When the whole nation was celebrating the Day of Freedom on 15th August 2011, some miscreants broke into St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church at the Warje Malwadi, Pune and desecrated the holy Church.
Sr. Mary Martha D.M Passed Away
Sr. Mary Martha D.M (83), member of Daughters of Mary Congregation of the St. Mary’s Province passed away on Thursday 11 August 2011.She belongs to Ayanivilayil family, Adoor. She was a good missionary and served at the missions at Marthandam, Panachamoodu, Chellamkonam, Kirathoor, Pattom, Konni, Pothancode, Kottarakkara, Anchal and Pongumoodu.
The funeral service will be held on Friday 12 August 2011, at Pongumoodu Convent.
May her soul rest in peace!
Sister Elizabeth SIC Passed Away
Sister Elizabeth SIC (96), the senior most member of the Bethany Congregation and of Tiruvalla Province passed away on Thursday 11 August 2011. She was born to the Late Varghese and Rachel, Appakottumuriyil. She had done exemplary service in the Congregation as superior, teacher and boarding mistress. Her dedicated religious life and love for the fellow beings gave great insight and example to the younger generation.
The funeral service will be held on Friday 12 August 2011, at Tirumoolapuram Convent. May the Lord reward her Eternal Happiness
Archbishop Cornelius Elanjickal Passed Away
Archbishop Cornelius Elanjickal, Metropolitan Archbishop Emeritus of Varappuzha and former Bishop of Vijayapuram, was called to eternal rest at the age of 93. He was ordained a priest in March 1945. He had served as the President of the Kerala Catholic Bishop Council (KCBC). The funeral will be held at St. Francis Assisi Cathedral on Tuesday.
The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church extends our prayerful condolence and wish eternal bliss to the demised prelate.
58th Feast of Commemoration of the Servant of God Mar Ivanios Celebrated
The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church celebrated the 58th Feast of Commemoration of the Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios on 15 July 2011. The celebrations started with the Holy Qurbono. His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis was the main celebrant. His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Jacob Mar Barnabas delivered the homily during the Holy Qurbono. His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Koorilos , His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Divannasios, His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Joshua Mar Ignathios, His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thomas, His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Jacob Mar Barnabas, His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Anthonios, His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Mar Irenios, His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mar Stephanos and Rev. priests concelebrated in the Holy Qurbono. It was followed by the Dhoopaprarthana. The Celebrations concluded with the message and the apostolic blessing by His Beatitude. Religious and faithful participated in the celebration.
Malankara Catholic Mission Edmonton-Canada
The month of July we the Malankarites here are blessed by God by commemorating the remembrance of our two forefathers St.Thomas and Servant of God Mar Ivanios. On 10th July all the Malankarites in Edmonton and other well wishers are gathered around the altar of our Lord in St.Thresa’s Roman Catholic Church Edmonton at 3.30pm for celebrating the day of Mar Ivanios. Amidst of solemn Holy Mass we offered “Doopa Prathana” in front of the picture of Mar Ivanios which is specially decorated in the sanctuary and give thanks to God for all the blessings we received through the intercession of Mar Ivanios. Before the beginning of Holy Mass we recollect about his life style, sufferings that he faced at the time of reunion, his contribution to the Church etc. After the Holy Mass with distribution of “Nercha” the celebration ends. A picture of Mar Ivanios given to all families.
First Syro Malankara Catholic Convention in United Kingdom
The First Syro-Malankara convention in the United Kingdom was held at Mar Ivanios Nagar, St John’s Fisher Parish in Coventry, on 9 July, 2011. His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis, the Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, Rt. Rev. William Kenney, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Birmingham were the main dignitaries of the Convention.
The Convention commenced at 10:30 am by a traditional & ceremonial welcome to dignitaries. This was followed by the Holy Qurbono celebrated by His Beatitude and Rt. Rev. William Kenney & Rev Fr. Daniel Kulangara were the co-celebrants. Bishop William delivered the homily during the Holy Qurbono. During the Qurbono four children had received First Holy Communion from His Beatitude. Hundreds of Malankara Catholics flocked to witness and partake the Holy Qurbono.
Following lunch, the convention meeting started by a devotional prayer song. Rony Jacob, the Pastoral Council Secretary, welcomed the dignitaries and delegates to this great occasion. The event also witnessed devotional songs and speeches performed by our young artists. Rev. Fr. Daniel Kulangara, the Special Pastor and Coordinator for the Malankara Catholic Missions in U.K. addressed the delegates emphasising the significance of this convention and also reminded the delegates about the need for continued and renewed faith. Dr John Shankarathil, one of the senior citizens of the Malankara Catholic Church felicitated and congratulated His Beatitude for completing 25 years of priestly ministry. Various representatives from the Malankara Catholic missions in U.K took the opportunity to introduce their mission activities and also solicited cooperation from all to help grow these missions.
His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis then addressed and enlightened the delegates with an ardent fervour reminding them of responsibilities of Catholic Christians and also the need to help the growth of Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in the U.K. His Beatitude also emphasised on the significance of family values and their pivotal role in the growth of Church. This was followed by handing over a cheque to the Charity-Fund of His Beatitude by Rev. Fr. Daniel Kulangara.
His Beatitude also declared the venue for the next convention. Manchester was the venue that was picked up by His beatitude following a ballot. The event concluded with photo sessions with His Beatitude followed by a high tea. Numerous Malankara Catholics poured in from all parts of the country to witness and participate in this historic event.
New Priests’ Day at Catholicate Centre
On 1 July 2011, the Catholicate Centre welcomed all the new priests of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church who came to offer Holy Qurbono at the tomb of the Servant of God Archbishop Geevarghese Mar Ivanios Panickaruveetil on the first day of the Fourteen-Day Preparatory Spiritual Service in preparation for the 58th Feast of Commemoration of the Servant of God. Most Rev. Thomas Mar Anthonios OIC, the Curia Bishop, Rev. Fr. Prabheesh George, Rev. Fr. James Puthuparampil OIC and all the inmates of the Catholicate community felicitated the young priests and offered prayerful wishes to their priestly ministry in the Church. Rev. Fr. Geevarghese Nediyath and other Priest-residents of the St. Mary’s Campus were present for the fellowship gathering
Exarchate Assembly of USA
The Assembly of the Exarchate in USA was held on 22 and 23 June 2011 at Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, New York. The two-days Assembly was inaugurated by His Excellency Most Rev. William Muruphy, the Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. The inauguration meeting was presided over by Most. Rev. Thomas Mar Eusebius, the Bishop of the Exarchate. Rt. Rev. Msgr. Peter Kochery welcomed the participants and Rt. Rev. Msgr. Peter I. Vaccari, the Rector of the Seminary, welcomed the members to the Seminary. The Assembly Sessions began with an ice breaker, namely, all participants introduced themselves. A representative from each parish was asked to present a small report of their respective parish. During the noon session Rev. Fr. Mathew Charthakuzhiyil presented the main paper of the Assembly, “The Missionary Role of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.” This paper gave a theological framework for the subsequent discussion. Rev. Fr. Sunny Mathew (Parish priest), Mr. George James (lay person) and Dr. Jocelyn Edathil (Youth) presented their response to this paper.
During the morning session of the second day, Rev. Fr. George Oonnoonny presented a paper on “The Pastoral and Canonical Implications of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Exarchate.” This paper gave emphasis to the canonical and pastoral dimensions of the Church’s mission in the United States of America. All participants were divided into five groups namely, Mar Baselios, Mar Gregorios, Mar Theophilos, Mar Athanasios, and Mar Ephraem. Each group gathered together thrice and discussed the given questions. In addition, each group was also asked to chart a missionary plan for the Church for the next five years. The summary of the discussion was presented in the general discussion that was moderated by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Peter Kochery. Then Rev. Fr. Mathai Mannoorvadakkethil, Mr. Alex John, Mrs. Thresiamma Nadavallil and Mr. Aloysius John presented their evaluations of the Assembly. All of them shared their appreciation and proposed that the momentum created by the Assembly must be continued by designing follow-up programs and implementing the proposed plans. During the zero-hour there was active interaction from most of the participants.
During the concluding session Most Rev. Thomas Mar Eusebius offered his final comments, his deep sense of satisfaction about the fruitfulness of the Assembly and his gratitude to all the participants for their serious and committed participation in the Assembly. Besides the ex-officio members, Mr. George James, Mr. Gijo Georekutty (youth representative) and Mrs. Thresiamma Nadavallil (woman representative) and Mr. Mr. Francis Thazhamon (representing the region of Canada) were elected as the members to attend the Major Archiepiscopal Assembly which will be held from 21 to 23 September, 2011 at the Catholicate Centre, Trivandrum. Thomas Mar Eusebius and Rev. Fr. Saji Mukkootumannil, the general secretary expressed their gratitude to all who were instrumental in making this Assembly a success.
During the “Sending-out Rite” while playing, “Go Out and Tell the Good News,” Mar Eusebius handed lighted candles to each participant, who processed in two lines behind the Holy Bible carried by the Proto-Syncellus. When the procession reached the Chapel, the Bishop read out the Mission Command from the Gospel of Matthew. People requested the blessing of the Bishop by singing “Sloosok aman.” After the Bishop’s blessings, they kissed the hand-cross of the Bishop, singing “Krolohoon Moraan.” The participants left the Assembly venue with a renewed sense of being a Church and with a deepened conviction about their missionary call.
The arrangements were made by various committees headed by Fr. Mathew Perumbillikunnel & Mr. Mohan Varghese (Registration), Fr. Sunny Kavuvila (Logistics), Fr. Joseph Nedumankuzhiyil (Liturgy), Fr. MathaiMannoorvadakethil (Adoration), Fr. Joy Mankulam (Accommodation), Fr. Thomas Malayil (Food), Fr. Job Kalluvilayil (Social Time), Fr. Jacob John & Mr. Gheevarghese Thankachan (VIP Reception), Fr. Daiju Kuriakose (Time Keeper), Fr. Augustine Mangalath (Seminary Contact), Sr. Arpitha SIC & Sr. Agnes DM (Medical) and Mr. Varughese Zachariah (Transportation).
The Board Of Eparchial Inquiry For The Cause Of Canonisation Of The Servant Of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios Constituted
The Board of Eparchial Inquiry for the Cause of Canonisation of the Servant of God Archbishop Geevarghese Mar Ivanios Panickaruveetil was constituted by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, the Father and Head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church on 14 June 2011. The installation ceremony was held, on 20 June 2011, after the concelebrated Holy Qurbono officiated by the His Beatitude the Catholicos at the tomb chapel, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom, Trivandrum. The Postulator of the Cause, Most Rev. Thomas Mar Anthonios OIC read out the decree of the publication of the postulator’s petition submitted to the Major Archbishop for the knowledge of all the faithful. Then Dr. John Kochuthundil, the Vice-Chancellor of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia read out the decree of the constitution of the Eparchial Board of Inquiry. The Board consists of Rev. Dr. Michael Vattappalam (Episcopal Delegate), Rev. Dr. Saju Augustine Kuthodiputhenpurayil (Promotor of Justice), Rev. Sr. Jose Mary SH (Notary) and Mrs. Pushpa Augustine (Adjutant Notary). They assumed their office taking the oath of office and secrecy prescribed before His Beatitude and in the presence of Very Rev. Fr. John Kochuthundil, the Vice-Chancellor who also attested the same. As part of swearing oath to fulfil faithfully their task and to maintain the secret of office, His Beatitude the Catholicos as the competent authority to accept the libellus and to constitute the Eparchial Board of Inquiry, Most Rev. Thomas Mar Anthonios OIC, the Postulator and Rev. Sr. Sandra Kannankara SIC, the Vice-Postulator also swore the oath of office and the secrecy prescribed. During the ceremony Dr. Jacob V.J. and Rev. Sr. Mary Dominic DM who were appointed as Assistants to the Historical Commission also swore the oath of office and secrecy prescribed.
Then the list of witnesses was formally handed over to the Episcopal Delegate by the Postulator.
Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Mar Irenios, the Auxiliary Bishop of Trivandrum, Most Rev. Thomas Mar Anthonios OIC, the Curia Bishop and the Postulator of the Cause, Rt. Rev. Msgr. James Paravila, Syncellus of the Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum, Very Rev. Fr. Jose Mariadas OIC, Superior General of the OIC, Rev. Fr. Jerome Peedikaparampil OIC, the Provincial Superior of Bethany Navajeevan Province, Mother Roseline DM, the Superior General of the DM, Rev. Sr. Little Flower SIC, the first General Councilor of the SIC, Rev. Mother Ardra SIC, the Provincial Superior of Trivandrum Province of the SIC, Rev. Mother Udaya DM, the Provincial Superior of Venniyoor Province of the DM, Members of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia and the Major Archiepiscopal Eparchial Curia of Trivandrum, Rev. Fr. Geevarghese Nediyath, Parish Priest of the Cathedral, many other Rev. Fathers, Brothers, Sisters and Lay Faithful were present for the Holy Qurbono and the installation ceremony thereafter.
It was announced that the next session of the Board of Eparchial Inquiry will be held on 11 July 2011 at the Catholicate Centre Trivandrm.
The ceremony ended with the Dhūpa Prārthana at the tomb of the Servant of God and the final blessing and nērcha.
