In a moment that resonated with the unity and spiritual kinship of the Eastern Catholic Churches, His Eminence Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, and His Beatitude Moran Mor Ignatius Joseph III Yonan, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East of the Syriac Catholic Church, visited the Monastery of the Maronite Mariamite Order in Rome.
They were warmly received by the Superior General of the Order, Abbot Edmond Rizk, along with the priests and seminarians of the monastery.
The Maronite Mariamite Order, also known as the Aleppians, was founded in 1694 in the Monastery of Mart Moura, Ehden, Lebanon, by three Maronite young men from Aleppo, Syria, under the patronage of Patriarch Estephan Douaihy. The Order has a significant presence in Rome, including the Great Monastery of Saint Antonius.
This visit underscores the deep fraternal bonds among the Eastern Catholic Churches and their shared commitment to spiritual growth and unity within the universal Church.
May this encounter inspire continued collaboration and mutual support among the Eastern Catholic communities worldwide.
Parassala — In the quiet dawn of Friday, 16th May 2025, a sacred and stirring chapter unfolded within the Eparchy of Parassala as two young men, Br. Akhil Peeter of Shalom Bhavan and Br. Joby Joseph of Puthenveedu, responded to the timeless call to serve Christ’s Church in the full order of the diaconate. This holy ordination, held at Snehadeepam Minor Seminary, was a moment marked by prayer, solemnity, and the profound joy that accompanies those who embrace a life consecrated to God’s people.
His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mor Eusebius, Bishop of Parassala, presided over the sacred rite as chief celebrant. The imposition of hands and invocation of the Holy Spirit consecrated the two brothers to the sacred ministry of the diaconate — a ministry rooted in service, humility, and unwavering devotion to the proclamation of the Gospel.
The presence of Very Rev. Fr. Jose Konnathuvila, Vicar General of the Eparchy, added to the spiritual gravity of the occasion. Joined by parish priests, numerous clergy, religious sisters, seminarians, and a large congregation of faithful — including the proud families of the newly ordained — the assembly bore witness to this moment of grace and dedication.
This ordination was no mere ceremony but a vivid testament to the Church’s living mission: to nurture vocations and commission servants for the Lord’s vineyard. The brothers, standing reverently at the altar, embodied the promise of a life of self-giving love, obedience, and zeal for the Lord’s service.
Guided by the care of the Seminary’s Rector, Rev. Fr. Aloysius Thunduthattu, and Vice Rector, Rev. Fr. Anit Francis Mullassery, every element of the celebration was suffused with prayerful solemnity, reflecting the grandeur and sanctity befitting this holy event.
The community now unites in prayerful support, imploring God’s blessings upon Br. Akhil Peeter and Br. Joby Joseph. May they continue to grow in holiness and fidelity, embodying with joy and steadfastness the diaconal calling to serve Christ and His Church.
In one of the earliest and most significant audiences of his pontificate, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV addressed the faithful of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches gathered in Rome for the Jubilee of Oriental Churches. His words—rich with theological depth, pastoral sensitivity, and heartfelt encouragement—resonate profoundly with the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church and all who cherish the legacy of the Eastern Christian traditions.
A Salutation Rooted in Resurrection
Opening his address with the ancient and jubilant proclamation, “Christ is risen. He is truly risen!”, Pope Leo XIV reminded the faithful that the foundation of Christian hope is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This Easter greeting, never tiring on the lips of Eastern Christians across the globe, encapsulates the very heart of our faith and the wellspring of our hope.
The Pope expressed his joy at dedicating one of the first audiences of his papacy to the Eastern Churches—a family precious in God’s eyes, rich in diversity, history, and faithfulness despite many sufferings.
Cherishing the Spiritual Treasures of the East
Reflecting on the unique spiritual and intellectual riches preserved in Eastern Christianity, Pope Leo XIV reiterated the words of his predecessor, Pope Francis, calling the Eastern Churches “to be cherished and esteemed for the unique spiritual and sapiential traditions that they preserve.”
He recalled the foresight of Pope Leo XIII, who recognized the dignity of the Eastern Churches as the cradle where “the work of human redemption began.” Echoing Saint John Paul II, he affirmed the East’s “unique and privileged role as the original setting where the Church was born.”
The Pope emphasized the enduring beauty of Eastern liturgies, many still celebrated in the language of Christ Himself, underscoring the importance of preserving these rites with integrity and without dilution.
The Challenge of Diaspora and Preservation
In a moving acknowledgment of contemporary trials, Pope Leo XIV spoke to the reality faced by many Eastern Christians forced from their homelands due to war, persecution, and poverty. He highlighted the grave risk not only of losing physical homelands but also the invaluable religious identity and heritage of these ancient Churches—especially poignant for the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, which, while thriving in diaspora, faces the delicate task of maintaining its traditions far from Kerala.
The Pope called upon the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches to define clear guidelines supporting Eastern Catholics in the diaspora. This support, he stressed, must empower faithful preservation of liturgical and spiritual traditions while fostering communion with the wider Church.
The Healing Mystery of Eastern Spirituality
Delving into the essence of Eastern spirituality, Pope Leo XIV described these traditions as “medicinal,” weaving the drama of human misery with the marvel of God’s mercy. He recalled the profound penitential and mystical practices characteristic of the East—constant intercession, fasting, and heartfelt contrition (penthos).
He urged the Eastern faithful to resist the “mentality of consumerism and utilitarianism,” which threatens to erode the depth and integrity of their spiritual heritage.
The Pope’s words call the Syro-Malankara faithful to continue embodying this spirituality, which teaches that sin does not lead to despair but opens the way to divine healing, divinization, and eternal life.
Hope Amidst Suffering: A Song for the Martyr Churches
Addressing the contemporary context of violence and displacement, Pope Leo XIV lamented the bloodshed afflicting regions dear to Eastern Christianity—from the Holy Land to Lebanon, Syria, Ukraine, and the Caucasus. Reaffirming Pope Francis’s description of these communities as “martyr Churches,” he reminded all that amid such darkness, Christ’s words still ring out: “Peace be with you!”
The peace Christ offers, he explained, is not silence born of fear but a living gift of reconciliation, forgiveness, and courageous renewal. The Pope made a heartfelt appeal for peace, inviting all to dialogue and negotiation, insisting that war is never inevitable.
A Universal Call for Peace and Coexistence
Pope Leo XIV declared the Holy See’s readiness to foster peace, emphasising the need for leaders to engage face to face in dialogue and for peoples everywhere to reclaim the dignity of peace.
He praised those who “sow seeds of peace” in silence and prayer and expressed gratitude for Eastern Christians who persevere in their native lands despite enormous pressure to flee.
For the Syro-Malankara faithful dispersed globally, these words ring as both challenge and consolation: to stand firm in faith, culture, and witness amid adversity.
The Eastern Churches as Lights in the World
The Holy Father’s message culminated in an inspiring affirmation: Eastern Christians are “lights in the world,” called to be exemplary in faith, hope, and charity.
He exhorted pastors to foster authentic communion marked by fraternity, transparency, and co-responsibility, rejecting the allure of honours, power, or superficial appearances.
Freedom from Worldly Attachments
In closing, Pope Leo XIV invoked the words of Saint Symeon the New Theologian, cautioning against letting the cares and attachments of this life extinguish the warmth of the heart.
He urged the Eastern Churches, including the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, to remain steadfast in evangelical witness, freed from distractions that diminish communion and obedience.
A Blessing and a Plea
With heartfelt gratitude, the Pope gave his blessing and implored the Eastern faithful to pray fervently for his ministry, entrusting his Petrine service to the intercession of these venerable Churches, who preserve the ancient faith with courage and joy.
Reflection for the Syro-Malankara Church
For our Syro-Malankara Catholic community, Pope Leo XIV’s address is both a solemn call and an uplifting promise. It underscores the importance of our liturgical patrimony, the vitality of our synodal journey, and the necessity of preserving our identity in a world often marked by displacement and challenge.
It is a reminder that while we may be scattered, we are united in the mystery of the Resurrection and the mission of the Church. The Holy Father’s words encourage us to be faithful witnesses of hope, mercy, and unity—anchored always in the One who rose and transformed death into life.
May we carry these words in our hearts as we continue to build the Syro-Malankara Church with integrity, prayerfulness, and the boldness of Easter faith.
While the Universal Church celebrates the Jubilee Year with open doors and renewed graces, the heart of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church beat visibly in Rome from 12 to 14 May 2025, as we took part in the official Jubilee celebrations dedicated to the Eastern Catholic Churches.
Among the many Churches in communion with Rome, it was our Syro-Malankara Catholic Church—rooted in the West Syriac liturgical tradition—that stood in a place of honour, leading solemn prayers at the Basilica of St Mary Major on the evening of 13 May, alongside our sister Churches of the Syriac patrimony: the Maronite Catholic Church and the Syriac Catholic Church.
The service, rich with the spiritual fragrance of the East, was offered in Syriac, Arabic, English, and Malayalam, and was graced by the presence of:
Moran Mor Ignatius Youssef III Younan, Patriarch of the Syriac Catholic Church
His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church
Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil, The head of the Syro-Malabar Church
Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches
Bishops, clergy, religious, and faithful from various Eastern Catholic traditions
The prayer service was more than an event—it was a declaration: that we, who inherit the beauty of the West Syriac tradition, continue to shine with faith in the heart of the Church.
In the Presence of Peter
Following the prayer, His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos led a special moment of prayer at the tomb of Pope Francis, now of revered memory. There, the Malankara community in Rome—clergy, religious, and lay faithful—joined their spiritual father in silence and supplication. The intercession sought was not just for our Church, but for the healing and unity of all Churches in suffering and diaspora.
The Pope’s Address: Honour to the Eastern Churches
On the morning of 14 May, from the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV addressed the leaders and representatives of all Eastern Catholic Churches. He recognised and honoured their resilience—acknowledging the way these Churches have preserved the faith amid war, persecution, and displacement throughout history.
Quoting Eastern Church Fathers, the Holy Father called for greater care and reverence towards the unique liturgical and spiritual traditions of each sui iuris Church, reaffirming that unity does not mean uniformity, and that the beauty of the Church lies in its communion through diversity.
In a gesture filled with ecclesial warmth, His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos met with the Holy Father along with other Heads of Eastern Churches, exchanging greetings, prayers, and mutual assurance of spiritual support.
The Voice of the Malankara Church in the Eternal City
The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Rome, through its priests, religious, and laity, participated with visible joy and devotion. For those gathered, this was not merely an institutional moment, but a liturgical and communal affirmation that we are deeply rooted in the Apostolic Church and stand with our brethren across rites and continents.
The prayers sung in Malayalam echoed through the ancient basilica with the same faith that once filled the hills of Antioch and the forests of Kerala. The Syriac intonations, unchanged for centuries, reminded the Church that East and West together form the whole body of Christ.
As the Jubilee celebrations continue, the participation of our Church in this sacred moment in Rome was not just symbolic—it was deeply ecclesial, theological, and historical. For we are not merely guests in the Catholic communion; we are part of its apostolic soul.
It is a curious thing: the fate of nations and the prayers of peasants alike hinge, for a breathless hour, upon a wisp of smoke. The world, so often deaf to whispers, pauses for the silent voice that rises from the Sistine Chapel – white, not grey, not black, but pure white – and in that instant, a million hearts unite in expectation, as the ancient bells of St Peter’s Basilica answer with a clamour that outpaces the newswires.
The square below, swelled by pilgrims and doubters alike, fixes its gaze upon the loggia, where the curtain trembles. The ancient formula resounds – “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” – and the centuries roll forward. Our generation now stands witness as Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, O.S.A., takes the name Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome. History turns on the smallest hinges. The son of a city famed for its steel and its struggle – Chicago – finds himself heir to the throne of a fisherman.
Habemus Papam: The Announcement Heard Around the World
It is easy to forget, in the spectacle of pageantry, that at its core the election of a Pope is an act of surrender. “Thank you for saying yes,” murmurs the editorialist; yet, the real wonder is not that a man accepts this mantle, but that he must first lay down his own ambitions and become – for the world – a servant. Pope Leo XIV, as he greeted us with “Peace be with all of you!”, reminded us that the Church is forever entrusted not to the strong or the clever, but to those willing to walk in the shadow of the Cross.
Robert Francis Prevost: From the Streets of Chicago to the Chair of Peter
Born on 14 September 1955 in Chicago to Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian heritage, and Mildred Martínez, of Spanish descent, the young Robert Francis grew up with a trinity of languages echoing through his household: faith, service, and curiosity. His earliest days were marked by the ordinary heroism of a Catholic family, and by the quiet drama of a city forever in flux, where hope and hardship intertwine.
He entered Villanova University, a place known for cultivating intellect and spirit alike, emerging with a degree in Mathematics – a discipline of order and paradox, no doubt pleasing to a mind destined for ecclesial responsibility. Yet numbers did not satisfy his deepest hunger. Drawn to the Augustinian Order, he professed his vows in 1981 and was ordained in Rome in 1982, his path winding ever closer to the heart of the Church.
A Decade in Peru
It is a paradox worthy of Chesterton: the missionary leaves behind everything, only to find everything returned to him, multiplied by the faces of those he serves. Sent to Peru, Fr. Prevost walked among the poor, sharing bread and hope in equal measure. He was not content to be a distant overseer. Rather, he became parish priest, seminary professor, judicial vicar – wearing every hat, so long as it served the Gospel. Those years, marked by difficulty and joy, honed his understanding of a Church that is truly universal.
Here in the Peruvian sun, he learned to speak the language of solidarity. The memory of his time in Chiclayo and Trujillo, among the bustling parishes and silent chapels, would never leave him. Years later, as Bishop of Chiclayo, he would recall the scent of the soil and the laughter of children running after the processional cross.
The Augustinian Prior General: Pilgrim Among Pilgrims
Elected Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine in 2001, Fr. Prevost became a pilgrim among pilgrims, travelling the continents not as a prince, but as a brother. He knew the solitude of airports, the warmth of religious houses, the challenge of reconciling the Order’s storied past with the pressing needs of a restless present. It is said he travelled to Kerala, India, in 2004 and 2006, treading the red earth that so many missionaries before him had blessed with tears and hope.
In Kerala, at St Francis Xavier Church, Kaloor, he presided over the ordination of six deacons, an event etched in the memory of the local faithful. Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparambil of Varapuzha, reflecting on these visits, recalls a man of “simplicity, humility, and missionary zeal,” whose presence in the backwaters and in the cities alike was a sign of the Church’s enduring unity.
Encounters in Kerala: The Pope Who Walked Our Soil
There is a certain wonder in seeing the man who once broke bread at our tables ascend to the Papacy. Kerala’s faithful remember Pope Leo XIV not as a distant dignitary, but as a guest who preferred local food, who journeyed in humble vehicles, and who rejoiced in the song of children at Shenbagam School in Pollachi. Priests recall his “profound affection for the Church, grounded in prayer and simplicity.”
His time among us was marked by a remarkable absence of pomp. Fr. Jacob Mullassery, who accompanied him on both journeys, notes how “his humility profoundly affected us all.” For many, his election as Pope is not merely a matter of pride, but a gentle affirmation of the dignity of every Christian, whether in the Vatican or in a small parish in Aluva.
The Path to Rome: From Mission to Curia
Returning to the United States, Fr. Prevost was elected Provincial Prior before being summoned once again to Latin America – this time as Apostolic Administrator, and then Bishop, of Chiclayo. His episcopal motto, “In Illo uno unum” – “In the One, we are one” – is less a slogan than a map for the Church: unity, not uniformity; solidarity, not sameness.
As Bishop, he was known for seeking out the poor, for sitting beside those whom society had forgotten, and for urging the Church to be “a bridge, not a fortress.” He brought this sensibility to his role as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, where his task was to find shepherds for the global flock. Colleagues describe a man who listened first and spoke last, whose decisions were shaped by prayer as much as policy.
The Election: Continuity and the Courage to Renew
The conclave of May 2025 arrived as a storm after a long summer – charged with the expectation of both continuity and change. Pope Francis, who passed away on 21 April, had set the Church upon a course of dialogue, ecological stewardship, and missionary conversion. The cardinals, seeking one who could balance tradition with renewal, found in Cardinal Prevost the embodiment of a paradox: progressive in outlook, ancient in heart.
Choosing the name Leo XIV, he invoked the memory of Leo XIII, whose encyclical Rerum Novarum transformed the Church’s social teaching. The message was unmistakable: the Church, under Leo XIV, will be no stranger to the world’s suffering, nor will she cease to speak for justice and peace.
The First Blessing: Peace as a Mission
On the loggia, in the evening’s golden light, Pope Leo XIV raised his hands and spoke: “Peace be with you all!” The greeting of the Risen Christ, offered not with triumph but with tenderness, rippled outward from Rome to the farthest villages. He called us to build bridges, to become artisans of peace in a fractured world.
Echoing the words of Pope Francis, he declared, “God loves us, God loves you all, and evil will not prevail!” It was a moment not for slogans, but for substance: a call to prayer, to patience, to the long labour of reconciliation.
A Pope for the Peripheries: Synodality and Mission
From his first addresses, Pope Leo XIV set forth his vision: a Church that listens, a Church that walks with the excluded, a Church not afraid of the periphery. He speaks often of “synodality,” a word that sounds modern but is as old as Pentecost. He calls us not to fear difference, but to discover the unity hidden within our diversity.
He has asked us to “walk together, foster communion, and engage in authentic dialogue.” These are not abstract ideals. For Pope Leo XIV, synodality is as practical as visiting a sick neighbour or welcoming the stranger. It is the Church, not as an institution above history, but as a companion within it.
The Indian Connection: Kerala’s Joy, Malankara’s Prayer
In Kerala, the bells tolled long into the night. The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council offered prayerful support, seeing in Pope Leo XIV’s missionary years a mirror of their own journey. “Let him be able to take a realistic look at present day challenges and lead the Church and society in the path of peace and unity,” declared the Council. The joy was personal, too. Priests and laity alike recalled the Pope’s visits, the simple meals, the shared prayers.
Fr. Wilson Injarapu, Vicar Superior of the Augustinian Vicariate in India, voiced the hope of many: “Having an Augustinian as the Holy Father is a significant blessing for us. It also underscores our obligation to pray for him and bolster his mission via our prayers and sacrifices.”
Among the Malankara faithful, the sense of connection is deep. The Pope who once walked our soil now intercedes for us all. The Church’s universality – so often spoken of, so rarely felt – has become, for us, a living reality.
Simplicity Amidst Grandeur
It is tempting to see only the grandeur – the gold, the marble, the thundering choir. Yet, the man at the centre remains the same friar who found contentment in simplicity. During his stays in Aluva and Edakochi, he accepted what was given, declined what was superfluous, and prayed long into the night. His humility is not an affectation but a habit born of long practice.
Priests who shared his table remark on his “profoundly spiritual” character and his devotion to silent Eucharistic Adoration. He once said, in the tradition of St Augustine, that “with you I am a Christian, for you I am a bishop.” It is a formula as old as the Church, yet ever new in its challenge.
The Order of Saint Augustine: An Ancient Family’s Joy
For the Order of Saint Augustine, the election of Pope Leo XIV is a moment of deep joy and responsibility. The Augustinian charism, shaped by centuries of theological reflection and missionary toil, finds new expression in the ministry of the Successor of Peter. The Order’s history in India dates back to 1572, and its continued presence in Kerala is a testament to the enduring vitality of the religious life.
Fr. Metro Xavier, OSA, reflecting on his interactions with the new Pope, says, “His spiritual life was grounded in prayer and simplicity.” This, then, is the lesson for us all: the path to greatness is paved with small acts of faithfulness.
Pope Leo XIV and the World: A Mission for the Present Hour
The world looks to Rome with questions, anxieties, and hopes. War and violence shake many nations; the poor demand justice; the Church is asked to be both ancient and ever new. Pope Leo XIV steps into this hour not as a conqueror, but as a shepherd. He has pledged to continue the legacy of Pope Francis – to dialogue, to care for the earth, to defend the dignity of the marginalised.
It is not an easy path. The storm has not passed. But in the words of Pope Paul VI, echoed anew: “The Pope believes he must follow no other path than that of trust in Jesus Christ, who cares for His Church more than anyone else.” It is the Pope’s paradox: to govern by surrender, to lead by listening, to speak with the authority of one who first learns in silence.
The Holy Father’s First Petition
On his first evening, Pope Leo XIV led us in prayer to Our Lady of Pompeii. Together with the crowds in St Peter’s Square, he implored Mary’s intercession for the Church, for the world, for peace. His blessing, humble and solemn, seemed to draw together every corner of the earth. It is here, in the communion of prayer, that the true mystery of the Papacy is revealed: not a ruler over, but a father with.
The Church in Hope, the World in Expectation
So we stand – as did those before us and those who will follow – on the threshold of a new papacy. Pope Leo XIV begins his ministry with the blessing of peace. He inherits a Church both wounded and beautiful, and invites us to walk beside him, not behind. His life, marked by paradox and service, is a sign to all: that greatness is found not in grasping, but in giving.
As we raise our prayers for the new Pope, let us remember that the white smoke rises not from the chimney alone, but from every heart longing for peace, unity, and hope. The Church, ancient and young, greets Pope Leo XIV – not as a stranger, but as one who, by the grace of God, walks among us still.
With a heart for the youth and an eye on their future, the Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM) of the Mavelikara Diocese is set to host a Mega Job Fair on Thursday, 9 May 2025, from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM at Pope Pius Higher Secondary School, Kattanam. Organised in collaboration with Don Bosco India, the initiative is aimed at bridging the gap between opportunity and aspiration for young job seekers.
The event anticipates the participation of more than 20 reputed companies, offering positions across various sectors. Opportunities span across BPOs, IT firms, sales, healthcare, and multiple other industries. Young candidates between the ages of 18 and 35, particularly those with qualifications in SSLC, Plus Two, ITI, Diploma, and Degree, are encouraged to attend and register.
Candidates may register by visiting www.donsboscojobs.org. The online portal offers a user-friendly registration process for interested applicants.
To promote the event and provide key details, a press conference was held on 6 May 2025 at the Mavelikara Press Club. Leading the announcement was Rev. Fr. John Ayanuvealil, Director of the MCYM Mavelikara Diocese, alongside President Roshen Varghese, General Secretary Jobin G. John, Secretaries Roshma Pappachen and Albin Sajan, Kattanam Ecclesiastical District Secretary Shibin Shibu, Treasurer Jesna Susan Sibi, Mavelikara District President Merina Varghese, and District Secretary Lint Rangel.
This initiative reflects the MCYM’s ongoing commitment to the empowerment of our youth, helping them discern their career paths with dignity and support.
For more information or assistance with registration, the organisers may be contacted at 7025165380 or 7558011010.
When a wooden frame is lifted upon its foundation and blessed with prayer, it is never merely a structural act—it is a gesture of faith. It is a paradox: a doorway in progress already opening toward the sacred. Such was the moment on Tuesday morning, 6 May 2025, at 10:00 AM, when His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mor Polycarpos, Auxiliary Bishop of the Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum, led the solemn service marking the installation of the entrance arch frame for the new church rising in the Kaithamukku region of the Kazhakkoottam Ecclesiastical District.
In the quiet of the morning, beneath the watchful sky of the capital’s outskirts, faithful hearts gathered for what appeared to be a simple ceremony. But for those who believe, there was more: a threshold was being raised not just for entry, but for encounter—a place where generations will step into grace.
Rev. Fr. Thomas Madakkamoottil, Parish Priest, along with several clergy, religious sisters, parishioners, and local faithful, stood in reverent attendance as the bishop invoked blessings over the structure. Each gesture, prayer, and sprinkle of water was rich with centuries of tradition, echoing the Church’s enduring commitment to the sanctification of space and time.
This new church, being built amidst a growing Malankara Catholic community in the region, testifies to a living faith that does not retreat with age but advances with prayer. A church begins not with walls but with a way in—where the people of God enter with hearts open to the Lord who dwells within.
May the work begun here bear fruit in holiness, hospitality, and communion. Let this arch remember every prayer whispered in silence and every heart lifted in praise. And may the church, once complete, be a place where burdens are lifted, sacraments poured forth, and love made visible.
Let us continue to support the construction in prayer and presence, that what was begun in blessing may be crowned in glory.
On the 4th of May 2025, the Syro Malankara Catholic faithful of Auckland joyfully gathered at St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Antony Mar Silvanos, Bishop of the Malankara Major Archiepiscopal Curia and Apostolic Visitator to Oceania.
The occasion marked a significant moment for the Syro Malankara community in Oceania, as they received their spiritual shepherd with profound respect and devotion. The welcoming ceremony was highlighted by the celebration of the Perunal Qurbana, a solemn and spiritually uplifting Divine Liturgy, followed by a traditional Rasa, bringing the faithful together in a joyful expression of unity and fellowship.
A particularly moving moment during the liturgy was the administration of the First Holy Communion to two young girls, who received the Eucharist from Bishop Antony Mar Silvanos himself. This sacred rite marked a milestone in their spiritual journey, and the bishop’s personal blessing added deep meaning and joy to this celebration.
Bishop Antony Mar Silvanos, renowned for his pastoral zeal and unwavering dedication to the faithful, addressed the congregation with words of encouragement and hope, inspiring the community to remain steadfast in their faith and continue their mission of living the Gospel in their daily lives.
The event was graced by clergy, religious, and numerous faithful who came together to express their gratitude and support for their Bishop’s ministry in this distant yet vibrant region of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church.
This welcoming ceremony not only celebrated the presence of Bishop Mar Silvanos but also reaffirmed the commitment of the Auckland Syro Malankara community to uphold the rich traditions and spiritual heritage of the Church while embracing their role as witnesses of Christ’s love across Oceania.
May this blessed occasion inspire renewed fervour and unity among the faithful as they journey together under the pastoral guidance of His Excellency Bishop Antony Mar Silvanos.
In a moment that bridges continents and unites hearts, Bethany Gedam Ethiopia has released a set of saintly biographies in Amharic, the principal language of Ethiopia, for the spiritual formation of children and youth. Among the five holy lives now made available is the inspiring story of Venerable Archbishop Geevarghese Mar Ivanios, the Servant of Unity and founder of the Bethany Congregations, now presented to African children in their own mother tongue.
The official release of these works was led by His Excellency Abune Lukas Fikre, Bishop of Emdeber, who expressed deep appreciation for this initiative, calling it “a valuable spiritual offering to the young Church in Ethiopia.” The books were authored and coordinated by Rev. Fr. Samuel Panachavila O.I.C., a missionary of the Bethany Ashram in Ethiopia, originally from Ambalathinkala in the Major Archieparchy of Mavelikara.
In addition to the life of Venerable Mar Ivanios, the collection includes the stories of St. John Mary Vianney, St. Damien of Molokai, St. Padre Pio, and Blessed Carlo Acutis—each chosen for their youthful relevance and enduring witness to holiness. The initiative reflects a profound desire to raise a generation of believers who are spiritually rooted, morally courageous, and joyfully faithful.
The project is not merely literary. It is pastoral. It emerges from five years of missionary presence by Fr. Samuel and his team in Ethiopia, where the Bethany Ashram has been engaged in parish ministry, education, healthcare, and social welfare. In a land where the Gospel has taken deep root through the heritage of Eastern Christianity, this latest offering is both a continuation and a renewal.
The Amharic language—belonging to the Semitic family, written in the ancient Ge’ez script—is a sacred vessel of Ethiopian culture and thought. By translating the life of Mar Ivanios into this language, the mission pays tribute to a vision long championed by the Venerable Servant of Unity himself: “The Gospel must be proclaimed in the language of the land and lived in the culture of the people.”
This initiative is not only a catechetical tool but an expression of ecclesial communion. The Bethany fathers who labour in Ethiopia see it as an act of fidelity to the founding vision of their Congregation. For more than seventeen years, Bethany missionaries have served in multiple dioceses across Ethiopia, witnessing through parish care, education, healthcare, and upliftment of the poor.
Special thanks were extended to Abraham Yousef, Aba Fasil, Solomon Asrat, Solomon Takele, Ato Felege, Sr. Marta, and the Goro Fathers for their invaluable assistance in bringing this vision to life.
As Fr. Samuel noted with quiet joy, “To see children of another land read and love the life of Mar Ivanios is to see the Bethany spirit walk on new soil.”
With this offering, the life of Venerable Mar Ivanios—first Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, pioneer of reunion, and founder of Bethany—reaches a new generation in Africa. His vision of unity, his fidelity to the apostolic tradition, and his heart for mission are now alive in Amharic.
May these stories sow seeds of holiness in young Ethiopian hearts, and may the words of Mar Ivanios, now in their own tongue, become the beginning of many quiet vocations.
A special word of thanks is due to Rev. Fr. Dominic Moozhikkara O.I.C., whose contribution of key source material helped enrich the accuracy and depth of this publication.
In a deeply moving expression of communion, the heads and representatives of the Eastern Catholic Churches, along with their faithful, gathered in prayerful solidarity to offer the Holy Qurbono at St. Peter’s Basilica for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis. The Eucharistic celebration, held under the auspices of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, formed part of the 7th Novemdiales Mass, a series of liturgies commemorating the Holy Father’s passing.
His Eminence Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect Emeritus of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, served as the chief celebrant. In his homily, he reflected on the Paschal mystery and the unique spiritual contributions of the Eastern Churches, calling their witness a “gift to the universality of the Church.”
From India, the presence of the Eastern Catholic Church leaders was both prominent and prayerful. His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, and His Eminence Cardinal Mar George Alencherry, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, were among those in attendance, alongside His Eminence Cardinal Mar George Koovakattu.
Their presence stood as a testimony to the rich apostolic traditions of India’s Eastern Churches, rooted in the mission of St. Thomas the Apostle. The Malayalam offertory hymn, rendered during the liturgy, added a touch of spiritual and cultural depth, bringing the voice of Kerala’s faithful to the heart of the universal Church.
In his address, Cardinal Gugerotti noted with gratitude the participation of bishops, priests, consecrated persons, and lay faithful from the Eastern Churches, whose presence “enriches the Church’s universality.” He acknowledged past misunderstandings between the East and the West, and spoke of the importance of continuing on the path of mutual respect and shared mission. “Pope Francis,” he said, “who taught us to love the diversity and richness of human expression, surely rejoices today to see us united in prayer for him and with him.”
Drawing attention to the plight of many Eastern Christians, especially those displaced from their ancient homelands, Cardinal Gugerotti invited the Church to stand with them—not merely through humanitarian aid, but through the spiritual solidarity of being one Body in Christ.
Concluding his homily, he urged the cardinals preparing for the upcoming conclave to turn to the words of St. Symeon the New Theologian as their prayer of discernment:
“Come, true light; come, eternal life; come, hidden mystery; come, nameless treasure; come, ineffable reality; come, inconceivable person; come, endless joy; come, light without evening; come, unfailing hope of all who are to be saved. Come, you who have always desired and desire my miserable soul…”
The liturgy was not merely a farewell to a Pope—it was a witness to the spiritual unity of the East and West, joined not in uniformity but in fidelity to the same Lord. From Kerala to Kyiv, from Antioch to Addis Ababa, the Church prayed as one Bride, awaiting her Bridegroom.
