Sister Nuhom S.I.C., a dedicated member of the Bethany Congregation of the Imitation of Christ (Sisters of the Imitation of Christ), Thiruvananthapuram Province, passed away on August 23, 2024, at the age of 81. Sister Nuhom’s life was one of profound dedication and service to the Church and the Bethany Congregation.
The funeral services will be held on August 24, 2024, at the Bethany Convent Cemetery in Nalanchira, Thiruvananthapuram, where she will be laid to rest.
As part of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church’s centenary celebrations, the Year of the Word resource team organised a special training programme for the laity on August 19 and 20, 2024, at the Catholicate Centre in Pattom, Kerala. The training aimed to deepen the faithful’s understanding of Scripture, empowering the laity to actively engage with the Word of God in their daily lives.
The programme was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Cyril Anand Moroth O.I.C., Secretary of the Synodal Commission for Bible Apostolate, who welcomed the participants and set the tone for the sessions to follow.
His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, Catholicos of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, addressed the gathering, offering spiritual insights and encouragement to the laity. His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Antony Mor Silvanos, Bishop of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia and coordinator of the centenary celebrations, also participated, further emphasising the role of the laity in living and sharing the Word of God.
Several prominent figures led the training sessions, including Rev. Fr. Sebastian Edayath, Jubilee Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Benedict Moozhikkara O.I.C., Executive Secretary of the Evangelization Apostolate, and Sister Mary Prasad D.M. They conducted Lectio Divina sessions and theological classes, providing both spiritual guidance and practical insights for the participants.
The Year of the Word training for the laity is a unique initiative aimed at equipping the faithful to deepen their understanding of Scripture and apply its teachings in their personal and community lives. The training sessions were structured to offer a blend of spiritual enrichment and practical application, allowing the participants to grow in faith while also preparing them to share the Word of God more effectively with others.
The Lectio Divina sessions, a meditative practice of reading and contemplating Scripture, were especially impactful in guiding the participants through a reflective and prayerful engagement with the Bible.
Fr. Skaria Kochumuruppel, a beloved priest of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church from the Pathanamthitta Diocese, passed away on August 17, 2024, at the age of 56. Known for his humility, devotion, and steadfast commitment to the spiritual and intellectual growth of the Church, his passing is deeply mourned by the Church and faithful alike.
Fr. Skaria was born as Biji Daniel on October 21, 1968, in Puthenpeedika, Pathanamthitta, as the youngest of four children of Geeverghese Daniel and P.C. Annamma. His siblings, Jose Daniel, Shantha Daniel, and Sr. C. Shalini S.I.C. of the Bethany Congregation, were part of a close-knit family that nurtured his early desire to become a priest. He was baptised on November 13, 1968, and given the name Skaria. After completing his school education at MSC LPS Puthenpeedika and Catholicate High School Pathanamthitta, his passion for the priesthood led him to join the St. Aloysius Minor Seminary, Thiruvananthapuram, in 1984.
Fr. Skaria completed his philosophy studies at St. Mary’s Malankara Seminary and theology at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Mangalore. He was ordained as a priest on March 24, 1995, by the late Most Rev. Dr. Lawrence Mar Ephrem. His thirst for knowledge and service led him to earn a post-graduate degree in philosophy from Annamalai University, followed by a licentiate and doctorate in philosophy from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He also received a diploma in Psychology of Consultation from Rome.
Fr. Skaria’s service spanned numerous parishes both in India and abroad. From 1995 to 2002, he served in various parishes including Mariagiri (Marthandam), Valakom, Nadakkavu, Palavila, Mangad, and Koyikkathoppu. From 2002 onwards, his ministry extended to Rome, the USA, Germany, and Switzerland. His scholarly and pastoral work made a lasting impact on the lives of those he served, and his gentle spirit, combined with his devotion to prayer, touched countless hearts.
In 2020, while serving in the Chur Diocese in Switzerland, Fr. Skaria was diagnosed with blood cancer. Despite his illness, he faced his suffering with unwavering faith and hope, continuing his spiritual mission and providing inspiration to those around him. He returned to India for further treatment at Vellore, and even during his battle with cancer, Fr. Skaria remained a beacon of hope, his face reflecting the peace and hope that only a deep connection with God can bring.
Fr. Skaria was known for his simple lifestyle, his rejection of worldly power and wealth, and his focus on prayer and pastoral care. Those who served alongside him testify to his dedication, his attention to the sick and the education of children, and his ability to make everyone feel valued. His initiatives, such as the ‘Transit’ camp for children from various parishes in the Pathanamthitta Diocese, helped promote both spiritual and intellectual growth.
Fr. Skaria’s funeral service will be held on August 20, 2024, at St. Thomas Malankara Catholic Church in Puthenpeedika, where he received his baptism and offered his first Divine Liturgy. The service will be led by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, Catholicos of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, with the participation of bishops and clergy.
Fr. Skaria’s life, marked by faith, compassion, and wisdom, will remain an enduring example for the Church and all those who knew him.
The Syro Malankara Catholic Church successfully conducted its offline Theology Diploma Course, ‘Koinonia,’ on August 14 and 15, 2024, at the Catholicate Centre in Pattom, Kerala. This course is part of the Church’s ongoing mission to deepen theological understanding and provide a strong foundation for those wishing to expand their knowledge of theology.
The event was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Dr. Jolly Philip Karimpil, Vice Rector of the Malankara Major Seminary in Thiruvananthapuram. In his inaugural address, Rev. Fr. Dr. Karimpil highlighted the role of theological education in strengthening both the spiritual and intellectual foundations of the Church.
His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, Catholicos of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, delivered a special address, stressing the importance of initiatives like ‘Koinonia’ in enhancing the theological and spiritual life of the Church. His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Abraham Mor Julios, Bishop Emeritus of Muvattupuzha, and His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Antony Mor Silvanos, Bishop of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia, also participated in the event, offering their prayers and blessings to the attendees.
Prominent theologians who led the sessions included Rev. Fr. Dr. Abraham Charivupurayidathil (Gigi Philip), Rector of the Malankara Major Seminary, Rev. Fr. Joseph Valliyattu, Rev. Fr. Joseph Malayattil, and Rev. Fr. Varghese Naduthala. The two-day course covered a wide range of theological topics, aiming to provide both academic insight and practical application for the participants.
The ‘Koinonia’ Theology Diploma Course is an important initiative within the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, offering participants an opportunity to explore the depths of theological study. ‘Koinonia,’ meaning fellowship and communion in Greek, reflects the course’s goal of fostering unity and shared learning among participants.
By engaging with various aspects of theology, participants are encouraged to deepen their understanding of Church teachings and grow in their spiritual journeys. The sessions, led by respected theologians, provided a balance of traditional theological wisdom and modern insights, helping participants to apply these learnings in their roles within the Church and their communities.
The Syro Malankara Catholic community in the UAE recently witnessed two significant events – the heartfelt farewell of Rev. Fr. Dr. Adv. Reji Manakallettu, and the warm reception of Rt. Rev. Fr. John Thundiyath Corepiscopo as the new Coordinator for the UAE.
On August 1, 2024, Rt. Rev. Fr. John Thundiyath Corepiscopo was warmly welcomed by the UAE Malankara Council’s Central Committee at Sharjah International Airport. Fr. Thundiyath assumes the role of Coordinator for the Malankara Catholic Church in the UAE. The reception was led by former Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Dr. Reji Manakallettu, along with Fr. Savari Muthu, UAE Malankara Council President Shajubaby, General Secretary Rajesh John, Joint Treasurer George Williams, and other committee members and community leaders.
Fr. Thundiyath brings a wealth of pastoral experience and spiritual leadership, and the community looks forward to his guidance as he takes on this important role.
In the days following this, on August 15, 2024, the UAE Malankara Catholic community bid a fond farewell to Rev. Fr. Dr. Adv. Reji Manakallettu at Sharjah International Airport. Fr. Reji served as the UAE Coordinator since March 2021, leading the community with dedication and commitment for three years. His pastoral care extended to the Syro Malankara faithful and St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Dubai. As Fr. Reji returns to Kerala to continue his ministry, Rt. Rev. Fr. John Thundiyath, along with community members, gathered to express their deep gratitude and best wishes for his future endeavors.
Both events highlight the UAE Malankara community’s deep-rooted bonds of faith and fellowship, as they transition from one chapter of spiritual leadership to the next.
These transitions mark moments of continuity, growth, and gratitude for the Syro Malankara Catholic community in the UAE, as they unite under the pastoral care of Rt. Rev. Fr. John Thundiyath while cherishing the contributions of Rev. Fr. Dr. Reji Manakallettu.
Sister Leelamma Isaac, a devout member of the Puliyoor Parish and a dedicated servant at the Adoration Chapel of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Punnammood, Mavelikara, passed away on August 14, 2024, at the age of 78. Her life was marked by humble service and deep commitment to her faith and the community she served.
The funeral services will be held on August 17, 2024, at Bethlehem Church Cemetery, Puliyoor, with His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Joshua Mar Ignathios, Bishop of Mavelikara, as the chief celebrant.
The Syro Malankara Catholic community in Perth is overjoyed to announce the formal appointment of Rev. Fr. John Kizhakkekara (Babu Achan) as their first resident priest. This appointment marks a major milestone for the community, providing long-awaited spiritual leadership and regular liturgical services.
Fr. John Kizhakkekara brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Originally from Punalur, Kerala, he has previously served at St. Antony’s Malankara Catholic Church, Kanjirampara, Trivandrum, and St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Kottarakara, Kollam. In addition to his pastoral duties, Fr. John holds an MBA in Human Resources from the University of Madras and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Loyola College of Social Sciences, Thiruvananthapuram.
The appointment of Fr. John as the first resident priest was made possible through the dedicated efforts of His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Antony Mor Silvanos, His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mor Theodosious, and Rev. Fr. Prem Kumar Corepiscopa. Special appreciation is extended to Rev. Fr. Stephen Kulathumkarrot for his invaluable contributions throughout the process.
Since 2015, the Syro Malankara Catholic faithful in Perth have gathered for Holy Qurbono once every three months, with priests traveling from Adelaide and Brisbane. Now, with Fr. John’s appointment, the community will have weekly Sunday services at 3:30 PM at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, located at 6 Lilian Rd, Maida Vale WA 6057, a peaceful and welcoming church nestled in Perth’s serene Maida Vale suburb. This development is expected to significantly strengthen the spiritual life of the Malankara community.
For those living in Perth and nearby regions of Australia who wish to attend Holy Qurbono or learn more about the activities of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church in Perth, you are warmly encouraged to reach out to Rev. Fr. John Kizhakkekara. He will be delighted to welcome you to the community and provide more information on how to participate.
For further details:
The 2024 Malankara Catholic Youth Movement of North America (MCYMNA) Conference, held from August 1 to 4 in Austin, Texas, was a spirited gathering that brought together young people from across North America to celebrate faith, community, and culture. The weekend unfolded as a tapestry of prayer, fellowship, and joyful exploration of the Malankara Catholic identity.
The conference began on Thursday evening with a warm and lively welcome. Icebreakers, including a scavenger hunt and a relaxed movie night, set the tone for the weekend, fostering connections among participants and building an atmosphere of camaraderie. These moments became the foundation for the meaningful interactions and spiritual reflections that followed.
Friday’s schedule was a vibrant mix of activities that catered to both the mind and spirit. Matt and Linda Kuriakose shared an engaging talk on balancing faith with relationships, addressing questions many young Catholics face today. The basketball tournament that followed highlighted teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy competition.
Later, a period of Adoration offered a serene moment for introspection, creating a bridge between the day’s lively discussions and evening fellowship. The Chai and Chat panel delved into contemporary topics, encouraging open conversations and active engagement with the challenges and opportunities of living faith-filled lives. As the day concluded, team games and informal social gatherings reinforced the sense of community.
Saturday unfolded as a day of spiritual renewal and cultural celebration. Rev. Fr. Jerin Mathew’s profound session encouraged attendees to look inward, guiding them toward self-reflection and preparation for the sacrament of confession. The day’s Holy Mass was followed by an insightful presentation by Samson Zachariah and Jeny Chacko, who explored the Malankara Catholic Church’s history and traditions, inspiring attendees to deepen their connection with their heritage.
The afternoon transitioned to a spirited volleyball tournament and an outdoor Texas BBQ picnic, celebrating the joy of community through food and fun. As the sun set, the energy soared during a concert by Prodigyl, a Malayalee-American rapper, and a lively dance party featuring DJ CUB3D, creating memories that balanced joy and faith seamlessly.
The final day of the conference began with the celebration of the Holy Qurbono, presided over by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mor Stephanos, who shared words of encouragement and faith. During the closing ceremony, gratitude overflowed as leaders acknowledged the hard work of the MCYMNA Board members, animators, and volunteers. Tournament champions were honoured, and the conference unveiled exciting initiatives, including the design for MCYMNA’s 25th anniversary and the introduction of the inaugural Malankara Catholic podcast, “Tea with Thomas”.
The conference theme, “Malankara Mentality,” inspired participants to centre their lives on God, embrace discipline, and practice love and compassion toward others. Each session, activity, and interaction became a reminder of God’s grace and the shared journey of the Malankara Catholic community.
With 196 participants, including clergy, sisters, and youth from across the continent, the conference became a beacon of hope and renewal. The Diocese commends the MCYMNA leaders for their prayerful dedication and servant leadership, ensuring the event was both spiritually fruitful and logistically seamless.
The 2024 MCYMNA Conference was more than a weekend gathering—it was a reaffirmation of faith, an exploration of heritage, and a celebration of unity. It strengthened bonds among the Malankara Catholic youth and left an enduring impression of joy, faith, and commitment to living as true witnesses of Christ.
Mar Ivanios College (Autonomous) continues its upward trajectory of academic distinction by securing an A++ grade in its fifth cycle of NAAC Accreditation, with an impressive 3.56 CGPA. The institution, affiliated with the University of Kerala, has now earned the distinction of being the first autonomous college under the university to achieve this grade in the fifth cycle. This outstanding achievement cements its position as a pioneer of higher education in Kerala.
Founded in 1949, Mar Ivanios College is located on the Bethany Hills in Nalukettu, Thiruvananthapuram, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of nature. The college’s serene setting, just a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Kerala’s capital city, provides an ideal environment for academic excellence and spiritual growth. The lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere are in harmony with the college’s mission to nurture both intellectual and ethical values in its students.
Mar Ivanios College was one of the first institutions in Kerala to be granted autonomous status in 2014, allowing it the flexibility to design its own curriculum and focus on innovative teaching methods. The introduction of four-year undergraduate programmes this year further underlines its forward-thinking approach to education.
The recent A++ accreditation, achieved after a thorough assessment by the NAAC peer team on June 23 and 24, 2024, is the latest in a series of accolades for the college. It has consistently improved its standing since its first NAAC accreditation in 1999. The 45th position in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), which the college has maintained for the past six years, further reflects its dedication to quality education.
Mar Ivanios College is renowned for its academic rigor across multiple disciplines, including arts, science, and commerce. It has also made significant strides in research and innovation, providing its faculty and students with numerous opportunities to engage in cutting-edge studies. The institution’s commitment to a holistic education is reflected in its 64% female enrollment, encouraging gender diversity and inclusion in its academic programmes.
The Bethany Hills campus is not only an academic hub but also a cultural and spiritual centre. The college is closely associated with the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church and carries forward the legacy of its founder, Servant of God Archbishop Geevarghese Mar Ivanios, after whom the college is named. This connection to a rich spiritual heritage is one of the reasons why the institution is so deeply respected, not just in Kerala but across India.
The combination of its idyllic location, cutting-edge education, and deep-rooted values has positioned Mar Ivanios College as a leader in shaping future generations. With the A++ grade, it continues to set a shining example for educational institutions throughout Kerala and the nation at large.
As part of the centenary celebrations of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, the Year of the Word resource team initiated a special training programme for nuns. The training began on August 2, 2024, at the Bethany Convent in Nalanchira, Thiruvananthapuram. This programme aims to deepen the spiritual engagement of religious sisters with Scripture, empowering them to play a pivotal role in spreading the Word of God in their communities.
The inaugural meeting commenced with a welcome address by Rev. Fr. Cyril Anand Moroth O.I.C., Secretary of the Synodal Commission for Bible Apostolate, who extended warm greetings to the participants and set the tone for the days of training ahead.
The training was officially inaugurated by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Antony Mor Silvanos, Bishop of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia and coordinator of the centenary celebrations. In his address, His Excellency emphasised the importance of Scripture in the religious life, encouraging the nuns to draw strength from the Word of God and to become beacons of faith in their respective communities.
The sessions during the training were led by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Antony Mor Silvanos, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Edayath, Jubilee Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Benedict Moozhikkara O.I.C., Executive Secretary of the Evangelization Apostolate, and Sister Mary Prasad D.M. These leaders conducted Lectio Divina sessions, along with other classes focused on enhancing the participants’ biblical understanding and their spiritual journey.
This training programme for nuns is part of a broader initiative within the Syro Malankara Catholic Church’s centenary celebrations, aimed at deepening the relationship of the entire Church with Scripture. Religious sisters are seen as essential contributors to the mission of the Church, and this training empowers them to become more effective leaders in teaching and living the Word of God.
Through Lectio Divina, a traditional practice of scriptural reading and meditation, the sisters are being equipped with the spiritual tools needed to not only enrich their personal prayer lives but also guide others in their communities towards a more profound encounter with the Bible.
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