Malankara Catholic Mass Center to be inaugurated in Galway, Ireland

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Galway, Ireland – A new Malankara Catholic Mass Center will be officially inaugurated in Galway on January 14, 2024, as part of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Ireland. The Mass Center will offer regular services in the West Syriac Rite, also known as the Malankara Rite, which is one of the liturgical traditions of the Eastern Catholic Churches.

The inauguration ceremony will take place on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at 2:00 PM at St. Patrick’s Church on Forster Street, Galway H91FP84. The main celebrant will be Fr. Cheriyan Thazhamon, the Ireland Coordinator of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, who will be co-celebrating with Fr. Shinu Varghese Angadiyil and Fr. Jijo Abraham Ashariparambil. The event will mark the beginning of the Mass Center with the celebration of the Holy Mass. Everyone is warmly welcomed to St. Patrick’s Church for this occasion.

The Malankara Catholic Mass Center in Galway is the latest addition to the growing presence of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Ireland, which traces its origins to the missions of Thomas the Apostle in the 1st century. The Church was formed in 1930 as a result of the reunion movement led by Archbishop Geevarghese Ivanios, who entered into communion with the Catholic Church. The Church is headed by Major Archbishop Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos of the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum based in Kerala, India. The Church has more than 1096 parishes and 458,015 members worldwide, with 50 families and five students living in various parts of Ireland.

The Mass Center in Galway will serve the spiritual needs of the Malankara Catholic faithful in the West of Ireland, as well as anyone who is interested in experiencing the rich heritage and diversity of the Eastern Catholic Churches. The Mass Center will also foster the cultural and social activities of the Malankara Catholic community in Galway, which is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city on the western coast of Ireland. Galway is known for its festivals and events, such as the Galway Arts Festival, and was the European Capital of Culture for 2020, alongside Rijeka, Croatia.

St. Patrick’s Church, where the Mass Center will be located, is a historic and beautiful church in the heart of Galway city. The church was built in 1935 and is dedicated to St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The church has a Gothic Revival style and features stained glass windows, a pipe organ, and a bell tower. The church is also home to a parish community that belongs to the Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora.

The Malankara Catholic Mass Center in Galway is a sign of the unity and diversity of the Catholic Church, which embraces the various liturgical, theological, and spiritual traditions of the East and the West. The Mass Center is also a testimony to the faith and vitality of the Malankara Catholic community in Ireland, which strives to live and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Irish society. The Mass Center invites everyone to join them in their celebration of the inauguration and to discover the beauty and richness of the Malankara Rite.

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1zqaDugF39nUVF9v5

Very Rev. Dr. Mathai Kadavil OIC Elevated to Ramban

The Syro Malankara Catholic Church witnessed a significant spiritual event as Very Rev. Dr. Mathai Kadavil OIC was elevated to the esteemed position of Ramban on January 9, 2024. The solemn ceremony was held at the Poothrikka Church in the Eparchy of Muvattupuzha, marking a pivotal step in the journey of Rev. Dr. Mathai Kadavil OIC, who is set to be consecrated as a bishop.

Presided over by Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, the Catholicos of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, the ceremony was graced by the presence of revered bishops, respected clergy, dedicated religious members, and faithful laypeople. This auspicious occasion was not just a celebration of personal achievement but a testament to the dedication and commitment required for spiritual leadership within the Church.

A Ramban, or a priest-monk, is a title of profound spiritual significance. Deriving from the Hebrew Rabbi and Syriac Rabban, meaning ‘our teacher’, a Ramban embodies the role of a spiritual guide, deeply learned and committed to ascetic practices. In the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, a Ramban is recognized by the distinct black hood or head-veil (masnapsa in Malayalam) adorned with 13 small crosses, symbolizing a life devoted to monastic discipline.

This tradition is deeply rooted in the Syriac heritage, where bishops, chosen from among monks, wear the black masnapsa as a symbol of their monastic commitment. This adherence to Dayroyuso, the monastic state, is a profound expression of their lifelong spiritual dedication. Therefore, as Fr. Mathai Kadavil OIC steps into his new role, he embodies not only the responsibilities of a bishop but also the profound spiritual discipline of a monk.

The journey of Fr. Mathai Kadavil OIC is set to reach another milestone on February 15, 2024, when he will be consecrated as the Bishop of the Pune-Kadki St. Ephrem Region at the Mount Mar Ivanios Center. This transition from a priest to a Ramban, and then to a bishop, is a journey marked by deep faith, unwavering commitment, and an enduring dedication to serving the Lord and His people.

The community of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, especially in the Pune Khadki region looks forward to witnessing and participating in the upcoming episcopal consecration of Very Rev. Dr. Mathai Kadavil OIC Ramban, as he continues to guide and inspire with his spiritual leadership.

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Reverend Father James Mammoottil Passes Away at 71

In a solemn announcement today, Reverend Father James Mammoottil OIC, aged 71, was called to his heavenly abode at 2:30 AM on January 8, 2024, after suffering a cardiac arrest. His life was a testament to dedicated service and spiritual leadership within the community.

First Profession: 12th May, 1969
Ordination: 1st May, 1978

Fr. James Mammoottil OIC served as the vicar of the Ludhiana and Jalandar parishes earlier. He was instrumental in building the Syro Malankara Catholic Church in Mumbai region during its initial days. He was also the superior of Bethany Santhigiri Ashram, Nedumangadu.

The funeral service will be held on January 11, 2024, under the leadership of Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the head and father of the church, with the cooperation of the venerable fathers, at the Bathany Dayara Ashram in Nalanchira. The loss of Father James is deeply felt by all who knew him, and his departure marks the end of an era of compassion and devout pastoral care.

As we prepare to bid farewell to a beloved shepherd of the flock, we are reminded of his enduring faith and the countless lives he touched with his ministry. The parish community and Dayara Ashram are currently organizing the funeral services, ensuring that his final journey is carried out with the respect and dignity he deserves.

We invite the faithful to remember Reverend James Mammoottilachan in their prayers and during the Holy Eucharist. May his soul find eternal peace in the presence of our Lord, and may those who mourn his loss find comfort in the legacy of love and service he leaves behind.

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Pathanamthitta Diocese MCYM Inaugurates New Working Year with Oath-Taking Ceremony

Pathanamthitta: The Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM) of the Pathanamthitta Diocese has officially begun its working year for 2024-2025 with an oath-taking ceremony. Held on January 7, 2024, at the Aramana Chapel in Pathanamthitta, the event was presided over by Mon. Varghese Mathew Kalayil Vadakkethil, the Chief Vicar General of the Pathanamthitta Diocese. Members of the committee took their oath of office and assumed their responsibilities in his presence.

The annual senate meeting of the MCYM Pathanamthitta Ecclesiastical District was previously held on December 17, 2023, at the Cheekanal St. Peter’s Malankara Catholic Church. The meeting, inaugurated by Unit Director Fr. Joycy Puthupparambil, featured presentations from 10 units. The event included a presentation of the district report, distribution of trophies to the winners of the 2023 Thoolika and Yuvotsavam competitions, and awards to youths who excelled in various fields during the year. The newly elected office bearers for the year 2024-2025 were also selected during this meeting.

The Cheekanal Unit Director Fr. Joysy Puthupparambil, along with the unit president, secretary, and other office bearers, meticulously arranged the venue for the senate meeting. The District Director Fr. Charles Meledath, Sister Animator Sr. Nobel SIC, President Kristin Shibu, Secretary Bintu Joseph, and other office bearers were present at the event, witnessing the enthusiastic participation of the youth.

The ceremony marked a significant transition for the MCYM Pathanamthitta Ecclesiastical District. The 2023-2024 working year witnessed strong leadership, and heartfelt gratitude was expressed to all committee members for their dedicated service. As the new office bearers step into their roles for the 2024-2025 working year, they are welcomed with high hopes and expectations. Best wishes, congratulations, and prayers are extended to the newly elected team, with the anticipation that they will lead the district with renewed vigor and excellence.

The MCYM Pathanamthitta Ecclesiastical District looks forward to a year filled with fruitful activities, emphasizing youth engagement and spiritual growth, under the guidance of the newly elected leaders.

KCBC Youth Year 2024 Logo Unveiled

The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) has marked the beginning of a pivotal year with the launch of the official logo for the Youth Year 2024. This initiative aligns with the Church’s mission of rejuvenation and focuses on engaging the youth in the spirit of faith and leadership.

In a ceremony filled with anticipation and hope, the logo for the year dedicated to the youth was unveiled by Bishop Mar Christudas, Chairman of the Youth Commission. The event saw the esteemed presence of Fr. Stephen Thomas Chalakkara, the State Director of KCYM (Kerala Catholic Youth Movement); Fr. Aloysius Thakidyil, Assistant Director from the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum; Fr. Darwin Fernandez, another Assistant Director from the Archdiocese; along with Sanu Sajan, President of KCYM, Preeti Franklin, General Secretary, and Ebin Ston, a Senate member.

The logo, designed by Praveen Isaac, a member of the team that crafted the logo for the World Youth Meeting, encapsulates the motto “Youth with dreams in their eyes, fire in their heart, and wings on their feet.” It symbolizes the dynamic Christian youth’s aspiration to embody the compassionate gaze of God the Father, the fervent heart of God the Son, and the fiery zeal of the Holy Spirit in their journey of faith.

The Youth Year 2024 commences on January 7th, a Sunday, with the hoisting of flags at the parishes following the Holy Mass, signifying a call to action for the youth across Kerala. A series of spiritually enriching and formative activities are planned throughout the year, including pilgrimages to holy sites of saints, martyrs, and blessed souls of Kerala, training sessions for youth catechists (Yu-Cat and Do-Cat), youth conventions, online conventions for expatriate youth, and amateur drama competitions.

These events are carefully curated to shape and train the youth, fostering their growth in the ecclesial community. The KCBC Youth Commission envisions a year brimming with opportunities for young Christians to deepen their faith, cultivate their talents, and become active agents of change within the Church and society.

As the Youth Year 2024 unfolds, the Church eagerly anticipates the fresh energy and innovative ideas that will be brought forth by the vibrant youth of Kerala, led by their dreams, passion, and readiness to soar on the wings of faith.

Celebrating New Beginnings: Ordination of Priests in Bathery Diocese

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The Eparchy of Bathery, a beacon of faith in the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, has always been a place where the spiritual journey of many has found guidance and growth. On the 4th of January 2024, this sacred Eparchy was graced with a joyous celebration as three of its deacons took their solemn vows and were ordained as priests.

Deacon Joseph Mathew Chelamparambath, Deacon Abraham Punnavilayil, and Deacon Emmanuel Mukalathukizhakethil stepped into a new chapter of their spiritual journey amidst the prayers and blessings of the faithful. Their ordination is not just a personal milestone but also a moment of great significance for the entire community of the Bathery Eparchy.

Situated in the verdant hills of the Western Ghats, the Eparchy of Bathery has long been known for its commitment to fostering vocations and nurturing the spiritual lives of its members. The ordination of these three devoted servants of God further underscores the Eparchy’s rich tradition of ecclesiastical service.

Deacon Joseph, Deacon Abraham, and Deacon Emmanuel have each walked a path of dedication and service, leading them to this momentous occasion where they have been called to serve as shepherds to the flock. Their journey through the deaconate, a time of intense preparation and deep reflection, has prepared them to take on the mantle of priesthood with grace and resolve.

The Syro Malankara Catholic Church, a Major Archiepiscopal Church in communion with the See of Rome, is renowned for its liturgical traditions and its distinctive spiritual heritage. The ordination ceremony, steeped in these traditions, was a beautiful display of ancient rites and prayers, signifying the timeless continuity of the Church’s mission.

The newly ordained priests are now embarking on their sacred mission to lead, teach, and sanctify. They are called to be ministers of the Word, the sacraments, and to be servant-leaders in a world that yearns for hope and guidance.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Father Joseph Mathew Chelamparambath, Father Abraham Punnavilayil, and Father Emmanuel Mukalathukizhakethil. May their service be blessed with the wisdom and love of Christ, and may they be a source of inspiration to all who seek the light of God.

As the Eparchy of Bathery continues to flourish under the guidance of its dedicated clergy, let us keep these new priests in our prayers, that they may have a fruitful and fulfilling ministry.

In every Eucharistic celebration, in every prayer, and in every act of service, may the light of Christ shine through their ministry for the glory of God and the good of His people.

Amen.

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Consecration of the Office Building at St. Thomas Syro Malankara Catholic Church, Ezhakkaranad, Muvattupuzha Diocese

In a significant event for the Ezhakkaranad St. Thomas Syro Malankara Catholic Church, the new office building was consecrated in connection with the parish feast day. The consecration ceremony was led by the venerable Yuhanon Mor Theodosius, the Bishop of the Muvattupuzha Diocese. This marked an important milestone for the parish community, enhancing the administrative and pastoral capabilities of the church. The event was celebrated with great joy and participation from the church members, who welcomed this new addition to their parish infrastructure.

Consecration of the Pastoral Center at Parassala

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The newly constructed pastoral center of the Malankara Catholic Church, Parassala Diocese, was consecrated on January 1, 2024, under the leadership of His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the head and father of the church, and the co-officiating of His Grace Thomas Mar Eusebius Metropolitan, the diocesan bishop of Parassala, and other reverend fathers.

The consecration marked a significant milestone in the diocese’s commitment to pastoral care and community service.

Sister Agaza D.M. passes away

Sister Agaza D.M., a member of the Sisters of Mary, passed away on January 1, 2024, at the age of 85.

The funeral service will be held on January 2, 2024, at the Province House in Poongummoottu, under the leadership of His Grace Mathews Mar Polycarpos, Corepiscopa of the Major Archidiocese of Thiruvananthapuram.

Sister Agaza was born in 1938 in the village of Puthiyakavu, Kerala. She joined the Sisters of Mary in 1956 and was professed in 1960. She served in various capacities in the congregation, including as a teacher, a nurse, and a counselor. She was also a member of the congregation’s leadership team.

Sister Agaza was a dedicated and compassionate woman who dedicated her life to serving God and others. She will be remembered for her love of God, her commitment to her faith, and her service to the church and society.

Sister Mary Elsia D.M. passes away

Sister Mary Elsia D.M., a member of the Daughters of Mary, passed away on December 29, 2023, at the age of 81.

The funeral service was held on December 30, 2023, at the Province House in Poongummoottu, under the leadership of His Grace Mathews Mar Polycarpos, Corepiscopa of the Major Archiediocese of Thiruvananthapuram.

Sister Mary Elsia was born in 1942 in the village of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. She joined the Daughters of Mary in 1961 and was professed in 1964. She served in various capacities in the congregation, including as a teacher, a nurse, and a counselor. She was also a member of the congregation’s leadership team.

Sister Mary Elsia was a dedicated and compassionate woman who dedicated her life to serving God and others. She will be remembered for her love of God, her commitment to her faith, and her service to the church and society.