The Holy Episcopal Synod Concludes with Renewed Commitment to Faith and Mission

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The Holy Episcopal Synod Concludes with Renewed Commitment to Faith and Mission

Thiruvananthapuram: The 29th Ordinary Holy Episcopal Synod of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church concluded on March 13, 2025, after four days of deliberations at the Catholicate Centre, Pattom. The gathering of sixteen bishops, led by His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, reflected on the Church’s mission and the spiritual needs of the faithful.

The Divine Liturgy, offered on March 11, was the spiritual heart of the Synod, with His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos as the chief celebrant and the assembled bishops as co-celebrants. The Holy Qurbono embodied the unity of the Church’s shepherds and their commitment to Christ’s flock.

The following days were marked by critical discussions and decisions. On March 12, secretaries of the Synodal Commissions convened to present their reports and discuss ongoing initiatives. On March 13, the bishops engaged with the Provincial Superiors and Superior Generals of Religious Congregations, alongside Directors of the Bible Apostolate, underlining the Church’s focus on evangelisation and scriptural formation.

With deep concern for society, the Holy Synod called for collective action against the rising tide of substance abuse, urging the faithful to be vigilant and proactive in addressing this crisis. The bishops emphasised that safeguarding the moral fabric of society is a shared responsibility.

As the Church prepares for its Centenary Celebrations, the Synod announced the conclusion of the Year of the Word of God and the Reunion Anniversary, which will be observed in September at the Pathanamthitta Eparchy. The period 2025–26 will be marked as the Liturgical Formation Year, focusing on deepening the faithful’s understanding and participation in the sacramental life of the Church.

New appointments were made to strengthen the Church’s commissions:

  • Dr Joju John was appointed as the Secretary of the Education Commission.
  • Rev. Fr. Scott Sleeba was named Secretary of the Media Commission.
  • Dr Varghese K Cherian was entrusted with the Laity Commission.

With profound gratitude for God’s guidance, the 29th Holy Episcopal Synod concluded, reaffirming the Church’s unwavering commitment to faith, unity, and service.

Sr. Stephana SIC Returns to the Lord

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Sr. Stephana SIC Returns to the Lord

Pathanamthitta, 13 March 2025 – The Missionary Sisters of the Imitation of Christ (SIC) and the faithful mourn the passing of Sr. Stephana SIC (86), who entered eternal rest at 6:20 AM on 13 March 2025. She dedicated herself entirely to prayer, service, and the mission of the Church, living as a true bride of Christ.

Funeral Rites and Last Respects

The first prayer service will be held today at 6:30 PM at Pushpagiri Mortuary, where the faithful will gather in remembrance.

Her funeral rites will take place on Friday, 14 March 2025, following the schedule below:

  • 6:00 AM – Holy Qurbono at Pathanamthitta Provincial House
  • 9:00 AM – Second Prayer Service
  • 10:00 AM – Third Prayer Service
  • 11:00 AM – Fourth Prayer Service
  • 12:00 PM – Fifth Prayer Service
  • Final Burial – The mortal remains will be laid to rest at the cemetery adjacent to St. Peter’s Cathedral, Pathanamthitta.

Faithful to Her Calling

Sr. Stephana embraced the religious vocation with unwavering commitment, answering Christ’s invitation, “Come, follow me” (Matthew 4:19). Her years of service, prayer, and sacrifice reflected the depth of her faith and devotion.

The faithful entrust her soul to the infinite mercy of the Lord, remembering her in prayer. May she be welcomed into the joy of her Master, whom she served with her whole heart.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Master” (Matthew 25:23).

Holy Episcopal Synod of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church Begins

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Holy Episcopal Synod of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church Begins

Thiruvananthapuram, 10 March 2025 – The 29th Holy Episcopal Synod of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church commenced today at the Catholicate Centre, Pattom, with deep reverence and a spirit of ecclesial unity. His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, the Father and Head of our Church, inaugurated the synodal sessions, calling upon the assembled bishops to discern the path forward with faith and wisdom.

A Sacred Assembly of Spiritual Shepherds

The Episcopal Synod, the highest governing body of the Church, gathers our bishops in prayer and reflection to guide the life and mission of our community. Over the coming days, discussions will focus on pastoral initiatives, evangelisation, and the spiritual formation of our faithful, clergy, and religious. The synod also serves as a moment to strengthen the bonds of collegiality among our bishops, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to tradition and renewal.

The sessions will conclude on 14 March 2025, after days of prayer, deliberation, and decisions that will shape the future of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.

May the Holy Spirit enlighten and guide our spiritual fathers as they lead the Church in faith, unity, and love.

Schools Must Be Drug-Free, Teachers Must Uphold Moral Values: His Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos

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Schools Must Be Drug-Free, Teachers Must Uphold Moral Values: His Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos

Thiruvananthapuram – Schools must remain free from the menace of drugs, and teachers should be committed to nurturing a morally upright generation, said His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.

His Beatitude was inaugurating the annual conference of the Kerala Catholic Teachers’ Guild (KCTG) of the Major Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram, which also included a farewell ceremony for retiring teachers. Addressing the gathering, His Beatitude emphasised that the classroom must be a place of virtue and formation, where children are guided towards a life of faith and righteousness.

The event was presided over by Roy N. G., President of the KCTG, Thiruvananthapuram Major Archdiocese. Among the distinguished speakers were Very Rev. Msgr. Varkey Attupurath Corepiscopo, Vicar General of the Major Archdiocese and Correspondent of Schools, Fr. Nelson Valiyaveettil, Principal of St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Pattom, Fr. Jose Charuvil, Principal of St. John’s Model Higher Secondary School, Nalanchira, Johnny C. A., Vice President of the KCTG, Biju P. M., Secretary, and Biju K. George, Treasurer.

Also present were Rani M. Alex, Vice Principal of St. Mary’s School, Pattom, and C. Madlin Mathew, a teacher at St. Goretti’s School, Nalanchira. The gathering honoured winners of teacher literary competitions and Joseph Roy, recipient of the KCBC Teacher Award.

The conference reaffirmed the commitment of Catholic educators to upholding faith-based education, ensuring that schools remain centres of learning, moral formation, and social responsibility.

Rev. Sr. Merlin D.M. Enters Eternal Rest

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Rev. Sr. Merlin D.M. Enters Eternal Rest

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Daughters of Mary, St. Mary’s Province mourns the passing of Rev. Sr. Merlin D.M. (75), a dedicated servant of Christ, who entered eternal rest today, 5 March 2025, at 11:45 AM. A member of the 1969 batch, Sr. Merlin faithfully served the Church and the congregation, embodying a life of prayer and commitment.

Funeral Arrangements

🔹 Public Viewing:

  • 5 March 2025, until 6:30 PM at Anchal Bhavan.
  • Following this, the mortal remains will be taken to Pongummoodu Provincial House by 8:00 PM.

🔹 Funeral Service:

  • 6 March 2025, at 11:00 AM
  • Officiated by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mor Polycarpos, Auxiliary Bishop of the Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum.

The Malankara Catholic Church extends its heartfelt prayers for Sr. Merlin’s soul, recalling her years of selfless service and unwavering dedication to Christ and His people. Let us unite in prayer, asking the Lord to grant her eternal rest and peace.

Honour for Dedication: Mrs. Mariamma George Receives State Award for Best Anganwadi Teacher

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Honour for Dedication: Mrs. Mariamma George Receives State Award for Best Anganwadi Teacher

Kizhavalloor: Recognition comes to those whose service is not a mere profession but a calling, and in this spirit, Mrs. Mariamma George, a devoted member of St. Peter’s Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, Kizhavalloor, has been honoured with the State Award for Best Anganwadi Teacher for the year 2024.

With a heart that nurtures and hands that build the future of many children, Mrs. Mariamma George has been a guiding light for young minds, embodying the values of care and dedication. Her relentless efforts in early childhood education and community welfare have now been recognised at the state level, bringing pride to her parish and all who know her.

The Malankara community extends heartfelt congratulations and prayers, rejoicing in this well-deserved honour. May the Almighty bless her to continue her invaluable service with renewed strength and grace.

Eternal Rest in Christ: Sr. Baptista Called to Her Heavenly Home

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Eternal Rest in Christ: Sr. Baptista Called to Her Heavenly Home

Pathanamthitta, March 3, 2025 – The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church mourns the passing of Sr. Baptista, who was called to eternal rest at the age of 83. A devoted religious sister, her life was one of deep faith, selfless service, and unwavering commitment to the Church and the people of God.

The funeral rites were held today, March 3, 2025, in Pathanamthitta, with the faithful gathering in prayer and remembrance. The final journey began at 8:00 AM with the mortal remains being kept for public homage. The sequence of funeral services included:

  • 8:00 AM – Arrival of the body at Virasha Kurishadi
  • 9:30 AM – First prayer service
  • 10:30 AM – Second prayer service
  • 11:30 AM – Final respects and prayers
  • 12:00 PM – Holy Mass and funeral liturgy
  • 3:00 PM – Final burial rites at Kanjiramkuzhy Church Cemetery

A cherished member of the Bethany Sisters, Sr. Baptista lived a life dedicated to prayer, education, and social service. Her passing is a great loss to the congregation and to the many whose lives she touched.

The Malankara Catholic community unites in prayer, asking the Lord to grant her eternal rest in His heavenly kingdom. May her faithful witness and spiritual legacy continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful ones” (Psalm 116:15).

“Renewal of the Heart is the Essence of Lent”: His Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos

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“Renewal of the Heart is the Essence of Lent”: His Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos

Dallas, USA – The season of Lent must be centred on Christ, guiding the faithful toward spiritual renewal and transformation, said His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. He was delivering a homily during the Holy Qurbono at St. Mary’s Syro-Malankara Parish, Dallas, urging the faithful to embrace a life of deeper faith and repentance.

“The most profound goal of Lent is the renewal of the heart. True fasting is not merely about external abstinence but about an inner conversion that brings us closer to Christ,” His Beatitude remarked, encouraging the faithful to embrace Lent as a time for introspection, prayer, and strengthening their relationship with God.

The parish community, under the leadership of Vicar Rev. Rev. Fr. Abraham Thomas Vavolimepurath, warmly welcomed His Beatitude upon his arrival. Parishioners gathered in large numbers, reflecting their deep faith and reverence for the head of the Church.

The Syro-Malankara Catholic community in Dallas rejoiced in the visit of His Beatitude, drawing inspiration from his message as they entered into the Lenten season with a renewed commitment to faith, prayer, and spiritual discipline.

MCA Mavelikara Eparchy Inaugurates New Managing Committee and Executive Oath-Taking Ceremony

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MCA Mavelikara Eparchy Inaugurates New Managing Committee and Executive Oath-Taking Ceremony

ELANJIMEL: The Managing Committee and Eparchial Executive Oath-Taking Ceremony of the Malankara Catholic Association (MCA), Mavelikara Eparchy for the 2025-26 term was solemnly held at Elanjimel Malankara Catholic Church on 2 March 2025 at 3:00 PM.

Oath-Taking of the New Executive Committee

The newly elected Executive Committee members for the eparchy took their oath of office before Rev. Fr. Sylvester Thekkedath, MCA Eparchial Spiritual Advisor.

Following this, the Managing Committee convened, deliberating on the past year’s accomplishments and formulating a strategic pastoral plan for the upcoming year. Each district actively engaged in discussions, leading to the formal approval of the new framework.

Key Addresses & Discussions

🔹 Bible Reading: Elizabeth Ninan, MCA Eparchial Vice President
🔹 Welcome Speech: Williams Mathai, MCA Eparchial General Secretary
🔹 Inaugural Address: Rev. Fr. Sylvester Thekkedath
🔹 Presidential Address: Adv. Anil Babu, MCA Eparchial President

New Organisational Framework for MCA Mavelikara Eparchy

The Eparchy has introduced a renewed operational model ensuring unit-level, district-level, and clergy-centred coordination across all 96 parishes. Six district committees will function as the central coordination bodies, working towards strengthening parish-level activities while aligning with the Eparchial leadership.

Guidance from the Vicar General

Most Rev. Dr. Kulathumkarott Stephen, Vicar General of Mavelikara Eparchy, presided over the pastoral planning discussions and urged members to be role models in their service to the Church. He emphasised the importance of strengthening MCA at all levels and encouraged a structured approach to reinforce parish and district operations.

Coordination & Organisational Support

To ensure a well-organised and impactful event, Rev. Fr. Christy Charuvila, Chengannur District Spiritual Advisor, played a key role in the planning and execution of the day’s proceedings.

The Malankara Catholic Association of Mavelikara Eparchy stands committed to its mission of service, faith, and community development, working closely with clergy and laity in dedicated and transformative action.

MCMF Annual Assembly and ‘Nuhro 2K25’ Inauguration Held at Catholicate Centre

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MCMF Annual Assembly and ‘Nuhro 2K25’ Inauguration Held at Catholicate Centre

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – The Annual Assembly and Action Plan Inauguration of the Malankara Catholic Mothers’ Forum (MCMF) Sabha Level was held on 26 February 2025 at the Catholicate Centre, Pattom, the headquarters of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.

Key Highlights

🔹 Mrs. Jiji Mathai, President of MCMF Sabha Level, presided over the meeting.
🔹 Rt. Rev. Varkey Attupurath Corepiscopo, Major Archdiocesan Proto-Syncellus, inaugurated the session, offering insights into the role of MCMF in strengthening faith and family values.
🔹 Mrs. Sarah Mani Kuriakose led interactive sessions, guiding members on faith-based parenting and community engagement.
🔹 The action plan for the year, titled ‘Nuhro 2K25’, was officially launched by Rt. Rev. Varkey Attupurath Corepiscopo.
🔹 MCMF Sabha Director, Rev. Fr. Mathew Arackal, led the event’s coordination and arrangements.

The assembly reaffirmed the commitment of MCMF to nurturing spiritual growth and strengthening families, with a renewed focus on social outreach and faith formation in the coming year.

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