EINSIEDELN, SWITZERLAND :   Hundreds of Syro-Malabar faithful from various Swiss cantons gathered with their families at the historic Einsiedeln Benedictine Monastery for their annual grand pilgrimage, celebrating a vibrant display of faith, unity, and spiritual tradition.

The event commenced with the adoration of the Holy Eucharist, followed by a solemn Holy Qurbana (Mass) led by Mar Raphael Thattil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church. Mar Stephen Chirappanath, the Apostolic Visitor to Europe, co-celebrated the Mass. The high-profile gathering also drew prominent ecclesiastical dignitaries, including Swiss Cardinal Kurt Koch from the Vatican, Migratio National Director Isabel Vasquez, and Ukrainian Greek Catholic priest Father Taras Ovsyanyk. The pilgrims were formally welcomed by the monastery’s Abbot, Urban Federer OSB, alongside event organizers Father Sebastian Thayyil and Father Thomas Plappillil MST.

A key highlight of the day was the honoring of First Holy Communion children, who touched the hearts of attendees with devotional songs and a gospel-based tableau. Major Archbishop Thattil praised the children as the “future hope of the Church.” The day wrapped up with a devout procession to the monastery’s famous Black Madonna Chapel, a community Agape meal, and the release of the flyer for July’s upcoming Youth Awakening Program.

Speaking on the global footprint of the Church, Major Archbishop Thattil challenged the common perception of the community’s roots. Addressing the diaspora directly, the Archbishop urged them to reshape their perspective on migration. “When someone migrates—even laypeople—you are not just going to make money. You are migrants, but you are also missionaries. My message to all migrants here is: do your profession as men of faith.”

Organizers announced that next year’s pilgrimage will return to the same venue on Sunday, May 30th.