November 25, 2005  

Very Reverend and Dear Father,

It is with great pleasure that I extend my most heartfelt felicitations to you on the occasion of the foundation stone laying ceremony of St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church in Qatar which will be held on December 9, 2005.

The gradual and steady development of the Parish Community in Qatar witnesses to the missionary zeal of the Syro-Malabar migrants and the pastoral thrust of the Church. Indeed, each parish Church is so much more than just a functional building. It is the center of the pastoral sacramental and spiritual life of the Christian community where the members encounter God and where He comes to encounter His faithful people. This living encounter is designed to turn those who believes into "living stones", building blocks of the Kingdom of God on earth.

I am glad to note that His Eminence Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil will attend the function. At this significant ceremony I wish to convey my spiritual union with you.

I invoke God's abundant blessing upon you and to the entire parish community.

Sincerly Yours in Our Lord

Ingace Moussa Card. Daoud
Patriarch Emeritus of Antioch of the Syrians