Emeritus Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo (84) Passes away

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Emeritus Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo (84) Passes away

Former president of the Ranchi Archdiocese in Jharkhand, Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo, passed away on October 4, 2023. He died of natural causes. He was 84 years old. He died at the Constant Lievens Hospital & Research Center in Ranchi, said Theodore Mascarenhas, the auxiliary bishop of Ranchi. Cardinal Toppo was the first cardinal from the Northern Mission region and the first person from the tribal category in Asia to join the College of Cardinals.

Cardinal Toppo also participated in the conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI in 2005. He was elected president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India twice, in 2004 and 2006. He also served as president of the Latin Bishops’ Conference of India from 2001 to 2004 and from 2011 to 2013.

Divine Mercy Congress Held in Bathery Diocese as Part of Kerala Church Renewal

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Divine Mercy Congress Held in Bathery Diocese as Part of Kerala Church Renewal

A Divine Mercy Congress was held on October 2, 2023, at the St. Thomas parish church in Bathery diocese, as part of the Kerala Church Renewal. The congress began with a rosary and was followed by classes and worship.

The Holy Eucharist was celebrated under the chairmanship of His Grace Joseph Mar Thomas Metropolitan, the bishop of Bathery diocese, and concelebration by His Grace Samuel Mar Irenios Metropolitan, the bishop of Pathanamthitta diocese, and other respected priests of the diocese.

In his homily, His Grace Samuel Mar Irenios Metropolitan spoke on the theme “The Holy Eucharist and the Christian Life.” He said that the church is centered on the Divine Mercy, and that every Christian must strive to be sanctified through it.

The congress was organized by the diocese’s vicar general, Msgr. Sebastian Keypullil Coorepiscopa, Msgr. Jacob Olikkal, Chancellor Fr. Sebastian Itayat, Fr. Wilson Kochuplakkal, Fr. Thomas Christumandiram, Fr. Benny Panchirapparambil, Fr. Thomas Kanniramkulam, and Pastoral Council Secretary Shri. Philip Nainan.

Sisters from various religious congregations in the diocese, representatives from 10 areas and 105 parishes, members of the Pastoral Council, and other laypeople were present.

The congress was a significant event that provided an opportunity for Catholics in the Bathery diocese to learn more about the church’s Divine Mercy devotion and to commit themselves to living a more holy life.

93rd Reunion and Assembly of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church concluded

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93rd Reunion and Assembly of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church concluded

The 93rd Reunion and Assembly of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church was held on September 20 and 21, 2023, at the Muvattupuzha Diocese.

On Wednesday, September 20, the consecration of the priestly residence took place at 3:00 pm, followed by the procession and reception of the reunion banner at 5:30 pm and the gospel evening at 6:00 pm.

On Thursday, September 21, the Holy Mass was celebrated at 8:00 am under the leadership of His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the head and father of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, and in the co-celebration of the other bishops and priests. His Beatitude Cardinal Cleemis delivered the reunion message, and the bishop of the Kozhikode Archdiocese, His Grace Varghese Chakkalakal, delivered the word of God.

The assembly of the various organizations of the church was inaugurated at 1:00 pm by the bishop of the Kottayam Archdiocese, His Grace George Mattathikadanthil. The prayer service of the evangelization team of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church was held at 3:00 pm.

The reunion and assembly concluded with the final blessing at 3:45 pm. At the closing ceremony, His Beatitude Cardinal Cleemis announced that the 94th Reunion and Assembly would be held in the following year under the auspices of the Parassala Diocese. He presented the Catholic flag to the bishop of the Parassala Diocese, His Grace Thomas Mar Eusebius Metropolitan.

Cardinal Cleemis receives newly appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Kazakhstan

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Cardinal Cleemis receives newly appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Kazakhstan

The newly appointed apostolic nuncio to Kazakhstan, His Grace George Panamthundil, was received by His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the head and father of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, at the St. Mary’s Major Archepiscopal Cathedral in Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram, on September 16, 2023.

The reception was followed by a Holy Mass celebrated by His Grace George Panamthundil, in the co-celebration of the other bishops and priests. The Apostolic Nuncio to India, His Grace Leopoldo Girelli, also attended the ceremonies and offered his congratulations.

Clergy and laity from the church also attended the ceremonies.

Walking in Christ’s Footsteps: UAE Malankara Catholics Make First Holy Land Pilgrimage

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Walking in Christ’s Footsteps: UAE Malankara Catholics Make First Holy Land Pilgrimage

Under the guidance of the UAE Malankara Catholic Council, a diverse group of devout Christians from across the UAE communities embarked on a life-changing pilgrimage to the Holy Land from September 10th to 16th, 2023. Led by UAE Priest Rev. Fr. Mathews Alummoottil, this historic journey marked the first-ever Holy Land pilgrimage organized by the Central Committee. With hearts full of reverence and anticipation, the pilgrims walked in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, visiting sacred sites like Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Nazareth. From attending Mass at the Holy Sepulchre to witnessing the sunrise over the Sea of Galilee, each step resonated with spiritual significance and deepened their faith. This transformative experience brought together people of different backgrounds, united by their common love for God and their shared heritage.

Mar Ivanios Law College inaugurated

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Mar Ivanios Law College inaugurated

The Mar Ivanios Law College in Chengannur, in the Mavelikkara Diocese, was inaugurated on September 14, 2023. The college was inaugurated by His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the head and father of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. The ceremony was presided over by His Grace Joshua Mar Ignatius Metropolitan, the bishop of the Mavelikkara Diocese.

Shri. Kodikunnil Suresh, MP, extended greetings and spoke at the ceremony.

Admissions have begun for the BA LLB and B. Com LLB courses.

Archbishop Dr. George Panamthundil Elevated as Apostolic Nuncio to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan

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Archbishop Dr. George Panamthundil Elevated as Apostolic Nuncio to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan

His Holiness Pope Francis has bestowed the significant responsibility of Apostolic Nuncio for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan upon Msgr. Dr. George Panamthundil from the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum in the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. This appointment, dated 16 June 2023, also marks his elevation to the esteemed position of Archbishop of the titular see of Floriana. Notably, he is the first priest from the Syro Malankara Catholic Church to assume the role of Nuncio.

The ordination ceremony took place on 19 August 2023 at St. Mary’s Major Archieparchial Cathedral, Pattom, Trivandrum, where His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, ordained him Remban. The formal consecration to Archbishop was conducted by His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State (Holy See), on 9 September 2023 in Rome, with His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis as the co-consecrator. Born on 20 May 1972 to Dr. P.V. George and Marykutty George in Trivandrum, Kerala, Archbishop Panamthundil was ordained a priest on 18th February 1998 for the Archdiocese of Trivandrum.

His journey in the diplomatic service of the Holy See commenced in 2005, marked by roles at various Apostolic Nunciatures across the globe. Notably, he holds a Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Oriental Institute, Rome, and pursued studies at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy (Rome).

Key Points:

  • Diplomatic Service: Archbishop Panamthundil entered the Diplomatic Service of the Holy See in 2005.
  • Language Proficiency: Fluent in French, English, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Malayalam.
  • Historical Appointment: He is the first Indian appointed as the Apostolic Nuncio to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

In a region where the Catholic Church is a minority, facing challenges like religious restrictions, clergy shortages, and social discrimination, Archbishop Panamthundil’s appointment holds special significance. According to the 2021 census, Kazakhstan has about 125,000 Catholics, Kyrgyzstan 500, and Tajikistan 300. Most are descendants of Europeans exiled to Central Asia during the Soviet regime or recent immigrants.

Insight into the Region:

  • Kazakhstan: 125,000 Catholics (less than 1% of the population)
  • Kyrgyzstan: 500 Catholics (0.01% of the population)
  • Tajikistan: 300 Catholics (0.004% of the population)

The newly formed regional bishops’ conference for Central Asia, covering Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, aims to foster unity and growth among Catholic communities. Archbishop Tomash Peta, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Astana, Kazakhstan, leads the conference, which is also a member of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), promoting solidarity and evangelization among Asian churches.

This appointment is a testament to the Holy See’s commitment to strengthening the presence of the Catholic Church in regions where it is a minority, fostering unity, and addressing unique challenges.

Sister Patrice D.M. passed away

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Sister Patrice D.M. passed away

Sister Patrice D.M., a member of the St. Joseph’s Province of the Daughters of Mary Congregation in Martandam, passed away. She was 95 years old. She was the third daughter of the late Devassy and Mariakutty from the Nellimattam Idavaka in the Kothamangalam Rupatha. She served as a missionary, nurse, and superior in places like Panachamoodu, Pongumoodu, Thanipadi, Udayarkuppam, Anjal, Ilayankanni, Gudalloor, Trichy, Azhakiyamandapam, Erumamunda, Idayankulam, Martandam.

The funeral service was held on September 1, 2023 at the Mother House of the Daughters of Mary Congregation in Martandam under the leadership of His Grace Vincent Mar Paulos, the Metropolitan of the Martandam Diocese.

Meeting of the Ecumenism & Dialogue Commission held

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Meeting of the Ecumenism & Dialogue Commission held

The meeting of the Ecumenism & Dialogue Commission of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church was held on August 30, 2023, at the Shantiniketan in Thiruvalla. The meeting was inaugurated by His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the head and father of the church. The chairman of the commission, His Grace Joshua Mar Ignatius Metropolitan, presided over the meeting. The meeting reviewed in detail the potential for cooperation with other Christian churches.

Rev. Dr. Eldo Puthenkandathil Assumes Office as Corepiscopa

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Rev. Dr. Eldo Puthenkandathil Assumes Office as Corepiscopa

Rev. Dr. Eldo Puthenkandathil, the vicar general of the Puttur Diocese, was ordained as a corepiscopa on August 28, 2023, at the Puttur diocesan church. The ordination was presided over by Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the head and father of the Malankara Catholic Church.

His Grace Geevarghese Mar Makarios Metropolitan, the diocesan bishop of Puttur, and His Grace Joseph Mar Thomas Metropolitan, the diocesan bishop of Bathery, were the co-consecrators.

The ordination was attended by a large gathering of priests, nuns, and lay people.

In his homily, Cardinal Cleemis urged Rev. Dr. Puthenkandathil to be a faithful shepherd to the people of God. He also called on him to be a servant leader and to work for the unity of the church.

Rev. Dr. Puthenkandathil is the first corepiscopa from the Puttur Diocese. He is a graduate of the Pontifical Seminary of Kottayam and holds a doctorate in canon law from the Catholic University of America. He is also a member of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council.

His ordination as a corepiscopa is a significant event for the Puttur Diocese and the Malankara Catholic Church. It is a recognition of his leadership and his contributions to the church.

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