Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop of the Malankara Catholic Church, has urged to give more official positions to young people in the leadership ministries of the church. He was speaking at the Youth Synod held at the Vatican. The need of the hour is for the church to shift to a pastoral style that gives first priority to young people.
He said that instead of waiting for the youth to start in their youth, it is necessary to develop as a continuation of the spirit orientation that started from infancy and adolescence.
Many opined that the Church should create a system of religious instruction required for all ages. In a larger commercial world of possibilities and diversity, young people need to be trained to choose only what is necessary and reject the rest. As Pope John XXIII reminds us, it is generally believed that a church of compassion and tenderness can attract young people today.
Thiruvananthapuram: The Golden Jubilee of the Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM), the official youth organization of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, will be celebrated in Mavelikara in January 2019. The movement, which was founded in 1968, is completing its 50th anniversary.
The Golden Jubilee Cross Pilgrimage, which will pass through various dioceses and mission areas, will begin on October 27, 2018, from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, under the leadership of the Delhi-Gurugram Diocese. The bishop of the Delhi-Gurugram Diocese, Bishop Jacob Mar Barnabas, will inaugurate the pilgrimage. It will then pass through the dioceses of Pune, Puthur, Bhatara, Muvattupuzha, and Thiruvalla, before arriving in Mavelikara.
The pilgrimage from the southern region will begin on October 27 from the Marthoma Diocese. The chairman of the Youth Commission and the Marthoma Diocese bishop, His Grace Vincent Mar Paul, will inaugurate the pilgrimage. It will then pass through the dioceses of Parassala, Thiruvananthapuram, and Pathanamthitta, before arriving in Mavelikara.
Pilgrimages will also be held in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. The pilgrimages will meet and culminate in Mavelikara on January 20.
The MCYM National Director Sebastian John Kizhakkeethil, President Tinu Kuruvila, General Secretary Sam Baby, animator V.C. Georgekutty, and other national and diocesan leaders will lead the Golden Jubilee Cross Pilgrimages.
The pilgrimage is a way for the MCYM to celebrate its 50th anniversary and to renew its commitment to the church and society. The pilgrims will pray for peace, justice, and unity, and they will also work to promote the social and spiritual welfare of the people.
Vienna: The faithful of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Austria eagerly welcomed His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the Father and Head of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church and Major Archbishop-Catholicos of Trivandrum, on his historic apostolic visit to Vienna. The visit, conducted under the aegis of the Mor Ivanios Malankara Mission, was centred at the mission’s church in Pfarre Breitenfeld, Florianigasse 70, 1080 Vienna.
As part of this inaugural apostolic visit, His Beatitude arrived to preside over the celebrations at St. Francis of Assisi Church, marking a spiritual milestone for the mission and the Malankara faithful. The event, which spanned October 6 and 7, 2018, was organised with prayerful leadership by Fr. Thomas Prasobh OIC, the Chaplain of the Mor Ivanios Malankara Mission, along with support from Prince Pathiparampil, Trustee of the Mission, and other faithful.
The highlight of the visit was the Solemn Holy Qurbono, celebrated on October 6 at 5:30 PM. This liturgical celebration, held at the Pfarre Breitenfeld Church, brought together clergy and laity in a shared act of worship, with priests from various traditions assisting as co-celebrants. Following the Holy Qurbono, His Beatitude officially inaugurated the MCYM Golden Jubilee Celebrations, marking 50 years of the Malankara Catholic Youth Movement’s impactful presence and service. The evening concluded with an agape, fostering fellowship and unity among the faithful.
Reflecting on the significance of this visit, the Major Archbishop’s presence in Vienna symbolised a deepening of spiritual ties within the diaspora community, honouring the legacy of Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios, whose vision continues to inspire the mission’s growth.
His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos holds the distinction of being the first Cardinal from the Malankara Catholic Church. Elevated to this role by the Holy See, he is also a member of the Papal conclave, underscoring his pivotal role in the global Catholic Church. A distinguished scholar, His Beatitude earned a doctorate in ecumenism from Rome and has tirelessly worked to build bridges between diverse Christian traditions.
As the faithful gathered in Vienna, the Mor Ivanios Malankara Mission extended a heartfelt invitation to everyone to participate in the celebrations and liturgical services led by the Catholicos. His Beatitude’s visit reinforced the mission’s commitment to preserving the rich spiritual and cultural traditions of the Malankara Church within the diaspora.
On Wednesday, October 3, 2018. The conference began with a community sacrifice offered under the leadership of Pope Francis. Representing the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the head of the church and his father, will participate in the community sacrifice till the end of the sunnahados (Synod). Synodal fathers, representatives of other national churches, youth representatives, and thousands of believers participated in the holy sacrifice of the Pope, which was offered on a special platform in St. Peter’s Square.
Cardinal Baldisseri, secretary-general of the Synodal Commission, said the 15th Synodal Conference of Bishops of the Global Church is a continuation of two synod conferences on families. This is part of an effort to update the church’s activities on the growth and formation of young people, who are the future of the church and society. The Synod began with the theme “Young People and Their Faith and Their Choices in Life,” and will conclude on October 28.
Elected representatives of national churches, heads of autonomous eastern churches and bishops elected by their synods, elected representatives of the superior generals of monastic communities in the global church, heads of various departments of the Vatican (Roman Curia), those directly invited by Pope Francis, youth representatives, representatives of other churches, experts, observers, etc are present at the Synod.
Muvattupuzha, April 12, 2018 – The Syro-Malankara Catholic Diocese of Muvattupuzha entered a new chapter as Bishop Dr. Yoohanon Mor Theodosius formally assumed charge as the Coadjutor Bishop. The installation took place during the feast day celebrations of Bishop Dr. Abraham Mor Julios, the Eparchial Bishop of Muvattupuzha, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Muvattupuzha. The ceremony was presided over by His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, the Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.
The event commenced with a solemn liturgical service at the Cathedral’s holy altar, led by Cardinal Cleemis. In his inaugural address, Cardinal Cleemis highlighted the significance of this moment in the history of the Diocese. He praised the invaluable contributions of Bishop Dr. Yoohanon Mor Theodosius to the Church and expressed hope that his leadership would bring continued blessings to the Diocese and the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church at large.
A New Era for Muvattupuzha Diocese
In his address, Cardinal Cleemis remarked, “The Diocese of Muvattupuzha is embarking on a pivotal phase in its history, and Bishop Dr. Yoohanon Mor Theodosius’s dedicated and visionary service will guide us forward. We pray that he continues to inspire and nurture the faithful, just as he has done through his extensive ministry.”
Bishop Dr. Abraham Mor Julios, presiding over the event, expressed gratitude and shared his joy at welcoming Bishop Mor Theodosius as his Coadjutor. He called for prayers and support from the clergy and laity, emphasising that the Coadjutor Bishop’s contributions would be instrumental in enriching the spiritual and pastoral life of the Diocese.
Notable Attendees and Messages of Support
The event was graced by several prominent figures from the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church:
Archbishop Dr. Thomas Mor Koorilos of the Archdiocese of Tiruvalla praised Bishop Mor Theodosius’s commitment to his faith and ministry, commending his role in shaping the future of the Church.
Bishop Dr. Samuel Mor Irenios, Auxiliary Bishop of Pathanamthitta, extended his best wishes and expressed confidence in Bishop Mor Theodosius’s ability to strengthen the pastoral mission.
In his response, Bishop Dr. Yoohanon Mor Theodosius expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in him by the Church. He pledged to uphold the values and traditions of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church while fostering unity and growth within the Diocese.
Additional Highlights
Several other leaders and representatives also addressed the gathering, including:
Monsignor Varghese Kunnumpuram
Fr. George Kayyanickal
V.C. Georgekutty, Secretary of the Pastoral Council
Bechu Kurian Thomas, MCYM Diocesan President
Their messages echoed prayers and well-wishes for Bishop Mor Theodosius as he assumes his responsibilities in service to the Church and the faithful of Muvattupuzha.
Reflection on Bishop Mor Theodosius’s Journey
The appointment of Bishop Dr. Yoohanon Mor Theodosius as Coadjutor Bishop marks another milestone in his distinguished ecclesiastical journey. Known for his theological acumen, pastoral care, and deep spirituality, Bishop Mor Theodosius is expected to bring renewed vigour to the Diocese of Muvattupuzha. As the Diocese embraces this new era, the faithful look forward to his leadership and the collective spiritual growth of their community.
On March 22, 2018, Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos inaugurated the Church Unity Conference held as part of the Bonacaud Cross-Hill Pilgrimage. Bavathirumeni said that giving the cross is a message of tolerance and sacrifice and if the pilgrimage is abandoned midway, the cross of goodness cannot be seen blossoming. Bavathirumeni said that the goodness given by God can never be foreseen and only truth will prevail.
Nestled between Kumily and Kattappana, the picturesque village of Anakkara sprawls like a serene plateau. This border village, rich in crops such as cardamom, tea, black pepper, cocoa, and vegetables, has long witnessed the ebb and flow of agricultural prosperity. Once a thriving hub of paddy cultivation, the region’s fields fell into disuse as farmers abandoned rice farming due to economic and logistical challenges. Amidst this decline, promises of airport projects and tourism development brought fleeting hope, but these dreams were eventually shattered, leaving the fields barren and marred by sand mining.
Amidst this backdrop of neglect and ecological damage, the Tiruvalla Archdiocese of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church stepped in through its Idukki Malankarajyothi Integral Development Society (IMIDS) to restore the region’s agricultural heritage. Over the past three years, IMIDS has successfully cultivated paddy on nine acres of land owned by the Archdiocese, demonstrating a sustainable approach to reviving the region’s farming culture.
A Vision for Sustainable Agriculture
IMIDS’ efforts in Anakkara have transformed 36 acres of farmland into a vibrant model of integrated agriculture. The farm is not just a patchwork of fields but a well-thought-out ecosystem where rice, tea, cardamom, pepper, coffee, tapioca, and other crops thrive. A dairy farm with over 50 cattle, including 13 native cows, complements the cultivation, producing organic manure that enriches the soil. Additionally, the farm boasts three fishponds cultivating species like carp, natter, and ornamental fish, alongside rearing goats and pigs.
The farm operates on organic principles, with every aspect tailored to ensure ecological harmony. Native paddy varieties like Pal Thoni, known for their rich flavour and nutritional value, are cultivated using innovative techniques. During fallow months, native cattle graze the fields, enriching the soil with their manure. This natural fertilisation is further enhanced with fish amino solutions and other bio-fertilisers.
Challenges and Innovations in Rice Farming
Reviving paddy cultivation in Anakkara has been an uphill battle. The cost of preparing the land is prohibitively high, limiting the area under cultivation. In the first year, IMIDS began with just five acres. Over time, with determination and resourcefulness, they expanded to nine acres, producing high-quality rice.
Labour shortages and unexpected weather patterns add to the challenges. Labourers, predominantly women from Tamil Nadu, are brought in for harvesting, significantly increasing costs. Rainfall during the harvest season further complicates operations, often delaying mechanisation efforts. Despite these hurdles, IMIDS managed to harvest six tons of rice in the last season.
To overcome the challenges of marketing, the harvested rice is processed into Pal Thoni organic rice, a brand that stands out for its unpolished, chemical-free quality. Packaged in quantities of one, three, and five kilograms, the rice is sold at ₹110 per kilogram. The branding effort has gained traction, with steady demand from the Archdiocese’s institutions and beyond.
Building a Self-Sustaining Model
While IMIDS has managed to break even in rice cultivation, the future remains uncertain. Rising production costs and limited mechanisation threaten the economic viability of paddy farming. IMIDS is exploring ways to reduce labour costs through mechanisation, but the fragmented small-scale fields of Idukki pose logistical challenges. The team hopes for support from the agricultural department to access the necessary machinery.
IMIDS’ Manager, Fr. John Padipurakkal, and his team are determined to make Anakkara a beacon of integrated farming. Their efforts to preserve and promote the endangered Pal Thoni rice variety are a testament to their commitment to sustainable agriculture. The rice’s long stalks make it ideal for dairy farming, providing quality fodder for cattle.
A Glimmer of Hope for the Future
IMIDS’ efforts are a reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church’s community initiatives. By combining ecological sensitivity with innovative farming practices, the Diocese has not only revived a once-abandoned agricultural landscape but also provided a model for sustainable development.
As the fields of Anakkara sway once again with the golden stalks of Pal Thoni rice, the Church’s commitment to ecological stewardship shines brightly. The Diocese’s vision of combining faith, ecology, and innovation promises a hopeful future for Anakkara and other regions facing similar challenges. With continued community support and collaboration with local authorities, the legacy of these fields will endure for generations to come.
Rev. Fr. Sevanand Ennamprayil is blessed as the new Abbot of Kurisumala Ashram by His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Koorilos, Metropolitan Archbishop of Tiruvalla, on 14 May 2018 at Kurisumala Ashram Parish. He is the fourth Abbot of the Kurisumala Ashram.
Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Mar Irenios, Coadjutor Bishop of Pathanamthitta and Abbot Dom Steel Hartman from Australia were the concelebrants of the service.
Congratulations and Prayerful Wishes to the new Abbot!
The Bishop of Curia of the Syrian Catholic Church and the Apostolic Visitor of Europe and Oceania. Rev Dr. Yuhanon Mar Theodosius Metropolitan is making a pastoral visit to Oceania from March 1 to 13, 2018. This is the first pastoral visit by the Bishop after being anointed metropolitan in September 2017.
The appointment of the Apostolic Visitor is a continuation of the mission activities that began in 2013 in various locations in Australia and New Zealand.
The Bishop arrived at Perth international airport at 1 pm on March 1 and was accorded a warm welcome by the Malankara believers in Perth under the leadership of Chaplain Father Premakumar. Later, he arrived in Australia and was felicitated by the coordinator of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church community under the leadership of Fr. Stephen Kulathumkarot. In the days that follow, he will visit the communities of Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and New Zealand.
33rd General Body Meeting of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) is started at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Koramangala, Bengaluru, with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Archbishop Giambattista Diquattro, the apostolic Nuncio to India, on 2 February 2018 at 9 AM. Cardinal Charles Bo, the Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar, is the Chief Guest at the inaugural function. Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the President of the CBCI, delivered the Presidential Address and preside over the whole General Body Meeting.
The Bishops will also elect the President and two Vice Presidents for a term of two years. 204 Bishops and 64 Bishop-Emeritus from 174 eparchies are attending in the meeting. The meeting will be concluded on 9 February 2018.
