sisters of the Presentation of Mary also participated in the programme.

In his response, Sénéchal thanked the diocese for the welcome and recalled the sacrifices, dedication and missionary commitment of those who served in Palakkad.

He said the missionary legacy should not be regarded merely as a monument or memory of the past but as a living faith that continues to inspire the Church. Referring to missionaries such as Joseph Louis Ravel, he said their memorials should remind present generations of the faith they lived, the people they served and the missionary spirit they passed on.

Sénéchal encouraged families, communities, priests, religious and lay faithful to continue this missionary spirit and called on younger generations to live and share the Gospel with courage, generosity and love.

He also highlighted the longstanding relationship between the Paris Foreign Missions Society and the Diocese of Sultanpet and expressed hope that their friendship and missionary partnership would continue to bear fruit.

The celebration brought together remembrance of the missionary contribution to Palakkad and a renewed commitment to carrying forward its legacy.

By Catholic Connect Reporter