Fourth Batch of Hudootho Training Concluded

The fourth batch of Hudootho, an ongoing priestly formation program for priests of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, was held from November 6 to 10, 2023, at the Catholicate Centre in Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram, the headquarters of the church.

The batch was inaugurated by the chairman of the Clergy Commission, His Grace Geevarghese Mar Makarios Metropolitan, and a message was delivered by the coordinator of the Formation Committee, His Grace Antony Mar Silvanos.

On November 8, the head and father of the church, Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, celebrated the Holy Eucharist at the tomb chapel and addressed the priests.

The classes were led by Fr. Dr. Mathew Kadavil OIC, Fr. Dr. Joshy Mayyattil, Fr. Dr. Isaac Parappally, Fr. Dr. Jenson S.D.B., Fr. Dr. Mathew Illathuparambil, Fr. Dr. Jolly Karimbil, Fr. Dr. George Thomas, and Dr. Joe Abraham.

The arrangements were led by Fr. Thomas Mattukamuttu and Fr. Thomas Mukkulampuram.

Key Points:

  • The fourth batch of Hudootho, an ongoing priestly formation program for priests of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, was held from November 6 to 10, 2023, at the Catholicate Centre in Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram, the headquarters of the church.
  • The batch was inaugurated by the chairman of the Clergy Commission, His Grace Geevarghese Mar Makarios Metropolitan, and a message was delivered by the coordinator of the Formation Committee, His Grace Antony Mar Silvanos.
  • On November 8, the head and father of the church, Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, celebrated the Holy Eucharist at the tomb chapel and addressed the priests.
  • The classes were led by Fr. Dr. Mathew Kadavil OIC, Fr. Dr. Joshy Mayyattil, Fr. Dr. Isaac Parappally, Fr. Dr. Jenson S.D.B., Fr. Dr. Mathew Illathuparambil, Fr. Dr. Jolly Karimbil, Fr. Dr. George Thomas, and Dr. Joe Abraham.
  • The arrangements were led by Fr. Thomas Mattukamuttu and Fr. Thomas Mukkulampuram.

The Hudootho program is designed to provide priests with ongoing formation in areas such as spirituality, theology, pastoral care, and social justice. The program is open to priests from all dioceses of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church.

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Sister Mary Faustine D.M. passes away (87)

Sister Mary Faustine D.M, a member of the Daughters of Mary congregation in the St. Mary’s Province, Thiruvananthapuram, passed away on November 7, 2023, at the age of 87.

The fifth funeral service, held on November 8, 2023, at the Provincial House in Pongumoodu, Thiruvananthapuram, was led by Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the head and father of the Church. Following this, the venerable Joshua Mar Ignathios officiated the funeral services.

UK National MCYM Youth Camp

The UK National MCYM organized a youth camp from November 3 to 5, 2023, at the Savio House in Macclesfield, to promote the spiritual and physical well-being of young people. The camp was inaugurated by MCYM Director Rev. Fr. Jiby Mathew.

On the following days, theme study seminars, worship, and annual work discussions were held. In addition, a cultural evening was held, featuring performances by young people from various missions. The camp concluded with a Holy Mass on November 5.

The arrangements for the camp were led by UK Church Coordinator Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Thattil, Director Rev. Fr. Jiby Mathew, Rev. Fr. Louis Charuvila Puthenveedu, animator Joby Jose, National President Denzil, and other national leaders.

First Phase of the Global Catholic Bishops’ Synod Concludes

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The first phase of the Global Catholic Bishops’ Synod concluded on October 29, 2023, at the Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican City, with a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis, the head and father of the global Catholic Church, and concelebrated by cardinals, bishops, and priests.

The Syro Malankara Catholic Church was represented at the synod by its head and father, Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos. The synod, which has adopted the reflection theme “Synodality for the Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission,” will hold its second and final phase in October 2024.

The first phase of the synod was a time of listening and discernment for the bishops from around the world. They met in small groups to discuss the reflection theme and to share their experiences and insights. The bishops also heard from a variety of people, including laypeople, religious, and young people.

The bishops will use the information and insights they gathered during the first phase to draft a document for the second phase of the synod. This document will be a synthesis of the bishops’ reflections and recommendations.

The second and final phase of the synod will be a time of prayer and reflection for the bishops. They will also meet in small groups to discuss the document that was drafted during the first phase. The bishops will then vote on the document and submit it to Pope Francis for his approval.

The synod is a significant event in the life of the global Catholic Church. It is an opportunity for the bishops to listen to the voices of the people of God and to discern how the church can be more synodal, or more inclusive and participatory.

 Sister Gilda D.M. passed away (82)

Sister Gilda D.M., of the Daughters of Mary Congregation, Martandom St. Joseph’s Province, passed away on October 27, 2023. She was 82 years old. She served as a missionary in places like Kirathoor, Vimalapuram, Chitharal, Kannakode, and as a teacher and principal in places like Kirathoor, Nattalam, Thanipadi, Kodumkulam, Chitharal, Suriyakode. The funeral service was held on October 27, 2023 at the Martandom Provincial House under the leadership of His Grace Vincent Mar Paulos, the Metropolitan of the Badrasana Diocese.

Sister Jane Thomas D.M Passed Away at 62

Sister Jane Thomas D.M, a member of the Daughters of Mary religious community in the Christ the King Province, Kapurthala, passed away on October 27, 2023, at the age of 62.

Angel, from Dubai Malankara Catholic Church sets India Book of Records for identifying maximum marine creatures

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A young girl from Dubai has made her mark in the India Book of Records by identifying the maximum number of marine creatures in a short time.

Angel C J, a Grade-4 Catechism student of St. George PG, International City, identified and recalled the names of 120 marine creatures in 3 minutes and 27 seconds by viewing their pictures. She achieved this feat at the age of 11 years, 2 months and 16 days, as confirmed on October 14, 2023.

Angel, who was born in July 2012 at Pathanamthitta, Kerala, has a keen interest in marine life and loves to learn about different species of fish and other aquatic animals. She has been practicing for the record attempt for several months with the help of her parents, Jophy Thomas and Jinu Susan Mathew.

The India Book of Records is a platform that celebrates and records the achievements of people, places, and things that are unique, innovative, or inspiring. It is one of the leading record books in the country and has a team of experts who verify and certify the records.

The Syro Malankara Catholic Church is one of the 23 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches in the Catholic communion. The Church is headed by Major Archbishop Cardinal Baselios Cleemis of the Major Archeparchy of Trivandrum in Kerala, India.

The Syro Malankara Catholic Church Dubai is a community of faithful belonging to the Syro Malankara Catholic Church. The community has been active in Dubai since 1978 and has been conducting regular liturgical services and spiritual activities under the guidance of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia. The community has over 3,000 members and is served by four priests and two sisters.

The community congratulated Angel on her achievement and prays for her success in future endeavors. They also expressed their gratitude to God for blessing her with such a talent and passion.

Sister Cicily Joseph D.M. passed away (72)

Sister Cecily Joseph D.M., a member of the Amala Province of the Daughters of Mary Congregation, passed away. She was 72 years old. The funeral service will be held on October 21, 2023 at the Wardha Provincial House under the leadership of His Grace Ephrem Narikulam, the Bishop of Chanda.

29th Anniversary of the Passing of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios Celebrated

The 29th anniversary of the passing of the second Metropolitan Archbishop of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, Benedict Mar Gregorios, was celebrated in a befitting manner on October 10, 2023.

On October 9, Monday, at 4:30 p.m., a peace march was organized by the MCA from the St. Ivanios Chapel in Nalanchira to the St. Mary’s Major Archiepiscopal Cathedral in Pattom. This was followed by an evening prayer and incense offering at the tomb.

On the anniversary day, October 10, at 6:20 a.m., morning prayers, Holy Eucharist, and incense offering at the tomb were held. His Grace Joshua Mar Ignatius Metropolitan presided over the Holy Eucharist. His Grace Joseph Mar Thomas Metropolitan delivered the memorial message. His Grace Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom Metropolitan, His Grace Samuel Mar Irenios Metropolitan, His Grace Mathew Mar Polycarpos Bishop, and other respected priests concelebrated. Respected sisters, seminarians, and laypeople were present.

In his memorial message, His Grace Joseph Mar Thomas Metropolitan spoke about the life and legacy of Benedict Mar Gregorios. He said that Mar Gregorios was a visionary leader who guided the Syro Malankara Catholic Church through a period of great change and transition. He was also a gifted theologian and writer who made significant contributions to the life of the church.

The anniversary celebration was a time to remember and honor the legacy of Benedict Mar Gregorios. He is remembered as a great leader, theologian, and writer who made a lasting impact on the Syro Malankara Catholic Church.

Syro-Malankara Catholic Community in Cork and Ross Celebrates Significant Milestones

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CORK, IRELAND – On Sunday, 8th October 2023, the Syro-Malankara Catholic Community of the Diocese of Cork and Ross gathered in joyful celebration at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne. The event was graced by His Lordship Bishop Fintan Gavin, who joined the faithful to commemorate several significant milestones in the life of the community.

Marking the Re-Union Anniversary

The day carried profound historical and spiritual significance as the community observed the 93rd Anniversary of the Re-Union of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church with the Catholic Church. This anniversary recalls the courageous step taken on 20th September 1930, under the visionary leadership of Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios, to bring the Malankara Church into full communion with the Holy See. The anniversary celebration was a moment of deep gratitude and reflection, connecting the community in Cork with the larger Syro-Malankara Catholic tradition.

Pastoral Visit and New Beginnings

Bishop Fintan’s pastoral visit also included the inauguration of Sunday School Faith Formation classes, a crucial step in nurturing the next generation in faith and the Syro-Malankara Catholic traditions. The occasion was further blessed by the celebration of the Sacrament of First Holy Communion, with a number of children receiving the Eucharist for the first time. The sight of these young communicants, full of joy and innocence, was a poignant reminder of the importance of faith in family and community life.

Community Gathering and Celebrations

The event witnessed an overwhelming turnout of faithful, underscoring the vibrancy and unity of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Community in Cork and Ross. The celebrations were made even more special by the participation of Fr. John O’Donovan (Co-PP), Fr. Sean Crowley (CC), Fr. Cherian Thazamon, Fr. Shinu Varghese (CC), and Fr. Paul Thettayil IC, whose pastoral guidance enriches the life of the community.

The celebrations concluded with Bishop Fintan cutting a celebratory cake alongside the First Holy Communion children, symbolising the shared joy and collective faith of the community.

A Thriving Community of Faith

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Community in Cork gathers every Sunday afternoon at 2:30 pm for worship and fellowship. Events such as this highlight the strong bonds between the community and the universal Church, fostering a sense of unity and belonging that transcends geographical boundaries.

As the community continues to grow in Cork and Ross, they remain a testament to the enduring spirit of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, rooted in the faith and vision of its founders while flourishing in new lands. The Diocese of Cork and Ross, under the leadership of Bishop Fintan, continues to extend its support and encouragement, ensuring that this vibrant community remains a beacon of faith and unity.