KOTTAYAM: A grand farewell ceremony was held at ‘Amala Nilayam’, the headquarters of the Vijayapuram Social Service Society (VSSS), for Rev. Fr. Augustine Binoy Mecheri, who completed five years of exemplary service as its Executive Director. The event took place on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Fr. Augustine will be taking up his new assignment as the Director of the Vimalahridaya Sneha Sadan Rehabilitation Centre and Special School in Kurumulloor.
The meeting was presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Justin Madathiparambil, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Vijayapuram. The newly appointed Director of VSSS, Rev. Fr. Felix Devasia Puratheparambil, delivered the welcome address, while Program Officer Mr. Sebastian Mattathil proposed the vote of thanks. Rev. Fr. Jacob Mavunkal, Director of the Kerala Social Service Forum (KSSF), attended as the chief guest and honored Fr. Augustine with a traditional shawl.
Prominent figures from various sectors attended the ceremony to offer their felicitations, including:
Mr. Gouri Shankar (Kottayam Municipal Councilor)
Rev. Fr. Francis Kambolathuparambil (Munnar Regional Director)
Mr. Francis B. Savio (Vice President, VSSS Governing Body)
Mrs. Mariamma Mamachan (Animator Representative)
Mr. John Joseph (VSSS Administrator)
Mr. K. J. Joseph (Diocesan President, Kerala Labour Movement)
Mr. Benny George (Principal, St. Joseph’s ITI)
Representatives from the Pattithanam, Kottayam, Thiruvalla, and Mundakkayam regions, along with the KLM Diocesan Committee and St. Joseph’s ITI staff, presented tokens of love to Fr. Augustine. On behalf of VSSS, Bishop Justin Madathiparambil and Fr. Felix Devasia presented him with a memento and a special gift in recognition of his dedicated service.
The gathering was attended by approximately 250 people, including animators, institutional representatives, staff members, and well-wishers from abroad. In his reply speech, Fr. Augustine Binoy Mecheri expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the cooperation and love he received during his tenure. The meeting concluded by 1:30 PM.
