The Provincial synaxis of the Navajyothi province held at Desam, Alwye elected Rev.Fr.Mathai Kadavil OIC, the new provinicial superior of the Navajyothi province of the Order of the Imitation of Christ. Rev. Fr. Mathai is presently the director of the Bodhi (Bethany Mission for the Tribals at Bathery) at Meenangadi. Fr. William Nedumpurath OIC, Rev. Fr. Manoj Odalil OIC, Fr. Philip Vysyaneth OIC, Fr. Anil Zacharia OIC are elected new councilors. Rev. Fr. Varghese Thykoottathil OIC and Rev.. Fr. Anil Zachariah are elected as new procurator and secretary of the Province, respectively.

Nine seminarians received the Minor Order ‘maudyono’ from Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, the Major Archbishop of tthe Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum on 30th March,2009 at St. Aloysius Minor Seminary, Nalanchira.

A fresh row has erupted over a series of educational CDs published by the State government, which according to Christians portrays the church in bad light.

A CD titled ‘The Wound’ distributed to serve as teaching aids in schools attempted to ‘malign’ the church, a section of the Christians in the state said.

In a statement, the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church urged the Kerala State Education Department to withdraw the CDs which were anti-Christian in character.

“The Church is concerned and pained, and strongly protests, the persecution of one religious community,” Catholicos Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis, head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, said.

“The controversial CDs can be seen only as a continuation of the insult meted out by the Department to the Church during the past two years”, Mar Cleemis added.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Instructions has ordered a probe and also placed under suspension a teacher based in Kodakara in Thrissur for allegedly distributing the CD.

Education Minister M A Baby however was dismissive of the controversy.

On March 9, he said that the film was not meant as a study aid and that it had made its way mistakenly into a CD while downloading.

News reports said the church has opposed to all three CDs, ‘Murivu’, ‘Typewriter’ which is alleged to be offensive and “The Wound” which narrates the story of a boy who was struck by grief when a lamb gifted to him by a wounded man was run over by a car in which a person dressed like a bishop was traveling.

The CPI-M government has had a several run-ins with the church in Kerala in the recent past. In 2007, politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan and the Syro Malabar Church were involved in a war of words over a former legislator Mathai Chacko. Vijayan called Bishop Mar Paul Chitilapally ‘good for nothing’ and a ‘useless person’ after the latter claimed that Mathai Chacko, a committed Communist, took the last sacrament just before he died. When the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) took Vijayan to task over the ‘unparliamentary words’, he retracted his statement.

Last year, the KCBC and the Communist party-led government in Kerala were involved in a fracas over social science textbooks for 7th class students. The church alleged that the book instilled anti-religious feelings and atheistic attitudes in the minds of children and demanded its withdrawal. In the centre of the controversy then, Education Minister Baby refused to withdraw the textbook but offered a dialogue to discuss the ‘objectionable’ portions.

On behalf of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, the Major Archbishop Catholicos and the Holy Episcopal Synod have conveyed congratulations and best wishes to Rt. Rev. Monsignor Johnson Varughese Kaimalyil.

Monsignor Johnson Varughese Kaimalayil, belongs to the Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum and hails from St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church Anchal.  He was born on 22 June 1968.  On completing Pre-degree from St. John’s College Anchal, he joined the St. Aloysius Minor Seminary Trivandrum.  On completing the Theology course from St. Peter’s Seminary Bangalore he was ordained priest on 7 April 1994.  After a few years of pastoral ministry in Mariagiri (1994-`95) and Chirattakonam (1995-’98) he was sent to the Pontifical Oriental Institute Rome in the year 1998.  He completed his Doctorate from the Institute in the year 2004.  In the same year he was appointed Official of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches in Rome.

- Fr. Antony Valiyavilayil OIC
Chancellor

Rev. Fr. Cherian Thazhamon of the Archdiocese of Tiruvalla is appointed as the Chief General Manager of Rashtra Deepika Company. He is the first priest of the Malankara Catholic Church to assume this office in Rashtra Deepika. He holds MSW and Diploma in Journalism and in Creative Writing. He served the Archdiocese as Public Relations Officer of Pushpagiri Medical College, Vicar of St. John’s Cathedral, Corporate Manager of Archdiocese, Director of Youth and Family Apostolates. Now he is the President of Centre for Environmental and Sustainable Development in India.

Elect the Guardians of Democracy and Secularism: Malankara Catholic Synod

The Malankara Catholic Episcopal Synod concluded with a call to the citizens to vote in the next parliamentary elections for a stable government that will protect the secular nature and democratic system of the country. The exercise of the right to vote is the most important obligation in a democratic society.  Exercise it in accordance with one’s conscience.

The Synod hopes that the recent social order and political circumstances would encourage all to take the right decision.  As a minority, the Indian Church is striving for self-protection.  The Synod urged that the proposals of the committee for the revision of law shall not be accepted and the attempt to subvert the value system of the society shall be condemned by all.  In different circumstances the Church in Kerala had to battle for the justice.

Alcohol for sixteen thousand crores of Rupees was sold in Kerala in the last five years.  There is the need of a serious change in policy that encourages income to the public treasury ignoring the ruin of a generation. We need a government that serves the public good.  The darkness that has enveloped all sectors life, especially those of education and labour, due to increasing political interests, has not vanished.  The conscious attempt to devalue the judicial system, in which the people have not still lost faith, is a serious concern.  The Church takes note of the alarming swell in atrocities and law and order problems.  The Synod said that in this special situation, the elected representatives should represent those denied justice and they should be individuals of transparent public life.  They should take nepotism, vested interests and corruption as challenges and overcome malice and evil in the society.

The Synod discussed matters of pastoral interest to the Church and took decisions.  The sacrament of matrimony, permanent diaconate, the major seminary formation, the Code of Particular law of the Church were some of the topics covered by the present Synod.  In the Synod presided over by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos were present Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos and Bishops Geevarghese Mar Divannasios, Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom, Joshua Mar Ignathios, Abraham Mar Julios, Geevarghese Mar Timotheos, Joseph Mar Thomas and Jacob Mar Barnabas.

His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos blessed the newly constructed church of the St. Thomas Malankara Catholic Community at Chinchwad of Pune Region in the presence of His Excellency Jacob Mar Barnabas, on Wednesday 25 February. It is the seventh parish community in Pune to have its own church. The function started at 4.00pm with a colourful reception to the dignitaries. It was followed by the blessing ceremony and felicitation meeting. During the felicitation meeting, the Pune Malankara Catholic region officially felicitated the Major Archbishop who did his first visit as the Father and Head of the Malankara Catholic Church. Mr. P.V. Thomas, Bar Itho Kashiro (Diligent Son of the Church) is given the official medal by the Catholicos.  It was followed by the Con-celebrated Holy Qurbono presided over by Jacob Mar Barnabas. The programme concluded by public meeting and agape. Rev. Mother Patience SIC (Provincial Muvattupuzha Province), Dr. John Berchumans OIC (the former Co-ordinator ETRI), Rev. Fr. Peter John (Co-ordinator ETRI Southern Region) and  V. A. George (Trustee, MCA) delivered felicitation speeches. Many priests, religious, Rev. brothers and faithful were present during the ceremonies. Rev. Fr. Benedict OIC (Parish Priest), K. G. Samuel (Trustee) and M. M. Mathew (Secretary) gave leadership to the programme.

A joint meeting of the women religious who are working in the major archdiocese of Trivandrum was held at St. Mary’s Cathedral on 23 February 2007. The Major Archbishop Catholicos was present throughout the meeting. The meeting started with Holy Qurbono. Then Dr. Alexander Jacob IPS took class on religious life. 475 religious were present during the meeting. The meeting closed with the blessing of Catholicos.

During the General Synaxis of the Pontifical Congregation of the Franciscan Missionary Brothers (CMSF) held from February 8 to 23 at Generalte House (Mt. Poinsur, Borivli West, Mumbai) elected .V. Rev. Bro. Jose Valliara CMSF the Superior General of the Congregation. Bro. George Thottiyil CMSF is elected as the Assistant Superior General. Bros. Bruno Malayil, Abraham Maruthunkuzhi, Barthalomeos Condulna, Wulfgang Stromer, Sabrimuthu Ambrose are the Councilors.

13th MCA central Assembly was held in Peechi on 14th February. His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos inaugurated the meeting. After the evaluation of the previous programmes the new officer-bearers were elected. Rev. Dr Anthony Valiyavilayil OIC gave the orientation talk to all the participants. Mr. Paulraj (Marthandom) and Bany Kariyath (Muvattupuzha) were elected president and general secretary of MCA respectively. The National Spiritual Advisor MCA, Rev. Dr. Mathai Kadavil presided over the election. Newly elected leaders took the oath before Most Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Divannasios, the chairman of MCA. 108 delegates from various diocesan units participated in the assembly.

He was born of late Thomas Mathai and late Saramma at Ayiroor, Tiruvalla. After his school education he joined Infant Mary’s Seminary, Tiruvalla and completed his seminary studies at Pontifical Seminary, Aluva. He was ordained a priest on 14 March, 1959 for the Archdiocese of Tiruvalla. After his doctoral studies in Rome, he started his teaching career as the professor of scripture in the Pontifical Seminary, Aluva in 1968. Then he joined the theology faculty of Malankara Major Seminary, Trivandrum in 1992 till 2005. He served as the Dean of the Faculty of Theology for many years in the Malankara Seminary. During this time he served in the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum.  The parishes at Trisur- Vettai, Koothupara and Mattampuram of the Archdiocese of Tiruvalla were started by him. He served as the vicar of St. John’s Cathedral- Tiruvalla, Kunnamthanam, Parlikkadu, Keezhillam, Aluva, Kalamassery, Kallumpuram, Kattilapoovam, Kanjittukara, Koippram and Kurinniyoor. He was honoured with the title ‘Cor-episcopo’ in 2007, for his zealous and dedicated service to the Malankara Catholic Church. He has the privilege to have a good number of disciples including bishops.

The funeral service will begin on friday 9.00am at his home, Thekkumkal-Ranni.

The various papers presented were “St. Paul an Introduction” by Rev. Fr. Kurien Valuparambil, the Secretary of this Synodal Commission, “The Pauline Chrystology and Ecclesiology” by Rev. Sr. Namita SIC, “Pauline Soteriology” and “Pauline Theology and the Liturgy of the Malankara Church” by Rev. Fr. Chempakasseil, “Pauline Ethics” by Rev. Fr. Devadas, and “Charism according to St. Paul” by Rev. Sr. Sophia Paul DM. 

The purpose of the seminar was to prepare a group of experts to work in the eparchies to prepare the people for the celebration of the Pauline year. More than fifty priests, religious and lay people participated in the seminar.

Under the ABVP pressure, police arrested St Thomas Convent Senior Secondary School principal Father Thomas Malancharuvil on charges of disrespecting the national anthem under Sections 2 and 3 of the prevention of insults to National Honour Act, 1971. He was later produced in a local court, which released him on bail.

SP Jaideep Prasad said the police also arrested 17 ABVP activists and produced them in the court. They were released on bail by the court later.  

Eyewitnesses said the ABVP activists barged into the school around 11.15 am, and started ransacking the building and furniture. They also manhandled vice-principal Sister Nalina and other staff members. 

Later police rushed to the spot and cane-charged the hoodlums to disperse them.

The genesis of the trouble was the suspension of the school’s physical education instructor, Arvind Prakash Gupta. The principal said Gupta was suspended for coming 15 minutes late in the Republic-Day function. However, saffron outfits alleged the teacher was punished for singing the national anthem.

On the other hand, the school administration maintained Gupta was suspended for reaching late. His suspension was revoked after the teacher admitted his mistake.

“There was no interruption to recitation of the national anthem or unfurling of national flag”, the principal said.

The Malankara Catholic Church Celebrated The Catholicos Day on 1 Feb, 2009 (Sunday) with the prayers and the Holy Qurbono. Special meetings were conducted in all the Churches and the institutions.

The celebration ended with the Dhoopaprarthana in the Tomb and Nercha.

Evening prayers and prayers with incence were offered at the tomb the previous evening (16th of January 2009) at 6.30 pm.

The feast falls on the 18th of January but the commemoration was scheduled a day earlier as the 18th was a Sunday.

On 15th January 2009, the 6th Annual day celebration of the establishment of Eparchy of Muvattupuzha was marked significant by another historical event. The foundation stone for the new cathedral which was blessed by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, the Prefect of the Oriental Congregation, during his official visit to Malankara Catholic Church on 10 November 2008, was laid by Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, in the presence of Archbishop Most Rev. Thomas Mar Koorilos and Most Rev. Abraham Mar Julios. The foundation stone. During the public meeting  Rt. Judge Justice Elizabeth Idikula and Mr. K. J. Peter were conferred with the Ecclesiastical honours namely “Barz etho sharrirtho” (Good Daughter of the Church) and “Bar etho shariro” (Good Son of the Church) respectively. The meeting also marked the launching ceremony of the official website of the eparchy (http://www.muvattupuzhadiocese.com). Many priests, religious and lay people were present during the programme.

Mother General:     
Rev. Mother Roseline DM

Assistant General:    
Rev. Sr. Mercy Xavier DM

Councillors:    
Rev. Sr. Ancy DM
Rev. Sr. Anice DM
Rev. Sr. Mary Sebastian DM

Procurator:    
Rev. Sr. Elsa Jose DM 

Secretary:    
Rev. Sr. Jessy Gladis DM

Rev. Mother Roseline DM

He died of age-related illnesses at 9.15 a.m. at a private hospital in Kollam.

The body of Geevarghese Panicker was taken to Paranthal, his native place, on Sunday evening.   The funeral will be held at the St George Malankara Catholic Church, Paranthal, Adoor, at 2 p.m. on Monday. Catholicos Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis, head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, will lead the funeral services.

Dr Geevarghese Panicker earned his Masters degree from the Kerala University and his doctorate from the Catholic University, Washington DC. He started his teaching career as English lecturer at Mar Ivanios College. In 1959, he became the college vice-principal and two years later became principal – a post he held upto 1979.

Famous personalities like Justice J. B. Koshy, K. Jayakumar IAS, Jagathi Sreekumar, T. M. Jacob, G. Venugopal were students of Fr. Panicker.

Those 18 years were memorable ones for the college. Many of today’s important figures from different walks of life – politics to literature to art and culture – number among his students.

Geevarghese Panicker was born to K.G. Thomas Panicker and Achiyamma on March 31, 1924. After his schooling, he joined the St Aloysius Minor Seminary under the Thiruvananthapuram Archdiocese. He completed the training at the Kandy Papal Seminary, Sri Lanka, and was ordained in 1949.

After his retirment from Mar Ivanios College, Geevarghese Panicker  served as rector at the St Joseph’s Pontifical Seminary, Aluva, and then for two years, as rector of the St Mary’s Malankara Seminary, Thiruvananthapuram. In 1987, he took charge as dean of studies at the St Ephraem Institute, Kottayam. He was leading a retired life in Kollam in recent years.

Fr. Panicker died on the same day as his father, Thomas Panicker, did 30 years ago.

The award carries Rs. one lakh, a citation and a memento.

Kalam was chosen for the honour for his outstanding contribution to various fields including science and technology, an Association release said.

The selection was made by a jury headed by the state Director General of Police, Jacob Punnoose.

The award was instituted in memory of the late Archbishop Mar Gregorios, who was a builder of several educational and charity institutions under the Syro Malankara Catholic Church.

The rite of dedication of St. Mary’s Queen of Peace was held by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos on 7th December, 2008. Rev. Dr. Joseph Gnayalloor Remban read out the declaration, which was made by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.

His Beatitude the Catholicos, celebrated the Holy Qurbono at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom at 11.30am. All the priests from the Trivandrum Major Archieparchy were the concelebrants. His Beatitude gave the concluding message of Platinum Jubilee of Trivandrum Major Archieparchy.

Thereafter, the procession of Rosary was held from Palayam St. Joseph’s Cathdral to the Basilica. Rev. Fathers, Religious Priests and Sisters, Brothers and numerous Faithful participated in this procession.

The public meeting as presided over by Shri M. Vijayakumar, the Honourable Minister of Law. His Beatitude, the Catholicos, inaugurated the public meeting. Rev. Dr. C. Joseph (Vicar of St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Palayam), Rev. Dr. John V. Thadathil (Vicar of Lourd Ferona Church, Palayam), Imam Jamaludeen Mankada, Rev. Msgr. Samuel Kattukallil, Rev. Msgr. James Paravila, Rev. Dr. Antony Valiyavilayil OIC (chancellor), Rev. Dr. John Kochuthundil (Rector of Basilica), Prof. Jessy Thomas (Representative to the Basilica), Rev. Fr. Mathew Karoor (Principal, St. Mary’s School), Mr. John Mathai IAS, Mr. Jacob Punnoos (DGP) were present.

Moran Mor Cleemis Catholicos presented the first rosary from the Queen of Peace Basilica to Mr. Jacob Punnoos, DGP.

The first day of the Holy Synod was observed as a prayer day and the Bishop of Thuckalai gave the points for reflection. The Holy Synod evaluated the entire administration of the Church and took important decisions for the better future of the Church. The draft of the Code of Particular Canons (CPC), the particular law of the Church was discussed thoroughly and made necessary changes. The draft of the CPC will also be circulated among the members of the Church for wider discussions and observations. For the session at 4.00 p.m. on 20^th November, the major superiors of every religious congregation of the Church were specially invited. The Holy Synod was concluded by noon on 21^st of November. 

His Eminence Leonardo Cardinal Sandri, Prefect, the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, Rome.

Malankara Catholic Church gave a warm reception to Leonardo Cardinal Sandri, the Prefect of the Congregation for Oriental Churches, on 10 November 2008, 9.00am at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom. The reception was arranged in the traditional manner. Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis, Major Archbishop-Catholicos was the chief celebrant of the Holy Qurbono. Leonardo Cardinal Sandi delivered the homily. After the Holy Mass, His Eminence visited the tomb of Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios.

The following public meeting was presided over by Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos. The Metropolitan Archbishop Most Rev. Thomas Mar Koorilos, Most Rev. Joshua Mar Ignathios, Msgr. Eldo Puthenkandathil and the lay representative Shri. John Mathai IAS  made the felicitation speeches. The representatives from the religious congregations of various eparchies gave memento to the Cardinal. All the metropolitans of our Church, Priests, Religious, Nuns, Brothers and numerous Faithful participated in the blessed function.

Major Archbishop Mar Baselios Cleemis Catholicos said that the bishops of the Malankara Catholic Church would never encourage people believing and being members in atheistic movements. He was presiding over the closing ceremony of the Reunion Day Celebrations held at Ranni.

Conscious efforts have been made to prevent the growth of faith in the state. Pastoral Letters are one of the teaching method of the Church and it was not invented during the tenure of the LDF government. The Church explains its mission and vision through such Pastoral Letters. The standpoints of the Church are not taken by an individual but by the college of the bishops. The attempt to despise these letters should be condemned.

Attempts are made to spread atheism even through the school textbooks. Steps should be taken from the family itself to check this attempt to destroy the seeds of faith. It is the responsibility of the parents to create and foster faith in children Catholicos added.

We have to speak about God to others. We should be strengthened by the words of Jesus that He would not let us go orphan in any crisis. As the Major Archbishop of the Malankara Catholic Church, my desire and dream is that all Malankara churches should be united under one head. If it happens, I am ready to sacrifice my title and to serve the Church under the common authority, said the Catholics in his most inspiring speech.

Malankara Catholic Church honoured 21 members of the Laity who participate in the building up of the Church with immense sacrifice and exemplary service in the various missions of the Church. Among them 8 are women. The titles are called “(Bar Eetho Kasheetho) the Diligent Son of the Church” and “(Bars Eetho Kasheertho) the Diligent Daughter of the Church”. It goes without saying that the titles of honour bestowed in the Church are in recognition of the meritorious service they rendered to the Church. The Major Archbishop Catholicos announced the names of those dignitaries in the public meeting on the main day of the reunion day celebrations at Ranni. They laity are:

Trivandrum

1. Mr. Cherian Chenneerkara (Pampumala)
2. Mr. P. Poulose (Kanjiramkulam)
3. Mr. Mathew Varghse Keecheril (Pattom)
4. Mrs. Mary Samuel Mukkoottumannil (Punalur)

 
Thiruvalla
1. Mr. George Erumeda (Vandanmedu)
2. Mr. Thomas Pulickathara
3. Mrs. Eliyamma Varghese Madelil (Thottabhagam)

Bathery

1. Mr. M. K. Kuruvila Mekkatt (Uppatty)
2. Mrs. Valsamma Thankachan Parackal Puthenpura (Uppada)

Marthandom

1. Mr. Christal John (Nagarcoil)
2. Mrs. Vasanthakumari (Koickalthopp)

Moovattupuzha

1. Mr. K. J. Peter Keyyalil (Vettickal)
2. Mrs. Elizabeth Mathai Idikula (Ernakulam)

Mavelikara

1.Mr. Thomas John Thevareth (Puthiyakavu)
2. Mrs. Annamma George Plamoottil (Chengannur)

ETR

1. Mr. C. T. Symon (Bangalore)
2. Mr. P. V. THomas (Pune)
3. Mrs. Sarah Mani Kuriakose (Mumbai)

ETR outside India

1. Mr. Baby Thomas Naikamparambil (New York)
2. Mrs. Achamma John Mathai (Chicago)

The duty of shepherding the Malankara Catholic flock of the Muvattupuzha diocese has been taken up by Dr. Abraham Mar Youlios, who was ordained as Bishop on February 9. 

The ordination was held at the headquarters of the diocese, St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Vazhapilly. The faithful hailed him by proclaiming “he is capable of guiding us”, as Major Archbishop Mar Baselios Cleemis handed the cross and the crosier (they serve as a reminder of pastoral duties) to the newly ordained Bishop. 

Dr. Abraham Kakanatt received the name Dr. Abraham Mar Youlios during the service of consecration to the order of Bishop, which was performed by the Malankara Catholic Bishops. 

At the beginning of the ceremony, the approval of the Pope was read out by the Chancellor, Fr. Anthony Valiyavilayil. The sermon was given by Bishop Stanley Roman. The priests of the diocese acknowledged the new Bishop by making him sit on the throne and lifting him thrice. After offering the benediction along with the other bishops, Mar Youlios carried out the ‘Sunthroneeso’ service as a part of taking up the responsibilities of the bishopric. The bishops who took part in the service were Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos, Geevargheese Mar Divannasios, Yuhanon Mar Chrisostum, Joshua Mar Ignathious, Joseph Mar Thomas and Jacob Mar Barnabas.

Rev. Dr. Abraham Kakkanattu was appointed as the Bishop of Moovattupuzha Diocese.

Pope Benedict XVI on Friday acknowledged the election of Fr. Abraham Kackanatt as the new bishop of Muvattupuzha by the synod of the Syro-Malankara church. As a major archiepiscopal church, the Syro-Malankara Church is granted the highest level of self-government under the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches in the Catholic Church. One area of autonomy is the appointment of its own bishops by the synod, the apex body of the Eastern rite Catholic Church, to which the Pope gives his assent.

Rev. Dr. Abraham Kakkanattu, who is currently The Director of Pushpagiri Medical College was appointed as the new Bishop of Muvattupuzha Diocese by Major Arch Bishop Cleemis Catholica Bava at a special function at Pattom Cathedral, on Friday the 18th Jan 08. Consecration will be on Feb 9th at Vimalagiri Cathedral, Moovatupuzha. He hails from Kallooppara, Mallappally.

Fr. Kackanatt succeeds Archbishop Thomas Koorilos Chakkalapadickal who was transferred to Tiruvalla as archbishop last March. Born on June 10, 1944, at Kalloopara, Kerala, Fr. Abraham Kackanatt, was ordained priest in 1970. The 67-year old priest holds a Master’s degree in sociology from Mysore university, a Licentiate in Scriptures from Rome’s Pontifical Bible Institute, a Doctorate in Biblical Theology from Rome’s Pontifical Urban University and a diploma in Biblical and Oriental Studies from Jerusalem’s Bible Institute. Fr. Kackanatt has held several posts in Tiruvalla archdiocese, among them director of social works, corporate manager of schools, professor at the Cana Research Institute for Family and Marriage and administrator of the Pushpagiri Group of Institutions and Secretary of the Pushpagiri Medical Society. An accomplished linguist, Fr. Kackanatt speaks Hindi, Tamil, Sanskrit, English, Italian, German, French and Spanish besides his native Malayalam. He also knows Latin, Syrian, Hebrew and Greek.

Bishop Consecration on February 9, 2008

Fr. Abraham Kackanattu, Bishop-designate of the Muvattupuzha diocese of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, will be conferred the Ramban title during the holy Eucharist at St. John’s Metropolitan Cathedral at Thiruvalla on Wednesday. At a press conference at the Marygiri Archbishop’s House in Thiruvalla on Tuesday, Fr. Antony Kackanatt, Chancellor of the Archbishop’s House and Fr. Santhosh Azhakath, convenor, said Major Archbishop Baselios Cleemis Catholicos will be the chief celebrant at the service. The consecration of Fr. Kakkanattu as the new Metropolitan will be held at St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Vimalagiri), Vazhappilly, in Muvattupuzha on February 9th morning. Major Archbishop will be the chief celebrant of the consecration service and will be assisted by the Metropolitans of the Church. Apostolic Nuncio Pedro Lopez Quintana will preach the homily. A public meeting to felicitate the newly installed Bishop will also be held at 12 noon.

Ramban title conferred on bishop-designate

The pre-installation service at which the Ramban title was conferred on the bishop-designate of Muvattupuzha diocese of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, Fr. Abraham Kackanatt, was held with religious fervour at St. John’s Metropolitan Cathedral in Thiruvalla on Wednesday.

Major Archbishop Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Thiruvalla Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos and Metropolitans were accorded a rousing reception.

The Catholicos was the chief celebrant at the ceremony. Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos and bishops Geevarghese Mar Themotheos, Joshua Mar Ignatheos, Geevarghese Mar Divannaseus, Youhanon Mar Chrysostum and Joseph Mar Thomas were the co-celebrants.

The holy Qurbono, led by the Catholicos, began at 8.50 a.m. The Catholicos washed the feet of the bishop-designate before conferring the Ramban title on him.

The Metropolitan of the Jacobite Syrian Church, Geevarghese Mar Koorilos, also was present on the occasion.

The installation of Fr. Kackanatt as the Metropolitan of the Malankara Catholic Church Eparchy of Muvattupuzha will take place at St. Joseph’s Cathedral (Vimalagiri) at Vazhappilly in Muvattupuzha on February 9.

The Catholicos will be the chief celebrant of the installation service and all the other bishops of the Church will be the co-celebrants. The Apostolic Nuncio, Pedro Lopez Quintana, will preach the homily.

This site was officially put into operation on 25th morning. But our first newsletter will be out only on the 28th or 29th of December as we continue our tests to ensure that you have a great experience at syromalankara.org and that you find the new site far more interesting !

Why this change? And why a name change?

We were holding syromalankara.org since the beginning and it was acting as our server for holding other sites – malankara.org.in, bo-dhi.org, mavelikkaradiocese.org, mca.net.in etc. The problem was that syromalankara.org was not being used. And it was time that it did. The more we waited, the more difficult to re-brand.

Also, malankara.org.in with the org.in extension was more Indianised. We want to represent the site “Internationally”.

So, we thought it was time to re-brand! And we did it!

Please update all your bookmarks to point to the new site.

This site definitely promises more…. than its predecessor. And yes! if you point the browser to the old site, it will get automatically routed to the new domain.

PRESENTS

Koinonia
(A fellowship Celebration of Youths)

Celebrating 25 years of MCYM Pune

MCYM Pune welcomes YOU to ‘KOINONIA’ – a fellowship celebration of youths.

 
MCYM Pune, on the eve of completing 25 memorable years, celebrates its
Silver Jubilee along with MCYM ETRI friends on 27th to 29th Dec, 2007
at Holy Redeemers Church, Mar Baselious Nagar, Kalewadi, Pimpri, Pune, India
*Some of the Main Attractions*
KNOW ME………………..ice-breaking sessions.

DOCUMENTARY………..journey of MCYM Pune all through 25 years of existence.

SATKAR…………………..felicitation of yester-year MCYM Leaders.

MCYM ETRI SPECIAL… workshops to inculcate Leadership in youths.
SENATE MEETING……..discussions of MCYM ETRI Leaders.

YAADEIN………………….a nostalgic exhibition of MCYM.

BOOGIE WOOGIE………….. fun filled cultural nite.

MAUJA……………………fun around fire.

CRACK ‘N’ FUNZ………..antakshri cum quiz competition.
MCYM Pune anticipates all your prayers and more specially your presence
for the success of the celebrations which will not complete without you.

Saju John
Event Manager
Fr. Benedict OIC
Event Administrator

THEME: EVANGELIZED YOUTHS FOR UNIVERSAL FELLOWSHIP

DAY1 – 27TH DECEMBER 2007

17:00 – 17:15 – Flag Hoisting
17:15 – 19:00 – Shubharambha – Inaugural Function
19:00 – 19:15 – Journey of MCYM Pune – A Documentary show
19:20 – 20:00 –  Know Me -  Ice breaking session
20:00 – 20:30 – Supper
20:30 – 22:30 – Satkar – Felicitating the yesteryear leaders

DAY2 – 28TH DECEMBER 2007

07:00 – 09:30 – Morning Prayers/Holy Qurbono
09:30 – 10:00 – Breakfast
10:00 – 10:15 – Singing Session
10:15 – 11:00 – Introductory Talk – Role of MCYM in the growth of ETRI
    By – His Grace Jacob Mar Barnabas – Apostolic Visitator of ETRI
11:00 – 13:00 – Class 1 – Christian Leadership
13:00 – 14:00 – Lunch
14:00 – 16:00 – Leadership Games
16:00 – 16:30 – Evaluation of Games
16:30 – 18:00 – Tea/Senate Meeting/Exhibition 
18:30 – 19:30 – Prayer Session – Here I am O lord (By Mar Ivanios Prayer Group)
19:30 – 20:30 – Dinner
20:30 – 22:00 – Boogie-Woogie – Cultural Nite
22:00 – 22:30 – Mauja – Fun around Fire

DAY3 – 29TH DECEMBER 2007

07:00 – 09:30 – Morning Prayers/Holy Qurbono
09:30 – 10:00 – Breakfast
10:00 – 10:15 – Singing Session
10:15 – 11:30 – Class 2 – Evangelized Youth for Universal Fellowship
11:30 – 11:45 – Break
11:45 – 13:00 – Workshop/Group Discussion 
13:00 – 14:00 – Lunch
14:00 – 15:30 – CracknFunz – Antakshari/Quiz
15:30 – 16:30 – Evaluation of Event
16:30 – Tea & Good Bye

 
Fr. Benedict OIC      Saju John
Event Administrator      Event Manager

The first of the four steps towards canonisation of Late Archbishop Geevarghese Mar Ivanios, the first Metropolitan and Archbishop of the Malankara Catholic Church and founder of the Order of Bethany Sisters, was made on Saturday with his being named ‘Servant of God’.

Catholicos Baselios Mar Cleemis made the declaration at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom, here at a Holy Mass held in the morning to mark the 54th Remembrance Day of the late Archbishop. Hundreds of people, including scores of priests and nuns, were present at the cathedral to witness the historic moment in the history of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.

Thiruvalla Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos, Bishops Geevarghese Mar Divanyasios, Yuhanon Mar Chrysostom, Joshua Mar Ignathios and Apostolic Visitator of missions outside Kerala Jacob Mar Barnabas were present at the mass and concelebration to mark the occasion. The Catholicos also received the rallies of the devout that reached the cathedral from the dioceses of Ranni, Perumattil, Thiruvalla, Marthandam and Mavelikkara earlier in the morning as part of the celebration.

Steps to Sainthood.

After attaining the status of the “Servant of God”, there are three more steps to finally attain Sainthood.

1) A postulator (a church official who coordinates the process and serves as an advocate) must demonstrate the Mar Ivanios lived by heroic Christian virtues. Documents and testimony are collected and presented to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome. If approved by that panel and the pope, the Late Archbishop Mar Ivanios will earn the title ”Venerable.”

2) Faithful can now pray to Late Archbishop Mar Ivanios, asking for help in delivering messages to God. Answered prayers can be attributed to Mar Ivanios’ advocacy, or intercession. If the postulator  can prove that Mar Ivanios’s intercession helped a living person receive a miracle from God, the Pope can declare the late Archbishop, ”Blessed.”

3) After a second miracle is attributed to Mar Ivanios’ intercession, the Pope can declare him to be a saint, with the final step called “Canonization”.

The Father of the Re-union movement and the First Archbishop of the Malankara Catholic Church, Late Archbishop Mar Ivanios will be declared “Servant of God” (Daivadasan). This comes as a first step to declaring the Late Archbishop a Saint.

The declaration will be made on the 14th of July, 2007 by His Excellency Major Archbishop Baselios Mar Cleemis at the Pattom Cathedral, Trivandrum. Mar Ivanios’ 54th Death Anniversary is on July 15.

Steps to Sainthood.

After attaining the status of the “Servant of God”, there are three more steps to finally attain Sainthood.

1) A postulator (a church official who coordinates the process and serves as an advocate) must demonstrate the Mar Ivanios lived by heroic Christian virtues. Documents and testimony are collected and presented to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome. If approved by that panel and the pope, the Late Archbishop Mar Ivanios will earn the title ”Venerable.”

2) Faithful can now pray to Late Archbishop Mar Ivanios, asking for help in delivering messages to God. Answered prayers can be attributed to Mar Ivanios’ advocacy, or intercession. If the postulator  (a church official who coordinates the process and serves as an advocate) can prove that Mar Ivanios’s intercession helped a living person receive a miracle from God, the Pope can declare the late Archbishop, ”Blessed.”

3) After a second miracle is attributed to Mar Ivanios’ intercession, the Pope can declare him to be a saint, with the final step called “Canonization”.

Due to the declaration of Mar Ivanios as the “Servant of God”, special prayers and masses will be conducted everyday, till the 14th of July at St. Mary’s Cahtedral, Pattom where he was laid to rest.

Bishop Thomas Mar Koorilos, of the Muvattupuzha Diocese, was installed as the second Metropolitan Archbishop of Tiruvalla at a ceremony held at St. John’s Cathedral in Tiruvalla on Wednesday. He was appointed as the Archbishop of Tiruvalla on 26th March, 2007.

Major Archbishop Baselios Cleemis Catholicos was the principal celebrant of the installation ceremony. The installation service was held amidst the holy Eucharist celebrated by the Catholicos, assisted by Bishops Geevarghese Mar Divanyasios, Joshua Mar Ignatios, Joseph Mar Thomas, Youhanon Mar Chrysostum, Geevarghese Mar Timothios and Yakoob Mar Barnabas.

Hundreds of faithful thronged the cathedral premises to witness the installation ceremony. The holy Eucharist began at 8.15 a.m. and the installation ceremony at 9.45 a.m.

The order of the Catholicos appointing Mar Koorilos the Archbishop of Tiruvalla was read out by Chancellor of Thiruvananthapuram Archdiocese Fr. Antony Valiyavilayil. The new Archbishop, seated in a chair, was lifted thrice amidst loud chants of `Oxios,’ a Greek word meant `that he is worthy.’ The Catholicos blessed the new Archbishop and handed over the pastoral staff to him, later, marking the culmination of the installation ceremony.

July 19-22, 2007

Hosted by: M.C.Y.M., Houston, Dallas

Theme: You love one another as I have loved you
(John 15:12)

http://karakrew.com/  or  http://houstonmalankara.org/mcym/

St. Thomas Aquinas said that nothing on earth is more prized than true friendship. Jesus chose to be part of a web of friends while he walked the earth and shared our human existence. He continues to desire true friendship with each one of us. Our own friends are a reflection of that desire. We would like to invite you to the Second National Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM) Conference, to gather together in friendship and experience God’s friendship and love for us. The conference will be hosted by the Houston-Dallas MCYM at Houston Baptist University (Mar Ivanios Nagar) beginning July 19 and concluding on July 22.

We are looking forward in making this conference a spiritual journey for all participants. The conference consists of Speakers, Mass, Adoration, Cultural Programs as well as social activities. This conference will allow us to grow and know ourselves better in the light God pours into our lives. Loving the Lord makes it possible to love ourselves in ways that are constructive and healthy. We will come to see what it is that he loves in us and how pleasing we are to him.

- Karakrew

Please visit the website - http://karakrew.com/ for more information and to download the Welcome Kit.

The ceremonies started off with a liturgical reception to all the Mar Divannasios, Mar Chrysostom, Mar Ignathios, Mar Koorilos, Mar Thomas, Mar Barnabas and the Catholica Bava. This was followed by the blessing of the new church at Neb Serai in New Delhi. His Beatitude Moran Baselios Cleemis led the blessing of the new church. The newly consecrated Bishop Jacob Mar Barnabas sat on the throne and read the Gospel of St. John saying ?I am the good shepherd? The Apostolic Nuncio of Vatican to India His Excellency Pedro Lopez Quintana then handed over a lighted candle to symbolize the installation of the new Bishop. This was followed by a public meeting presided by His Beatitude the Cathoica Bava and inaugurated by His Grace Vincent Concecao Archbishop of New Delhi. Felicitations to His Beatitude and the new Bishop was given by Shri Vayalar Ravi Cabinet minister for Overseas Indian arrears and Shri Oscar Fernandez Minister of State for Labour and Employment, His Grace Stansilaus Fernandez Archbishop of Ahmedabad and Secretary General of the CBCI, His Grace Job Mar Philexinos Bishop of the Syrian Orthodox church in New Delhi. A souvenir for the Bahya badrassanam was published when Vicar General of Tiruvalla handed over the first copy to Mar Chrysostom. Rev Fr. Abraham Kakanatt was the MC for the function. Dignitaries who attended included Rev Fr George Thomas Kallumkal OIC, Superior General of the OIC, Mother Benjamin Mother General of the SIC, Shri. Francis George M.P, Shri P.C Thomas M.P, Rev Fr Thomas Kochuthundiyil Chancellor Trivandrum Archdiocese, Rev Fr Antony Valiyavilayil OIC Chancellor of the Holy Synod, Cherian Ramnalil Cor-Episocpa and Chief Vicar General of Tiruvalla Archdiocese. Representatives from 38 mission of India presented shawls to the new Bishop. The proceedings were attended by about 500 malankarites who came from 38 mission units in 13 states. There was agape for all who attended.

The next day the new Bishop celebrated mass with Mar Divannasios and Mar Ignathios as co-celebrants. After breakfast various meeting were held with the Bishops and MCA, MCYM, priests and Rev Sisters. The sessions were moderated by Mar Barnabas, Mar Divannasios and Mar Ignathios. Catholica Bava gave the concluding remarks. In all the meetings indicated a lot of positive growth prospects for the Malankara Church in the mission areas outside the territorium proprium. Overall the functions at New Delhi was a rewarding experience to the Malankara faithful after a long wait of innumerable Bahya Bhadrasana conventions.

The official assumption of charge by our bishop Mar Barnabas is on the 22nd of March in Delhi. The entire hierarchy of the Malankara church will be present. The CM of Delhi and other cabinet ministers are attending the meeting. The new bishop will reside in Delhi and operate from there. It is a great event inthe life of the Church. Let us pray for our new bishop and the outside diocese missions.

God bless us,

with love, Pithave.

Rev.Dr. Chacko Aerath OIC who was designated as the Apostolic Visitator for Bhaya Kerala Malankara Missions (MCCIETR) on 7th February 2007 was consecrated as Bishop Jacob Mar Barnabas on Saturday, 10th March, 2007 at St. Mary Cathedral, Pattom, Trivandrum.

The main celebrant of the function was Catholicos Cleemis Mar Baselios. All the Bishops of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church fold were present for the celebration.

Following the consecration, there was a public meeting to felicitate the new Bishop.

The Sunthroneeso took place on 22nd March, 2007, at Nabseri in Delhi, the seat of His Excellency.

Yesterday was yet another moment of great joy that our second major archbishop Catholicos was installed in the presence of Cardinals, archbishops and bishops and Hundreds of clergy, religious and thousands of lay faithful. The function started at 8 am with a small reception but colorful and meaningul. We did not want to cause any inconvenience to the general public and therefore it was done inside our cathedral compound. The main celebrant was our administrator Most Rev. Geevarghese Mar Divannasios. All our bishops and the bishop elect Msgr. Chacko Aerath also concelebrated in the liturgy. It was such a solemn celebration. Our dear Archbishop of Changancherry Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Powathil preached the homily. It was such a wonderful homily. Then after the elevation of the sacred mysteries and the intercessory prayers to our blessed Mother and Saints we proceeded with the installation which in canonical terms is called enthronement. The Holy See has sent Mosignor Maurizio Malvestiti, teh secretary of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches and our own Rev. Dr. Johnson Kailmala who is undersecretary in the congregation participated in the ceremony. The service had three solemn moments: The invitation by the Synod Fathers to accept the call of being the Catholicos and all the memebers knelt before the Catholicos elect and then the Catholicos Elect knelt down before the Synod and said he is willing to accept the call by the Grace of the Lord. The second moment is prayer over the catholicos. All the ordained bishops participated in the prayer. They kept their right hand over the shoulders of the catholicos elect. Then was the oxios and reading the gospel. The third moment was the collegiality expressed by handing over the Staff (Amshavadi) to the new catholicos. All the bishops held on to the staff according to their seniority and in the end the main celebrant handed over the staff with a small prayer. Then the new Catholiocs blessed the community with the staff. Well it was such a moving event. After the holy mass there was a public meeting in which the CM of Kerala inaugurated. The Opposition leader and many ministers and MPS and MLAS and political leaders participated. The CBCI and CCBI presidents, the Major Archbishop of the Syro Malabar Church, His Emience Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil gave their benedictory address. Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil Pithave was so sweet in appreciating our church and he said two things: It is a great moment for you since you are a people who take legitimate pride in being Malnkara Catholics. Then he said this event shows your bishops are so united and one in their action and leadership. That the bishops did not have anyother consideration other than able leadership and good fortune of the church that they elected the junior most as catholicos. I could write much more. Let me tell you my people. We are a great church. Our Bava thirumeni will do very well in Trivandrum. He has such rare qualities of a good leader and we are going to profit by this in the years to come. let us pray for our bava thirumeni. It is through him that the world is going to see the face of the Malankara Church and to a good extend the true meaning of Christianity. Our blessed Mother protect our bava tirumeni through her powerful intercession.

with love and prayers, 

Pithave

Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis was installed as the second Major Archbishop and Catholicos of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church before a large gathering of the faithful and dignitaries at a solemn function here on Monday.

Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis, 48, is the youngest to occupy the highest office of the Church since its formation in 1930. He is also the youngest head among the 22 uniat Churches in the Catholic Church, according to the Church authorities.

The installation ceremony, which took place at St. Mary’s Cathedral at Pattom around 8 a.m., was led by Malankara Catholic Church Administrator Geevarghese Mar Divannasios.

The installation began with the Prefect seeking the consent of Mar Cleemis for his installation. He was later seated on a throne and lifted up three times by the chancellors from various Malankara Catholic dioceses to mark the installation.

Each time the throne was lifted, a priest specially designated by the prefect chanted ‘Oxios’, a Syriac word which means ‘he is eligible’. The word was chorused by the gathering. The Major Archbishop then blessed the gathering.

Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana, CBCI President Cardinal Telesphore Toppo, CCBI President Archbishop Oswald Gracious and Major Archbishop of Syro-Malabar Church Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil were the attendees at the solemn function.

The New Eparchy of Mavelikkara, Kerala was inaugurated and Bishop Joshua Mar Ignathios installed its first Bishop today, Feb. 16, 2007.

Pope Benedict XVI had given his assent to the decision of the Synod of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church for the creation of the new Eparchy of Mavelikara and the election of Joshua Mar Ignathios as its first Bishop. This new Eparchy was created by bifurcating the Archieparchy of Trivandrum.

The announcement of the creation of the new Eparchy was done on Jan. 02, 2007.

The ceremonies started with a vehicle rally. Hundreds of vehicles accompanying the specially decorated carriage of the first Bishop of the new diocese– at 7 am from Panikkaruveetil house in Puthiyakavu, the ancestral home of the late Mar Ivanios. The ceremonies at the Cathedral started with a colourful welcome for the metropolitan and other guests. The mass started at 8.30 am.

Major Archbishop-designate Baselios Mar Cleemis Catholicose led the mass, where church leaders from across the country were present. Synod chancellor Fr Antony Valiyavilayil read out the decree announcing Bishop Mar Ignathios’s installation.

Archbishop Joseph Powathil inaugurated the public meeting, where he insisted that the church’s interventions and opinions on social issues should not be interpreted as an effort to control the official state machinery. Nor are they effort to communalise issues.

Archbishop Powathil pointed out that the state cannot solve all the spiritual and temporal needs of the common man, and the church had a critical role in fighting social evils. Church cannot turn a blind eye to these challenges, he said.

Malankara Catholic Church administrator Geevarghese Mar Dionysius chaired the public meeting attended by thousands of devotees. Among those who spoke were the Archbishop of Mumbai Oswald Gracious, Major Archbishop-designate Baselios Mar Cleemis Catholicose, Metropolitan of Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church Zacharias Mar Theophilus, Archbishop of Thiruvananthapuram Latin Archdiocese Susaipakiam and Church of South India Bishop Sam Mathew.

An array of political leaders from all parties, social leaders and other representatives of major organizations also spoke at the function. Among them were the state law minister M Vijayakumar, transport minister Mathew T Thomas, opposition leader Oommen Chandy, state Congress party president Ramesh Chennithala, Members of Parliament CS Sujata and PJ Kurian, Chief Secretary Lissy Jacob, NSS taluk union president KM Rajagopala Pillai and SNDP taluk union president R Subhas.

Mar Ignathios thanked the Lord for all the blessings, and expressed his confidence to shape the new diocese with a vibrant spiritual life and active participation of the people. Bishop Ignathios is presently the secretary of Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council and the chairman of the Labour Commission of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India.

Bishop Joshua Mar Ignathios, was born on 24th May, 1950 at Kizhakketheruvu, Kottarakara, Kerala.

After his Seminary education at St. Aloysius Seminary, Pattom and at St. Paul?s Seminary, Trichy, he was ordained priest on 20th April 1978. Besides B. Th. at Urbaniana University, Rome, he gained his Master?s degree in History, M.Ed and Ph.D. in Education Administration. He served as Assistant Parish Priest at Kirathoor (Marthandom Diocese) and for fourteen years (1982-96) he was Parish Priest of St. Thomas Malankara Catholic Church, Padi, Chennai, during which period he was also Principal of the Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School, Chennai.

On 10th March, 1997, he was appointed Corepiscopo and on 15th April, 1998, Auxiliary Bishop of Trivandrum. From 1996 onwards he was Chief Vicar General of the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum and from December 2001-2005 he held the office of Secretary of Kerala Catholic Bishops? Council (KCBC).

At present, Bishop Joshua Mar Ignathios is the Chairman of the Labour Commission (CBCI), Patron of All India Christian Council as well as Chairman of All India Christian Council (Kerala Region). He is also Chairman of the Synodal Commissions for Social Apostolate, Education, Communication, Health and Dalit Christians in Malankara Catholic Church and Chairman of KCBC Commission for Temperance Movement (Madyavirudha Samithy).

The Synod fathers entered into a day of prayer and fasting after the Memorial service of our Cyril Baselios Bava Tirumeni. The Retreat was led by His Grace Archbishop Mar Powathil. WE went for prayer and adoration. 8th Feb was a day of prayer and fast in the entire Malankara Church. On th 8th at 11 a.m. we went to the tomb of our Pithakkanmar and then we entered into the Synod of Election. All the seven bishops were present. The president was unanimously elected and election proceedures were given. Then ballots were distributed for the first round of election. As it was prohibited by norm no discussion was held regarding anything in the election time. This is to uphold the freedom of the Synod Fathers. In the first ballot itself it was evident to the Bishops that the Lord was choosing Mar Cleemis pithave for this office, however, the election was inconclusive since there was no two third majority. Then we went for prayer and adoration. At 3 p.m. we came back and recited the rosary and the second round was held. There our Cleemis pithave was unanimously elected Father and Head of our Church. Then as per the canon, the senior most bishop, here Mar Timotheos pithave asked the Catholicos elect whether he was willing to accept this decision of Fathers. He accepted. Then we immediately sent letters to the Holy Father through the Nunciature. We got the confirmation of the election in about 24 hours. We wanted the announcement to be held on 10th since it was the second anniversary of our Major Archiepiscopate. After we got the confirmation the Catholicos elect made profession of faith in the Synod and the Synod fathers made their allegiance to the new Catholicos. Then the annoucnement was held on 10th at 4.30 p.m. It was a great moment of joy for us. WE have set an example for all. After the new code came in it was the first election in the life of the Eastern Catholic Churches. WE could set and example of fellowship and true inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We bishops are so happy that we fully and freely yielded to the promptings of the Spirit. It was TRULY A HOLY SYNOD. It was holy because it was the Holy Spirit who was leading, we were only instruments. I know we have shown a great maturity and this was also what the Holy Father meant when he said we are the fastest growing Church. I know everything is because of the intercession of the blessed Mother and the humble servant of the Lord our dear Mar Ivanios Pithave, the founder of our Reunion movement. Let us be truly happy that we have a great bava thirumeni as Mar Cleemis pithave. 

with love, 
Pithave

Archbishop Isaac Mar Cleemis Thottunkal, aged 47, presently Archbishop of Tiruvalla has been elected ‘Catholicos Bawa’, head of the Catholic Syro-Malankara Church.

He was elected by the Syro-Malankara Bishops’ Synod which met between February. 7th to 10th, 2007 in Catholicos Centre, Trivandrum, Kerala.

The announcement was made by Bishop Geevarghese Mar Divannasios.

The Holy Father has granted approval to the apointment.

The new Major Archbishop would be called Catholicos Bawa Cleemis Baselios and would be installed Major Archbishop of Trivadrum Archdiocese on March 03, 2007.

The Major Metropolitan See of Trivandrum was vacant due to the death of His Beatitude Cyril Mar Baselios who went to his heavenly reward on Jan. 18, 2007.

During the interim period, Bishop of Bathery Geevarghese Mar Divannasios was elected Administrator.

Archbishop Isaac Mar Cleemis is the Second Vice President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), elected during the General Body Meeting 2006 held in Bangalore.

The newly-elected Major Archbishop was born on June 15, 1959 and ordained priest on Aug. 15, 1986. He was consecrated Bishop on Aug. 15, 2001 and made Archbishop on May 15, 2006.

Rev.Dr. Chacko Aerath OIC has been designated as the Bishop Co-Ordinator for Bhaya Kerala Malankara Missions (MCCIETR) on 7th February 2007 at 4:45pm at St.Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom, by Malankara Catholic Church Administrator most Rev. Geevarghese Mar Divannyasios.

Rev. Fr.Chacko Aerath was born on 3rd December 1960, in Karikkulathu family in Ranni. He is the youngest son of Mr. Geevarghese and Mrs. Rachel. He has two brothers and five sisters out of them three are Nuns working in the Bethany Sisters Congregation. He ordained as a Bethany priest on October 2nd 1986. From the year 1989 to 1994 he was in Rome and he took a Doctorate in Theology. He was the Provincial Superior of Navjyoti Province, Aluva from 2000 to 2006. Before being ordained as the Bishop Co-ordinator, he was the rector and superior of Bethany Ashram, Aluva and Minor Seminary.

Indeed it was a moment of great grief for all of us to acknowledge that our Bava thirumeni has left to join in the share of our great and venerable forefathers. His life was a life of great accomplishment. Ever since he assumed charge as head and father of our church 11 years ago, the Church was brought into tremendous growth. He was instrumental in creating three dioceses-Marthandom, Muvattupuzha and Mavelikara and raising Tiruvalla into Archdiocese. He ordained all our bishops except our Timotheos pithave. Each year there was something special to celebrate and commomorate. He was a great spiritual leader. Under his leadership we strengthened many of our mission centres, and started many. He was an ardent lover of the poor and the marginalized. He had a soft corner for our dalit bretheren and did everything possible for their well being. He wanted to bring the entire Malankra church in one fold and he did it very well. The funeral was the most precious moment when the glory of the Malankara Catholic Church rose into unprecedented heights.What a burial and what a slomenity. Even his death brought honour for our Church. This visionary has left us with a luminous example of courage, great religious life, indian spirituality, openness, etc. May our great and beloved Reesh Reesh Aboon rest in peace. I shall write the details of the funeral and other arrangements we have done soon. Meantime, keep praying and strengthening each other with fast and penance.

The funeral began at 7 a.m. with the Morning prayer and Holy Mass. At 9 the body was taken to Palayam our Church and it was kept in the podium. The Apostolic Nuncio H.Ex. Pedro Lopez Quintana and the CCBI President and Bombay Archbishop Oswald Gracias were present. H.G. Susa Pakkiam, the Latin Archbishop of Trivandrum gave the homily. He specially mentioned Bava thirumeni as a great visionary and promoter of the down-trodden. He also mentioned that some of the comments from some churches regarding the title he has taken according to the tradtion of the Malankara Catholic Church pained him very much. He said that the Malankara Catholic Church by this title has fully grown into its autonomy and it would remove the fear of any bretheren to come into communion with the Apostolic See of St. Peter, the pillar on which Christ built his church. Then the procession began and it was so moving. The faithful, sisters,seminarians and priests walked the street with great devotion and it was a great witness. In one of the papers it was remarked that Anandapuri has witnessed the greatest crowd after 2000. Some of our political leaders also walked the entire route. Then the final session of the burial with farewell prayers were recited. Our Administrator Most Rev. Geevarghese Mar Divannasios lead the prayers. The burial took place at about 2.45 p.m. Thereafter a public meeting was held in which great leaders have participated. Central Minister Oscar Fernandes and Oppostion leader Oommen Chandy and other ministers were present.

The following matters were also decided in the bishops’ meeting:

Suspend all celebrations in the Church for one week; keep 21 days for mourning and prayers; on 7th February to hold the memorial day of our Bava tirumeni as Shradha Perunnal. The same evening the members of the episcopal synod would go into retreat and the following day will be kept as a day of special prayer and fasting. These are moments of great importance for our church and I request all of you to pray for our Church, and especially for all of us bishops that we may be truly under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

With love, 

Koorilose pithav

To decide on the next Archbishop and Catholicos of the Malankara Catholic Church, the Synod will be held after 21 days.

Bishop of Bathery diocese Geevarghese Mar Divanyasios has taken over as administrator of the Malankara Catholic Church following the passing away of Major Archbishop and Catholicos Cyril Mar Baselios on Thursday.

At a press conference held on Friday, synod secretary and Bishop Thomas Mar Coorilose said as per Section 127 of the canon law, Mar Divanyasios, senior Metropolitan of the synod, had taken over as administrator.

Mar Coorilose said the synod would meet after the 21-day mourning period to decide on the next Major Archbishop and successor to Cyril Mar Baselios.

“The synod will take a decision at the meeting that will last up to five days and later, the decision will be communicated to the Pope,” he said. Generally, the Pope agrees to the decision taken by the Synod.

Mar Divanyasios, said that the person to be selected by the synod would have all the powers and title enjoyed by Cyril Mar Baselios.

Born on August 16 1935 at Ullannoor, Pathanamthitta District of Kerala in a family blessed with two priests, four nuns and an Archbishop, he was ordinated as a priest on October 4, 1960. 

He received doctorate in Canon Law from Gregorian University, Rome, in 1975 after taking Masters degree in Psychology from the St John’s University, USA. He had taught at St Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Kottayam, and the pontifical seminary, Aluva.

After his Episcopal Ordnination on Dec. 28, 1978, he became the Bishop of Bathery diocese. 

Cyril Mar Baselious was appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Trivandrum and head of the church in 1995 by Pope John Paul II. As the Metropolitan Archbishop he received sacred Pallium from Pope John Paul II on January 9, 1996 in Vatican.

He was elevated to Major Archbishop when the church was raised to the dignity of a major archepiscopal church.

A keen sense of observation, skill for planning and organisation, administrative skills, sense of value and spiritual leadership constitute the personality of Dr Cyril Mar Baselios. He had a deep rooted knowledge in theology, philosophy, psychology and economics.

The first Major Archbishop and Catholicos of the Malankara Catholic Church Cyril Mar Baselious passed away on Thursday 18th January, 2007. He was 71.

The Major Archbishop was diabetic and had been undergoing dialysis for the last six months. He was admitted to a private hospital here on Thursday morning following complaints of uneasiness.

He breathed his last there at 6.45 p.m. His death was unexpected as the Major Archbishop was the chief celebrant at an installation ceremony at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom, on Wednesday.

Funeral was held on Saturday, 20th January, 2007.

All educational institutions under the Malankara Catholic diocese remained closed on Friday and Saturday.

It was during his tenure as Archbishop in February 2005 that the Malankara Catholic Church was elevated to Major Archiepiscopal status. Cyril Mar Baselius was a member in the congregation for oriental churches in Rome.

People from all walks of life turned up in large numbers at the St. Mary’s Cathedral here on Friday to pay their last respects to Major Archbishop of the Malankara Catholic Church Cyril Mar Baselius who passed away on Thursday.

Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, Mayor C. J ayan Babu, District Collector N. Ayyappan, freedom fighter K.E. Mammen, Chennai Archbishop Chinnappa and Mavelikkara Archbishop Joshua Mar Ignatios were among those who arrived at the church in the morning to pay homage.

Representative of the Pope in India Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana, C.C.B.A president Archbishop Oswald Gracious were among those who came to pay their respect to Archbishop Baselios. This was followed by the “Dhupa-Prarthana” by all seven Bishops of the Malankara Catholic Church. Following which, Trivandrum Arch-Diocese Arch Bishop and close friend of Catholica Bava, Arch Bishop Susapa gave a speech.

The funeral service which started at 12.15 p.m. was lead by Geevarghese Mar Divanyasios, the Bishop of Bathery and the administrator of the Malankara Catholic Church. The funeral rites were preceded by a public procession from St.Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Palayam.

It was a sad moment when H.E. Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselios’ was taken from St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Pattom for a procession around the city of Thruvananthapuram.

The cathedral bells chimed and hymns in Syriac exhorting to `go in peace’ sung by the mourners rented the air as priests acting as pallbearers escorted the throne down the aisle. The throne was then raised at the four doors of the Cathedral, representing East, West, North and South, by the priests as sign of bidding adieu to the city and its people. The `funeral squad,’ comprising the State police armed battalion, reversed arms as a mark of respect.

“Ente nagarame, janame, ningalodu njyaan yatra parayunnu. Ningal samadhanathode vasikyuka” (My city, my people, I bid adieu to you. Peace be with you.) – was the farewell prayer being said as the procession moved around the city. As the procession moved through the city, people bid farewell with tears to the Archbishop.

The procession moved along the flyover, PMG Junction and Lourdes Church and reached the cathedral in two hours. Around 30,000 people including Cardinal Moussa Ignace Daoud, Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches; Pedro Lopez Quintana, representative of the Pope in India, 25 Bishops, 1,500 priests and 3,000 nuns attended the service.

Draped in solemn vestment and seated on a throne with the symbolic staff in hand, the body was interred alongside his predecessors Mar Ivanios and Mar Gregorios, in a specially prepared vault filled with frankincense at the basement of the Cathedral.

Kuwait’s Adharanjali to Major Arch Bishop Baselios

Very Rev. Msgr Thomas Charivupurayidam is the present Vicar General of the Diocese of Bathery and he is the parish priest of St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church, Kallor, near Bathery.

Very Rev. Fr. Thomas Thannickakuzhy is running a Boys Home at Nambikolly, near Bathery for the poor children. He was the former Vicar General of the Diocese of Bathery.

Source: – Malankara Catholic Association

The Church authorities have also appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Trivandrum Joshua Mar Ignathios as Bishop of the newly constituted Mavelikara Diocese.

The decrees of the Major Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselius Catholicos constituting the new diocese and appointing Mar Ignathios as its Bishop were read out by Synod secretary and Muvattupuzha Bishop Thomas Mar Coorilos at a function held at St Mary’s Cathedral here on Monday. The Malayalam translations of the decrees were read out by Chancellor of the Archdiocese Fr Antony Valiyavilayil.

Archbishop Isaac Mar Cleemis and Bishops Yuhanon Mar Crisostum, Geeverghese Mar Divannasios and Joseph Mar Thomas and Geeverghese Mar Thimothios were also present on the occasion.

As per the ecclesiastical decrees, the new diocese will consist of the presbyteral districts of Mavelikara, Kollam and parts of Chengannur and Adoor spread over the civil districts of Alappuzha, Kollam and Pathanamthitta. The new diocese will consist of 92 parishes and 35,000 faithful and its Cathedral will be at St. Mary’s Church,Punnamoodu, Mavelikara.

Mavelikara is the sixth diocese of Syro-Malankara Church and the second Suffragan of the Archdiocese of Trivandrum, after Marthandam.

The formal inauguration of the new diocese and elevation of Mar Ignathios as its Bishop will take place on February 16,2006 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Punnamoodu, Mavelikara.

contributed by -

Mr. Bitu George, Punnamoodu, Mavelikara.

Bishop Issac Mar Cleemis has been officially ordained as Archbishop of Tiruvalla Diocese on June 10th 2006.

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