Clergy Training for the Year of the Word Begins as Part of Centenary Celebrations

The Syro Malankara Catholic Church inaugurated a special clergy training programme as part of its Year of the Word initiative, a key event in the Church’s ongoing centenary celebrations. The training was held from July 30 to August 1, 2024, at the Catholicate Centre in Pattom, Kerala, the headquarters of the Church.

The programme was officially inaugurated by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Abraham Mor Julios, Bishop Emeritus of Muvattupuzha and Chairman of the Year of the Word. His Excellency addressed the gathered clergy, emphasising the transformative power of Scripture in pastoral ministry and the importance of deepening their biblical knowledge.

His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Antony Mor Silvanos, Bishop of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia and coordinator of the centenary celebrations, played a significant role in overseeing the event. Additional contributors included Rev. Fr. Cyril Anand Moroth O.I.C., Secretary of the Synodal Commission for Bible Apostolate, and Rev. Fr. Sebastian Edayath, Jubilee Coordinator. Both priests delivered enriching sessions aimed at enhancing the clergy’s understanding of biblical teachings and their application in pastoral care.

On the final day, August 1, the training concluded with a solemn Holy Qurbono at the tomb of the venerable Archbishop Mor Ivanios, led by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Antony Mor Silvanos. The Eucharistic celebration was a moment of reflection and spiritual renewal for the priests, connecting them deeply to the roots of their faith and the Church’s mission.

Following the Holy Qurbono, the clergy were addressed by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, Catholicos of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church. His Beatitude delivered a moving address, urging the priests to take up their scriptural responsibilities with renewed zeal and to guide the faithful towards a life rooted in the Word of God.

The Year of the Word and its Spiritual Importance

The Year of the Word initiative is a pivotal part of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church’s centenary celebrations, aiming to deepen the Church’s relationship with Scripture. This initiative focuses on encouraging both clergy and laity to engage more intimately with the Bible, fostering a spiritually vibrant community.

The clergy training is central to this mission, empowering priests to be more effective leaders and educators in the faith. By enriching their scriptural knowledge, the Church ensures that its spiritual guidance remains rooted in the teachings of the Word.