Friday, November 1, 2024

Malankara Catholic News Network

Community-Run Syro Malankara Catholic Church News and Information Portal

HomeSyro Malankara General NewsCardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Participates in the Second General Congregation and...

Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Participates in the Second General Congregation and Study Groups at the Synod on Synodality

Date:

Vatican City, 2-4 October 2024 – On the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the Second General Congregation of the Synod on Synodality convened in the Paul VI Hall. The session saw the participation of His Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, alongside 351 other members. Cardinal Cleemis also played a significant role in the Study Group Sessions, which explored various theological and canonical themes shaping the future of the Church.

Cardinal Cleemis’ Active Participation in the General Congregation

The General Congregation opened with a discussion on key issues such as charisms, ministries, the role of laity, and dialogue with cultures and religions. Cardinal Cleemis was deeply involved in the conversations, representing the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church and providing valuable insights from the Eastern Christian perspective. Discussions emphasised synodality as a style of governance rather than a technique, and the need for the Church to be more inclusive of those who feel excluded, including the marginalized and those who do not live up to the Church’s traditional norms.

Synod Focus on Inclusion and Women’s Role

The congregation also explored the topic of women’s roles in the Church. Reflecting on the principle that Baptism confers equal dignity on all believers, Cardinal Cleemis, along with other Church leaders, considered the possibility of new ministries for women, including a potential ministry of consolation. This discussion aligned with the Syro-Malankara Church’s tradition of strong lay participation and pastoral roles for women.

The session highlighted the contributions women have made to the Church throughout its history and the importance of expanding opportunities for women’s participation in decision-making processes within the Church. Some groups also called for deeper study into the possibility of admitting women to the diaconate, a topic that remains under theological review.

Study Group Sessions and Key Themes

During the Study Group Sessions held on 2 October 2024, Cardinal Cleemis actively contributed to the discussions, which addressed a wide range of topics crucial to the Church’s mission. The study groups, established by Pope Francis earlier this year, focused on themes such as the risk of Eastern Churches disappearing due to war, polygamy in Africa, the proclamation of the Gospel in the digital age, and the role of women in the Church.

Cardinal Cleemis was particularly engaged in discussions regarding the Eastern Catholic Churches. As a senior leader of an Eastern Church, he emphasized the critical need to support Eastern Catholic communities, many of which are facing the threat of extinction due to ongoing conflicts. Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, prefect of the Dicastery for Eastern Churches, highlighted these concerns, stating that the loss of Eastern Churches would be an irreparable blow to the universal Church.

Digital Evangelisation and the Cry of the Poor

One of the key areas of focus was digital evangelisation. The study group on this topic discussed how the Church can better engage with young people and those on the peripheries through digital platforms. Cardinal Cleemis stressed the importance of using these tools effectively, especially in reaching the Syro-Malankara diaspora.

Additionally, the Cry of the Poor was central to the Synod’s reflections, with study groups considering how the Church can strengthen its bond with those suffering from poverty, violence, and marginalization. This theme resonates deeply with Cardinal Cleemis’ pastoral focus, as he has consistently advocated for the Church to be a voice for the voiceless and to serve the marginalized.

Presentations on Synodality and Ministerial Forms

The role of the laity, particularly women, was discussed in detail, with Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, leading the conversation. He highlighted the need to expand the spaces for women’s participation, but cautioned against rushing into discussions on female diaconate without fully understanding its implications. His comments were well-received by Cardinal Cleemis, who has long supported increasing the involvement of women in leadership and ministry within the Church.

The session also included reports from the Study Groups on pastoral approaches in diverse cultural contexts, such as polygamy in Africa and the challenges faced by Eastern Churches devastated by war. Cardinal Cleemis and his fellow Synod participants emphasized the importance of active listening and pastoral sensitivity in dealing with these complex issues.

Looking Ahead: The Path to 2025

The work of the study groups will continue beyond the Synod’s current session, with final reports to be delivered to Pope Francis in 2025. These reports will incorporate the outcomes of the General Assembly and help guide the Church’s future direction. As Cardinal Cleemis continues his participation in these sessions, he remains a crucial voice for both the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church and the wider Catholic community, especially in discussions on synodality, inclusion, and cultural diversity.

The Role of the Syro-Malankara Church in Shaping the Synod’s Outcomes

As the Synod progresses, Cardinal Cleemis’ contributions underscore the Syro-Malankara Church’s dedication to synodality and its commitment to addressing contemporary issues within the universal Church. His focus on pastoral care, support for Eastern Churches, and the involvement of women and laity reflects the Church’s broader mission of unity and service.

The Synod’s discussions and findings, including the recommendations from the Study Groups, are expected to play a significant role in shaping the Church’s approach to governance, inclusion, and ministry in the coming years, and the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church remains a vital part of this global conversation.

Follow Syro Malankara Updates on Google News:

Malankara Catholic News Network

Subcribe to WhatsApp News Updates:

Syro Malankara Catholic Church

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related articles:

Syro-Malankara Catholic Church Celebrates 94th Reunion Anniversary in Parassala

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church commemorated its 94th Reunion Anniversary...

Bethany Sisters Congregation Marks Centennial Milestone with Solemn Celebrations

The Bethany Sisters Congregation, founded by Servant of God...

New Road, New Chapel, New Hope in Ethiopian Mission

In a groundbreaking project personally sanctioned by His Holiness...

Vatican Delegation Visits Malankara Syrian Catholic Church Headquarters to Strengthen Ecumenical Dialogue

A visit by representatives of the Vatican’s Dicastery for...

Latest News:

Follow Syro Malankara Updates on Google News:

Malankara Catholic News Network

Subcribe to WhatsApp News Updates:

Syro Malankara Catholic Church

error: Content copying is prohibited.