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
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.
40th death anniversary of Monsignor Joseph Kuzhinjalil commemorated
The 40th death anniversary of Monsignor Joseph Kuzhinjalil, the founder of the Sisters of Mary, was commemorated at the Marthandam Christuraj Cathedral on August 23, 2023.
On August 23, at 9:30 am, a Holy Mass was celebrated under the leadership of His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the head and father of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, in the presence of other bishops and priests. After the Holy Mass, a memorial service was held, followed by a prayer service at the tomb.
Sisters of Mary, representatives of other religious congregations, and lay people attended the event.
Born in Kuzhinjalil Mala near Tirurangadi in Malappuram district in 1932, Monsignor Kuzhinjalil was ordained a priest in 1957. He served as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kottayam from 1962 to 2012.
A gifted orator, Monsignor Kuzhinjalil authored numerous books and essays on faith and life. His sermons drew large crowds.
Fr. Joshua Thazhathethil (85) passes away
Fr. Joshua Thazhathethil, a priest of the Patna Archdiocese, passed away on August 12, 2023 due to a heart attack in the morning. He is on his way to his heavenly reward. His burial was held on August 13, Sunday at 2 pm at the Mother Church of Mylapra Sacred Heart Syro Malankara Catholic Church. The funeral services were led by the head and father of the Church, Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos. Samuel Mar Irenios, the Archbishop of Patna, and other priests of the Church were co-celebrants.
“Karthavyam” Launched
The “Karthavyam” rehabilitation program was launched by His Grace Archbishop Mar Gregorios at the Snehaveedu in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, August 13, 2023, after the Holy Mass. Eight residents of Snehaveedu were selected as beneficiaries of the program in the first phase.
Karthavyam is a new initiative of Snehaveedu in the field of mental health rehabilitation. It is a continuation of the Karmapatham program that has been going on in the field of rehabilitation. The unique feature of this program is that the residents of Snehaveedu who are recovering their mental health will be accommodated in satellite homes and made employees at various levels.
M.C.A. Bathery Diocese Half-Yearly Assembly Held
The first half-yearly assembly of the Malankara Catholic Association (M.C.A.) of the Bathery Diocese for the year 2023 was held on August 12, 2023, at St. George’s Church, Eengappuzha. The assembly was hosted by the Kozhikode region of the diocese.
His Grace Dr. Joseph Mar Thomas Metropolitan, the diocesan bishop of Bathery, inaugurated the assembly. Representatives from all the regions of the diocese attended the assembly and presented reports on their activities. The assembly was presided over by Mr. Roy Kayalat, the diocesan M.C.A. president.
The assembly also featured the presentation of prizes to the winners of the Mar Ivanios Essay Writing Competition, a felicitation ceremony for the clergy, and discussions on M.C.A. activities.
The arrangements for the assembly were led by Protopresbyter Fr. Thomas Mannithorottam, the diocesan M.C.A. advisor, and Mr. Sibi Manakkathoottam, the regional M.C.A. president.
Malankara Catholic Youth Movement Delegation Returns Inspired from WYD 2023
The Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM) North American delegation has returned, brimming with renewed enthusiasm and deep inspiration following their participation in World Youth Day (WYD) 2023. This remarkable pilgrimage unfolded in the picturesque city of Lisbon, Portugal, from August 1 to 6, uniting young Catholics from across the globe for a spiritually enriching and community-building experience.
Under the able guidance of Rev. Fr. Jerry Mathew and Rev. Fr. Babu Madathilparambil, the MCYMNA delegation comprised six dedicated and spirited young individuals: Anisha John, Samson Zachariah, Stacy Zachariah, Joel Abraham, Mariel Sajan, and Kripa Simon.
Additionally, Rev. Fr. Michael Edathil, Sr. Jocelyn Edathil, Binu Abraham, Matt and Linda Kuriakose, and Tania Joseph joined this enlightening journey. Their days were filled with engaging events, including Masses, prayer sessions, workshops, and thought-provoking discussions, all centered around this year’s profound theme, “Mary arose and went with haste» (Lk 1:39).”
The MCYM delegation actively participated in a diverse range of activities aimed at deepening their faith, fostering intercultural connections, and addressing contemporary issues faced by young Catholics. They engaged in insightful dialogues on subjects like social justice, environmental responsibility, and the pivotal role of youth in fulfilling the Church’s mission.
A highlight of this pilgrimage was the presence of His Holiness, Pope Francis, whose words of encouragement and hope resonated deeply with the attendees. The MCYM delegation was fortunate to be among the thousands who gathered to hear his message, emphasizing the significance of embracing one’s faith and taking an active role in shaping a more just and compassionate world.
Upon their return, the MCYM delegation expressed heartfelt gratitude for this unforgettable experience. They are determined to implement the valuable insights gained from WYD 2023 within their local communities. Unity, empathy, and a renewed commitment to their faith are the cornerstones of their mission as they endeavor to create a brighter future.
MCYM’s participation in WYD 2023 not only enriched the lives of the delegates but also reinvigorated the entire Eparchy with a renewed sense of purpose. These young ambassadors of faith and positive change are now prepared to inspire others with their profound experiences and newfound wisdom.
The Eparchy proudly commends the MCYM delegation for their active engagement in WYD 2023 and eagerly anticipates the undoubtedly positive impact they will make as they translate their experiences into action within the local context.
Cardinal Cleemis Baava Visits Oommen Chandy’s Grave
Cardinal Cleemis Baava, the head of the Malankara Catholic Church, visited the grave of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
The Cardinal offered prayers for Chandy’s soul and for the peace of his family. He also spoke about Chandy’s legacy as a public servant and a devout Catholic.
“Oommen Chandy was a man of the people,” the Cardinal said. “He was always there for those in need, and he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of all Keralites. He was also a strong supporter of the Catholic Church, and he will be remembered for his dedication to our faith.”
After visiting Oommen Chandy’s grave, the Cardinal traveled to the St. George Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in Puthuppalli, a major pilgrimage destination for Christians in Kerala. He led a special incense prayer service at the church.
The Cardinal’s visit to Chandy’s grave was a gesture of respect and remembrance for a man who was deeply respected by the people of Kerala.
Rev. Dr. Eldo Puthenkandathil Appointed as Corepiscopa
Rev. Dr. Eldo Puthenkandathil, the vicar general of the Puttur Diocese, has been appointed as Corepiscopa. The announcement was made by the diocesan bishop, His Grace Geevarghese Mar Makarios Metropolitan, at the Puttur diocesan office chapel on August 3, 2023.
Rev. Dr. Eldo Puthenkandathil was born in 1964 in Puttur. He was ordained a priest in 1990. He has served in various parishes and positions in the Puttur Diocese, including as vicar general, director of the diocesan youth ministry, and director of the diocesan social service ministry.
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 appointment as a core bishop 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.
A Heartfelt Farewell to Rev. Fr. Liju Thundiyil and a Warm Welcome to Rev. Fr. Vincent Punnathannam
Farewell to Rev. Fr. Liju Thundiyil:
For the past five (5) years, Rev. Fr. Liju Thundiyil has been an indispensable pillar of our Eparchy, serving as the Pastor of St. Mary’s Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Yonkers, New York, and as the Director of the Faith Formation (Catechism) program of our Eparchy. With immense gratitude, we bid farewell to Fr. Liju, whose selfless service and unwavering devotion have left an indelible mark on our community. As he embarks on new pastoral endeavors, we extend our heartfelt wishes for abundant blessings, resounding success, and boundless happiness in all his future undertakings.
Welcome to Rev. Fr. Vincent Punnathannam:
As we bid adieu to one beloved priest, we joyously welcome another into our Eparchy family. With open hearts and warm embraces, the Eparchy extends a heartfelt welcome to Rev. Fr. Vincent Punnathannam, hailing from the Eparchy of Puttur. Fr. Vincent has been appointed as the new Pastor of St. Mary’s Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Yonkers, New York. His arrival brings a sense of renewal and anticipation for the spiritual journey ahead, and we look forward to the blessings his ministry will bestow upon our community.
