Hundreds of twins and their families gathered at the Saints Gervasis and Prothasis Forane Church in Kothanalloor for their annual festival commemorating the twin saints of the Roman Catholic Church. Over 500 twins participated in this year's event, which included a vibrant parade, traditional rituals, and a massive group photograph, according to reports.
The twin saints, Gervasis and Prothasis, believed to have been martyred in Milan during the 2nd century for their Christian faith, are revered at this church. Established in 826 AD, the church has been celebrating Twins Day since 2017, growing each year to attract twins from across Kerala and from diverse religious backgrounds.
Father Roby Kannanchira, reflecting on the significance of the festival, remarked, "The Twin Saint's Gervasis and Prothasis are the lineages of this parish. So in 2007, we started the mass celebration of twins, hence at that year onwards twins from different parts of the world are gathering here today to celebrate the feast of twin saints. So their twin that way gets the double blessing of god through these twin saints."
Speaking about the turnout, he added, "Nearly 500 pairs of twins participated in today's festival, though in previous years before COVID-19, we saw more than 1,000 pairs attending."
Alawanca and Alphonsa, a pair of twin sisters, expressed their happiness at the inclusive nature of the event, noting, "Every year we attend this feast. Today we were a bit late, but it was heartwarming to see everyone here, including twins from Hindu and Muslim communities joining in prayers. As twins ourselves, we cherish being part of this gathering."
The festival not only celebrates the legacy of Saints Gervasis and Prothasis but also fosters unity among twins of all backgrounds, reflecting the community's commitment to inclusivity and cultural diversity.
Hundreds of twins and their families gathered at the Saints Gervasis and Prothasis Forane Church in Kothanalloor for their annual festival commemorating the twin saints of the Roman Catholic Church. Over 500 twins participated in this year's event, which included a vibrant parade, traditional rituals, and a massive group photograph, according to reports.
The twin saints, Gervasis and Prothasis, believed to have been martyred in Milan during the 2nd century for their Christian faith, are revered at this church. Established in 826 AD, the church has been celebrating Twins Day since 2017, growing each year to attract twins from across Kerala and from diverse religious backgrounds.
Father Roby Kannanchira, reflecting on the significance of the festival, remarked, "The Twin Saint's Gervasis and Prothasis are the lineages of this parish. So in 2007, we started the mass celebration of twins, hence at that year onwards twins from different parts of the world are gathering here today to celebrate the feast of twin saints. So their twin that way gets the double blessing of god through these twin saints."
Speaking about the turnout, he added, "Nearly 500 pairs of twins participated in today's festival, though in previous years before COVID-19, we saw more than 1,000 pairs attending."
Alawanca and Alphonsa, a pair of twin sisters, expressed their happiness at the inclusive nature of the event, noting, "Every year we attend this feast. Today we were a bit late, but it was heartwarming to see everyone here, including twins from Hindu and Muslim communities joining in prayers. As twins ourselves, we cherish being part of this gathering."
The festival not only celebrates the legacy of Saints Gervasis and Prothasis but also fosters unity among twins of all backgrounds, reflecting the community's commitment to inclusivity and cultural diversity.
Hundreds of twins and their families gathered at the Saints Gervasis and Prothasis Forane Church in Kothanalloor for their annual festival commemorating the twin saints of the Roman Catholic Church. Over 500 twins participated in this year's event, which included a vibrant parade, traditional rituals, and a massive group photograph, according to reports.
The twin saints, Gervasis and Prothasis, believed to have been martyred in Milan during the 2nd century for their Christian faith, are revered at this church. Established in 826 AD, the church has been celebrating Twins Day since 2017, growing each year to attract twins from across Kerala and from diverse religious backgrounds.
Father Roby Kannanchira, reflecting on the significance of the festival, remarked, "The Twin Saint's Gervasis and Prothasis are the lineages of this parish. So in 2007, we started the mass celebration of twins, hence at that year onwards twins from different parts of the world are gathering here today to celebrate the feast of twin saints. So their twin that way gets the double blessing of god through these twin saints."
Speaking about the turnout, he added, "Nearly 500 pairs of twins participated in today's festival, though in previous years before COVID-19, we saw more than 1,000 pairs attending."
Alawanca and Alphonsa, a pair of twin sisters, expressed their happiness at the inclusive nature of the event, noting, "Every year we attend this feast. Today we were a bit late, but it was heartwarming to see everyone here, including twins from Hindu and Muslim communities joining in prayers. As twins ourselves, we cherish being part of this gathering."
The festival not only celebrates the legacy of Saints Gervasis and Prothasis but also fosters unity among twins of all backgrounds, reflecting the community's commitment to inclusivity and cultural diversity.