Angel, from Dubai Malankara Catholic Church sets India Book of Records for identifying maximum marine creatures

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A young girl from Dubai has made her mark in the India Book of Records by identifying the maximum number of marine creatures in a short time.

Angel C J, a Grade-4 Catechism student of St. George PG, International City, identified and recalled the names of 120 marine creatures in 3 minutes and 27 seconds by viewing their pictures. She achieved this feat at the age of 11 years, 2 months and 16 days, as confirmed on October 14, 2023.

Angel, who was born in July 2012 at Pathanamthitta, Kerala, has a keen interest in marine life and loves to learn about different species of fish and other aquatic animals. She has been practicing for the record attempt for several months with the help of her parents, Jophy Thomas and Jinu Susan Mathew.

The India Book of Records is a platform that celebrates and records the achievements of people, places, and things that are unique, innovative, or inspiring. It is one of the leading record books in the country and has a team of experts who verify and certify the records.

The Syro Malankara Catholic Church is one of the 23 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches in the Catholic communion. The Church is headed by Major Archbishop Cardinal Baselios Cleemis of the Major Archeparchy of Trivandrum in Kerala, India.

The Syro Malankara Catholic Church Dubai is a community of faithful belonging to the Syro Malankara Catholic Church. The community has been active in Dubai since 1978 and has been conducting regular liturgical services and spiritual activities under the guidance of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia. The community has over 3,000 members and is served by four priests and two sisters.

The community congratulated Angel on her achievement and prays for her success in future endeavors. They also expressed their gratitude to God for blessing her with such a talent and passion.

Sister Cicily Joseph D.M. passed away (72)

Sister Cecily Joseph D.M., a member of the Amala Province of the Daughters of Mary Congregation, passed away. She was 72 years old. The funeral service will be held on October 21, 2023 at the Wardha Provincial House under the leadership of His Grace Ephrem Narikulam, the Bishop of Chanda.

29th Anniversary of the Passing of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios Celebrated

The 29th anniversary of the passing of the second Metropolitan Archbishop of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, Benedict Mar Gregorios, was celebrated in a befitting manner on October 10, 2023.

On October 9, Monday, at 4:30 p.m., a peace march was organized by the MCA from the St. Ivanios Chapel in Nalanchira to the St. Mary’s Major Archiepiscopal Cathedral in Pattom. This was followed by an evening prayer and incense offering at the tomb.

On the anniversary day, October 10, at 6:20 a.m., morning prayers, Holy Eucharist, and incense offering at the tomb were held. His Grace Joshua Mar Ignatius Metropolitan presided over the Holy Eucharist. His Grace Joseph Mar Thomas Metropolitan delivered the memorial message. His Grace Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom Metropolitan, His Grace Samuel Mar Irenios Metropolitan, His Grace Mathew Mar Polycarpos Bishop, and other respected priests concelebrated. Respected sisters, seminarians, and laypeople were present.

In his memorial message, His Grace Joseph Mar Thomas Metropolitan spoke about the life and legacy of Benedict Mar Gregorios. He said that Mar Gregorios was a visionary leader who guided the Syro Malankara Catholic Church through a period of great change and transition. He was also a gifted theologian and writer who made significant contributions to the life of the church.

The anniversary celebration was a time to remember and honor the legacy of Benedict Mar Gregorios. He is remembered as a great leader, theologian, and writer who made a lasting impact on the Syro Malankara Catholic Church.

Syro-Malankara Catholic Community in Cork and Ross Celebrates Significant Milestones

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CORK, IRELAND – On Sunday, 8th October 2023, the Syro-Malankara Catholic Community of the Diocese of Cork and Ross gathered in joyful celebration at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne. The event was graced by His Lordship Bishop Fintan Gavin, who joined the faithful to commemorate several significant milestones in the life of the community.

Marking the Re-Union Anniversary

The day carried profound historical and spiritual significance as the community observed the 93rd Anniversary of the Re-Union of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church with the Catholic Church. This anniversary recalls the courageous step taken on 20th September 1930, under the visionary leadership of Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios, to bring the Malankara Church into full communion with the Holy See. The anniversary celebration was a moment of deep gratitude and reflection, connecting the community in Cork with the larger Syro-Malankara Catholic tradition.

Pastoral Visit and New Beginnings

Bishop Fintan’s pastoral visit also included the inauguration of Sunday School Faith Formation classes, a crucial step in nurturing the next generation in faith and the Syro-Malankara Catholic traditions. The occasion was further blessed by the celebration of the Sacrament of First Holy Communion, with a number of children receiving the Eucharist for the first time. The sight of these young communicants, full of joy and innocence, was a poignant reminder of the importance of faith in family and community life.

Community Gathering and Celebrations

The event witnessed an overwhelming turnout of faithful, underscoring the vibrancy and unity of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Community in Cork and Ross. The celebrations were made even more special by the participation of Fr. John O’Donovan (Co-PP), Fr. Sean Crowley (CC), Fr. Cherian Thazamon, Fr. Shinu Varghese (CC), and Fr. Paul Thettayil IC, whose pastoral guidance enriches the life of the community.

The celebrations concluded with Bishop Fintan cutting a celebratory cake alongside the First Holy Communion children, symbolising the shared joy and collective faith of the community.

A Thriving Community of Faith

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Community in Cork gathers every Sunday afternoon at 2:30 pm for worship and fellowship. Events such as this highlight the strong bonds between the community and the universal Church, fostering a sense of unity and belonging that transcends geographical boundaries.

As the community continues to grow in Cork and Ross, they remain a testament to the enduring spirit of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, rooted in the faith and vision of its founders while flourishing in new lands. The Diocese of Cork and Ross, under the leadership of Bishop Fintan, continues to extend its support and encouragement, ensuring that this vibrant community remains a beacon of faith and unity.

Emeritus Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo (84) Passes away

Former president of the Ranchi Archdiocese in Jharkhand, Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo, passed away on October 4, 2023. He died of natural causes. He was 84 years old. He died at the Constant Lievens Hospital & Research Center in Ranchi, said Theodore Mascarenhas, the auxiliary bishop of Ranchi. Cardinal Toppo was the first cardinal from the Northern Mission region and the first person from the tribal category in Asia to join the College of Cardinals.

Cardinal Toppo also participated in the conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI in 2005. He was elected president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India twice, in 2004 and 2006. He also served as president of the Latin Bishops’ Conference of India from 2001 to 2004 and from 2011 to 2013.

Divine Mercy Congress Held in Bathery Diocese as Part of Kerala Church Renewal

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A Divine Mercy Congress was held on October 2, 2023, at the St. Thomas parish church in Bathery diocese, as part of the Kerala Church Renewal. The congress began with a rosary and was followed by classes and worship.

The Holy Eucharist was celebrated under the chairmanship of His Grace Joseph Mar Thomas Metropolitan, the bishop of Bathery diocese, and concelebration by His Grace Samuel Mar Irenios Metropolitan, the bishop of Pathanamthitta diocese, and other respected priests of the diocese.

In his homily, His Grace Samuel Mar Irenios Metropolitan spoke on the theme “The Holy Eucharist and the Christian Life.” He said that the church is centered on the Divine Mercy, and that every Christian must strive to be sanctified through it.

The congress was organized by the diocese’s vicar general, Msgr. Sebastian Keypullil Coorepiscopa, Msgr. Jacob Olikkal, Chancellor Fr. Sebastian Itayat, Fr. Wilson Kochuplakkal, Fr. Thomas Christumandiram, Fr. Benny Panchirapparambil, Fr. Thomas Kanniramkulam, and Pastoral Council Secretary Shri. Philip Nainan.

Sisters from various religious congregations in the diocese, representatives from 10 areas and 105 parishes, members of the Pastoral Council, and other laypeople were present.

The congress was a significant event that provided an opportunity for Catholics in the Bathery diocese to learn more about the church’s Divine Mercy devotion and to commit themselves to living a more holy life.

93rd Reunion and Assembly of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church concluded

The 93rd Reunion and Assembly of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church was held on September 20 and 21, 2023, at the Muvattupuzha Diocese.

On Wednesday, September 20, the consecration of the priestly residence took place at 3:00 pm, followed by the procession and reception of the reunion banner at 5:30 pm and the gospel evening at 6:00 pm.

On Thursday, September 21, the Holy Mass was celebrated at 8:00 am under the leadership of His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the head and father of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, and in the co-celebration of the other bishops and priests. His Beatitude Cardinal Cleemis delivered the reunion message, and the bishop of the Kozhikode Archdiocese, His Grace Varghese Chakkalakal, delivered the word of God.

The assembly of the various organizations of the church was inaugurated at 1:00 pm by the bishop of the Kottayam Archdiocese, His Grace George Mattathikadanthil. The prayer service of the evangelization team of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church was held at 3:00 pm.

The reunion and assembly concluded with the final blessing at 3:45 pm. At the closing ceremony, His Beatitude Cardinal Cleemis announced that the 94th Reunion and Assembly would be held in the following year under the auspices of the Parassala Diocese. He presented the Catholic flag to the bishop of the Parassala Diocese, His Grace Thomas Mar Eusebius Metropolitan.

Cardinal Cleemis receives newly appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Kazakhstan

The newly appointed apostolic nuncio to Kazakhstan, His Grace George Panamthundil, was received by His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the head and father of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, at the St. Mary’s Major Archepiscopal Cathedral in Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram, on September 16, 2023.

The reception was followed by a Holy Mass celebrated by His Grace George Panamthundil, in the co-celebration of the other bishops and priests. The Apostolic Nuncio to India, His Grace Leopoldo Girelli, also attended the ceremonies and offered his congratulations.

Clergy and laity from the church also attended the ceremonies.

Walking in Christ’s Footsteps: UAE Malankara Catholics Make First Holy Land Pilgrimage

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Under the guidance of the UAE Malankara Catholic Council, a diverse group of devout Christians from across the UAE communities embarked on a life-changing pilgrimage to the Holy Land from September 10th to 16th, 2023. Led by UAE Priest Rev. Fr. Mathews Alummoottil, this historic journey marked the first-ever Holy Land pilgrimage organized by the Central Committee. With hearts full of reverence and anticipation, the pilgrims walked in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, visiting sacred sites like Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Nazareth. From attending Mass at the Holy Sepulchre to witnessing the sunrise over the Sea of Galilee, each step resonated with spiritual significance and deepened their faith. This transformative experience brought together people of different backgrounds, united by their common love for God and their shared heritage.

Mar Ivanios Law College inaugurated

The Mar Ivanios Law College in Chengannur, in the Mavelikkara Diocese, was inaugurated on September 14, 2023. The college was inaugurated by His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the head and father of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. The ceremony was presided over by His Grace Joshua Mar Ignatius Metropolitan, the bishop of the Mavelikkara Diocese.

Shri. Kodikunnil Suresh, MP, extended greetings and spoke at the ceremony.

Admissions have begun for the BA LLB and B. Com LLB courses.