Cardinal Cleemis, Head of the Syro-Malankara Eparchy, has visited the parish of St John and St Martin, Balsall Heath.

Cardinal Cleemis was welcomed by Monsignor Daniel McHugh, co-ordinator of Ethnic Chaplaincies, and Deacon Michael McKearney, who ministers in the Parish, at the service on Sunday 29 September.

The Cardinal introduced Father Thomas, who is to become Parish Priest and care for the Syro-Malankara community in the wider area.

Parishioners made the Cardinal and their new Parish Priest welcome.

Children from the parish presented bouquets of flowers, the Cardinal gave Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, and a reception took place in the parish meeting room.

Father Thomas will take up his position at the request of Archbishop Bernard Longley at the end of October. He replaces Fr Dominic Innamorati SCJ who is retiring.