Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchial Clergy Retreat 2023

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Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchial Clergy Retreat 2023

Amidst the serene environs of the Don Bosco Retreat Centre in Stony Point, New York, a profound and spiritually enriching experience unfolded as the dedicated clergy of St. Mary Queen of Peace Eparchy came together for a transformative retreat. Guided by the esteemed Dr. Ralph C. Martin, this retreat aimed to reinvigorate the clergy’s spiritual journey and cultivate a deeper connection with their faith and vocation.

From Sunday, July 23 to Wednesday, July 26, 2023, clergy members from various parishes across the Eparchy gathered to partake in this four-day retreat.

Dr. Ralph C. Martin, renowned for his profound insights into Catholic theology and spirituality, emerged as an exceptional spiritual guide for the clergy. His extensive experience in leading retreats and nurturing spiritual growth allowed him to skillfully intertwine scriptural wisdom, theological teachings, and personal anecdotes, leaving the attendees inspired and empowered.

Throughout the retreat, participants engaged in a diverse range of activities meticulously designed to foster spiritual reflection, communal prayer, and personal growth. Daily Mass, liturgical prayer, and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament formed the spiritual nucleus of the retreat, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to deepen their relationship with God.

Beyond the spiritual realm, the clergy were afforded moments of individual and group reflection. These sessions encouraged open sharing of personal experiences and ministerial challenges, creating a supportive atmosphere that not only strengthened their professional bonds but also nurtured enduring friendships. The retreat thus served to forge a profound sense of unity among all those present.

The St. Mary Queen of Peace Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy in the USA and Canada extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ralph C. Martin for his invaluable contribution. His guidance has played an instrumental role in leading the clergy towards a deeper understanding of their vocation and instilling a renewed sense of enthusiasm for their pastoral responsibilities.

11th Syro-Malankara Catholic Family Convention of North America: Rooted in Christ and Sacred Traditions

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11th Syro-Malankara Catholic Family Convention of North America: Rooted in Christ and Sacred Traditions

The Hilton Parsippany in New Jersey transformed into a hub of spiritual rejuvenation and communal joy as the Syro-Malankara Catholic community of North America gathered for its 11th Family Convention. Spanning from July 20th to 23rd, 2023, this triennial event embraced the central theme of “Rooted In Christ, and Sacred Traditions,” captivating hearts and fostering a deep sense of unity among attendees.

The convention witnessed an impressive turnout, with families converging from various corners of North America to partake in this momentous occasion. The event provided an opportunity for families to fortify their bonds, enrich their faith, and commemorate the illustrious heritage of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. The Eparchy felt blessed to have the esteemed presence of His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, His Excellency Thomas Mor Eusebius, the Eparch of Parassala, His Excellency Matthews Mor Polycarpos, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Major Archeparchy of Trivandrum, and His Excellency Antony Mor Silvanos, Bishop of the Major Archepiscopal Curia, for the duration of the Convention. Additionally, the Eparchy was privileged to welcome Most Reverend Kurt Burnette, the Bishop of the Eparchy of Passaic.

The convention offered numerous spiritual sessions and workshops tailored to different age groups and interests. From engaging youth programs addressing contemporary challenges to sessions for the elderly focusing on preserving cultural heritage, every participant found avenues to enrich their spiritual lives.

The liturgical celebrations held at the convention were its heart and soul. Daily Holy Mass, liturgical processions, and prayer services transpired with profound devotion and grandeur. These Eucharistic celebrations reinforced the essence of the Syro-Malankara tradition, underscoring the importance of sacraments and the Holy Qurbana.

In a vibrant showcase of the Syro-Malankara heritage, cultural performances illuminated the event, featuring traditional music, dance, and art. Attendees were entranced by the richness of their cultural roots, which unified their diverse community.

Perhaps the most cherished aspect of the convention was the bond and fellowship among families. Informal gatherings, shared meals, and storytelling sessions allowed families to connect and create enduring memories, strengthening the fabric of their familial ties.

The 11th Syro-Malankara Catholic Family Convention of North America, themed “Rooted In Christ, and Sacred Traditions,” emerged as a resounding success. It reaffirmed the significance of cherishing one’s faith while emphasizing the preservation of sacred traditions in an ever-changing world.

As the convention concluded, hearts overflowed with gratitude, minds teemed with wisdom, and souls basked in the love of Christ. Attendees left the Hilton Parsippany with a renewed commitment to embody their faith, nurture their sacred traditions, and fortify the spirit of familial unity, eagerly anticipating the next convention.

Malankara Catholic Church Honours Bishop Mar Joy Alappat of the Chicago St. Thomas Syro Malabar Diocese

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Malankara Catholic Church Honours Bishop Mar Joy Alappat of the Chicago St. Thomas Syro Malabar Diocese

Houston, USA – The Malankara Catholic Church paid tribute to Bishop Mar Joy Alappat of the Chicago St. Thomas Syro Malabar Diocese during the 11th Malankara Catholic Convention held in Houston. This recognition highlighted the longstanding bonds between the Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara Catholic Churches, both of which trace their heritage back to St. Thomas the Apostle.

Acknowledging Syro-Malabar’s Global Mission

During the event, His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, celebrated the Syro-Malabar Church’s global presence and its mission activities, referring to it as a shining example of evangelisation among the Eastern Catholic Churches. “Bishop Mar Joy Alappat embodies the rich heritage of the Syro-Malabar Church and its expansive mission, which inspires communities worldwide,” His Beatitude remarked.

He further extended blessings to the Syro-Malabar community, praying for its continued growth and spiritual enrichment under Bishop Mar Joy Alappat’s leadership.

A Shared Heritage and Vision

Bishop Mar Joy Alappat, in his response, expressed deep gratitude for being part of the convention and shared his reflections on the unity between the two Churches. “The Syro-Malankara and Syro-Malabar Churches are not just sibling Churches but part of a shared faith legacy received from St. Thomas. Despite geographical distances, our faith binds us together,” he said.

The Bishop also reflected on the life and legacy of the late Oommen Chandy, describing it as an open book of the Gospel in action. “Our duty is to raise leaders like him, who embody the principles of faith and service,” he added.

A Testament to Growth and Collaboration

The convention served as a platform for fostering relationships between the faithful of both Churches in the diaspora. Bishop Mar Joy Alappat commended the growth of the Malankara Catholic Church in North America, describing it as “remarkable and a testament to the commitment of its members to pass on their faith to the next generation.”

Highlighting the spiritual leadership of His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Bishop Alappat observed, “The guidance of Mar Cleemis is a blessing not just for the Malankara Church but for the entire Indian and global Church.”

The convention reiterated the shared responsibility of the Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara Churches to preserve and nurture the faith among the diaspora communities. As Bishop Mar Joy Alappat aptly stated, “Wherever we may be in the world, our mission is to raise future generations rooted in faith and tradition.”

The event concluded with a spirit of gratitude and unity, underscoring the enduring bonds between these sister Churches and their shared mission to evangelise and serve.

Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos receives C. Keshavan Award

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Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos receives C. Keshavan Award

His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the head and father of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, the head of the Major Archiepiscopal Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram, and the president of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Conference, has been awarded the C. Keshavan Award for 2023.

The award is given in memory of C. Keshavan, the former chief minister of Travancore-Cochin, social reformer, and general secretary of the S.N.D.P. Yogam.

The award committee, chaired by Dr. V.K. Jayakumar and comprising Shaji Madhavan and P.S. Amalraj as members, selected Cardinal Cleemis for his comprehensive services to promote religious harmony, charitable works, and upliftment of the poor.

The award, which includes a cash prize of ₹25,001, a statue, and a citation, will be presented to Cardinal Cleemis at a ceremony in Thiruvananthapuram in the second week of August, the C. Keshavan Memorial Committee said.

Two new corepiscopos for Muvattupuzha Diocese

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Two new corepiscopos for Muvattupuzha Diocese

The Very Rev. Thomas Njarakkatt and the Very Rev. Kurien Aramapallikudi, the vicar general and the chancellor of the Muvattupuzha Diocese, respectively, were appointed as corepiscopos on July 19, 2023. The announcement was made by the diocesan bishop, His Grace Yohannan Mar Theophilus Metropolitan, in the presence of His Grace Abraham Mar Yulios Metropolitan, the metropolitan of the Idukki Diocese, at the Muvattupuzha Aramana Chapel.

The appointment was received with great joy by the clergy, religious, and lay faithful of the Muvattupuzha Diocese. The installation ceremony of the newly appointed auxiliary bishops will be held on August 12, 2023, at the Muvattupuzha diocesan church.

Kerala Loses Its Beloved Leader; Cardinal Cleemis Baava

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Kerala Loses Its Beloved Leader; Cardinal Cleemis Baava

Thiruvananthapuram: The death of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has robbed Kerala of its most popular leader. Even when he was ill, what bothered him more than his own physical troubles was the tears and troubles of the common man.

His public life as a legislator for over five decades was exemplary. Oommen Chandy was the one who gave the realization to the public representatives in Kerala that every moment of their lives belongs to the people. His house, office, or heart was not closed to the needs of the common man. He was a public representative who was always available to people at any time.

The public contact programs he organized across Kerala as the Chief Minister of Kerala solved the problems of millions of ordinary people. Oommen Chandy was an excellent example of secularism that united Kerala beyond caste, religion, and politics. Kerala will always remember the boost he gave to the development of the state.

Personally, the church is also indebted to him for the loving approach he maintained with me and the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church. Especially, his support and encouragement in the fields of education and healthcare of the church will always be remembered. I visited him and prayed when he was undergoing treatment in Bangalore. Since I have arrived in America to attend the Malankara Catholic Convention, I am unable to attend the funeral services. Once again, I grieve, pray, and express my condolences to the people of Kerala and his family on the death of Oommen Chandy.

  • Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis Catholicos

His Grace Antony Mar Silvanos appointed Apostolic Visitor to Oceania

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His Grace Antony Mar Silvanos appointed Apostolic Visitor to Oceania

His Grace Antony Mar Silvanos, the curia bishop of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, has been appointed Apostolic Visitor to Oceania by Pope Francis. Oceania includes the countries of New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore.

Mar Silvanos is currently serving as the curia bishop of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church and the chairman of the Synodal Commission for the Mission of the church.

The announcement of the appointment was made by His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the head and father of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, at a special ceremony on July 15, 2023, in connection with the 70th commemoration of the death of Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios.

The appointment of Mar Silvanos as Apostolic Visitor to Oceania is a significant event for the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church. It is a sign of the church’s commitment to the growth and development of the Catholic Church in Oceania.

Malankara Syrian Catholic Church launches its Official New Website

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Malankara Syrian Catholic Church launches its Official New Website

The Malankara Syrian Catholic Church launched its new website on July 15, 2023, at the Pattom Catholicate Center in Thiruvananthapuram. The new website was designed to incorporate contemporary changes to the existing website.

The launch ceremony was presided over by His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the head and father of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church. His Grace Antony Mar Silvanos, the curia bishop of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, and Fr. Thomas Mattukamuttil, the curia finance officer, were also present.

The church’s official website is now available at the domain www.malankaracatholicchurch.in.

43rd Pilgrimage Walk Commemorating Servant of God Mar Ivanios

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43rd Pilgrimage Walk Commemorating Servant of God Mar Ivanios

The 43rd pilgrimage walk, commemorating the 70th death anniversary of the servant of God, Archbishop Geevarghese Mar Ivanios, commenced from Ranni Perunad, Pathanamthitta. The walk started on July 10th, with a Holy Qurbana at 6:30 AM led by Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos. The bishops – the venerable Samuel Mar Irenios, Thomas Mar Antonios, Geevarghese Mar Makarios, Mathews Mar Policarpos, Antony Mar Silvanos, and Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom – along with priests, served as co-celebrants.

Subsequently, the venerable Catholicos blessed the vallikkurishu (cross) for the pilgrimage walk and officially inaugurated the event. The cross was received by Ajosh M Thomas, President of the Pathanamthitta Diocese, along with Angel Mary, the Diocesan President of the Catholic Youth, and Bibin Abraham, the General Secretary of the MCYM.

Prayer Gathering for Peace in Manipur Organized by KCBC

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Prayer Gathering for Peace in Manipur Organized by KCBC

The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) orchestrated a poignant candlelit procession and prayer meeting in a fervent plea for peace in Manipur.

Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, the president of KCBC, led the procession and presided over the prayer gathering, which took place at the Marian pilgrim center in Vallarpadam.

In his message, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis emphasized the importance of preventing violence stemming from religious beliefs, underscoring the need for tolerance and harmony among communities.

The event also served as a poignant display of solidarity with the families who had tragically lost loved ones, homes, and property due to the violence in Manipur. Many residents were forced to flee violence-stricken areas, adding to the urgency of the call for peace.

The procession and prayer meeting were attended not only by bishops and priests but also by laypeople and representatives of various religious orders. KCBC extended a warm invitation to all individuals who supported the cause of peace and unity within the nation to join this significant program.

This event was organized on the second day of the monsoon session of the bishops’ council in Kochi, with the session concluding on Thursday. The initial session of the KCBC meeting saw the bishops engaging with leaders from religious congregations, fostering dialogue and collaboration within the faith community.

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