Kuwait Vilavolsav 2016

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Kuwait Vilavolsav 2016

Harvest Festival of Syro-Malankara Catholic community in Kuwait “Vilavolsav-2016”, hosted by Kuwait Malankara Rite Movement (KMRM) was celebrated on Friday 15th April 2016 at Indian Central School, Abbasiya, Kuwait, from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm with all its spirit and joy.

Inauguration

KMRM President Mr. Sammon A.O inaugurated the day by hoisting the KMRM Flag and a prayer was led by Rev. Fr. Binoy KochuKarikathil. Mr.Sunny Thomas,Working Secretary-KMRM, welcomed all gathered in the opening ceremony. It was a day filled with lots of entertainment and fun with Cultural Programmes, Competitions, Musical Show, Chenda Melam, verity of food corner and game stalls etc.

Adyabhala Samarpana Rally

There was an Aadyphala Samarpana Rally, where the various prayer groups came as procession with their aadyphala offerings. When you offer your first fruits you plant a seed for the next harvest. This is commemorated at the aadyphala samarpanam.

Drawing & Group Dance Competitions

A drawing and coloring competition for school children from LKG to 12th classes was conducted. Hundreds of children across the Kuwait actively participated. Followed was the Group dance competitions in which various dance schools participated.

Projwela 2016

Projwela -Talent Fest for MCLS students was conducted from 8 am onwards.

Food and game Stalls

The Food stalls by the different Area Prayer Groups served authentic homemade Indian dishes throughout the day. The “Achayans Nadan Thattukada” organized by Yuvajyothi, Food and soft drinks counters from prayer groups selling delicious Kerala nadan foods attracted a huge crowd. Game zone by Baladeepam team, was a main attraction for the children gathered. Auction of various agricultural crops donated by KMRM members was also conducted, and everyone participated in each auctions.

Public meeting

The public meeting in the evening which was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Johny Lonis, the Chief Guest. Shri Sammon A.O, KMRM President presided over the function. Mr. Shaji George, KMRM General Secretary welcomed all the gathered, Rev. Fr. Binoy Kochukarikathil, Spiritual Director- KMRM gave away the introductory speech.

Mr.Binu.K.John KMRM Advisory Board Chairman, Mr. Mathew Varghese (Country Manager Bahrain Exchange Co.), Mr.Jacob Thomas (Synod Commission Member) rendered felicitations. Mr.Gibi Abraham, General Convener gave away the vote of thanks. Kumari Binitha Maria Thomas conducted the meeting.

To commemorate the occasion, a souvenir was released by Mr. Mathew Varghese (Country Manager, Bahrain Exchange Co.). The 1st copy was handed over to Rev. Fr. Binoy Kochukarikathil, Spiritual Director, KMRM.

The Raffle draw was also conducted with attractive prizes.

The PRESHIDA SANTHWANA project ‘MISIO 2016’ was launched during the ceremony. Also KMRM honored Mr. Jacob Thomas Panaveli who wrote a book which was published by Lal Books, Trissure, Kerala and Mr. George Thomas & Miss. Divya Mary George on the release of their new CD.

The limelight of the day was ‘GANASMRITHI’ performed by Kuwait Star Singers which was conducted after the Public Meeting. Mr. Babuji Bathery and Mr. Lince John were the Master of Ceremony.

Reception to His Excellency Mar Eusebius to the Dunwoodie Seminary and blessing of the Malankara Chapel

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Reception to His Excellency Mar Eusebius to the Dunwoodie Seminary and blessing of the Malankara Chapel

The St. Joseph’s Seminary, Dunwoodie, New York accorded a warm reception to His Excellency The Most Rev. Thomas Mar Eusebius on the occasion of the establishment of the new Syro-Malankara Catholic Eparchy and the appointment of His Excellency as the first bishop of the Eparchy.

The reception was held at 5.00 pm. on Tuesday, April 12, 2016. On the occasion, His Excellency also blessed the newly prepared Malankara Chapel in the Seminary. The whole seminary community attended the blessing ceremony.

Later, during the dinner, Msgr. Peter Vaccari, the Rector of the seminary welcomed His Excellency and the delegation that accompanied him. His Excellency addressed the seminary community.

The delegation included Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Mangalath, Fr. Abraham Lukose, Fr. Michael Edathil, Fr. George Oonnoony, the DM Sisters from the Convent in Yonkers (Srs. Jovina, Anjali and Gracelet) and Mr. John Varghese, Secretary of the Eparchial Pastoral Council. Presently there are two students studying at the Dunwoodie Seminary from the Eparchy, namely, Deacon Jerry Mathew and Brother Jobin Thomas.

Rev. Fr. Behanan Cherupalathil was called to eternal rest

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Rev. Fr. Behanan Cherupalathil was called to eternal rest

Rev. Fr. Behanan Cherupalathil (65), a priest of the Archieparchy of Tiruvalla of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, was called to eternal rest on 10 April 2016. The funeral ceremony was officiated by Most Rev. Thomas Mar Koorilos together with Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom, Most Rev. Phlipose Mar Stephnos, Joshua Mar Ignathios  on 12 April.

He served as the Manager of Lakshmi Estate Vithura, Spiritual Advisor of Diocesan St. Vincent De Paul Society and the professor in Infant Mary’s Minor Seminary, Tiruvalla. He served in several parishes such as Karimba, Chakkupallam, Nettithozhu, Chengaroor, Kunnamthanam, Chethomkara, Karikulam, Thirumoolapuram, Kallumkal, Othara, Doha, Ancherry, Mundiyakal, Thottabhagom, Thachamom, Kanjirampara, Poovathoor, and Kalloopara.

May God Reward him Eternal Rest

Rt. Rev. Daniel Vadakkekara Corepiscopa Called to Eternal Life

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Rt. Rev. Daniel Vadakkekara Corepiscopa Called to Eternal Life

Rt. Rev. Daniel Vadakkekara Corepiscopa, a senior priest of the Eparchy of Pathanamthitta of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, was called to eternal rest on 1 April, 2016.

The funeral ceremony will begin at 1.00 pm on 2 April, 2016 (Saturday) at his home and thereafter at his home parish, St George’s Malankara Catholic Pilgrim Church-Chandanappally.

May God Reward him Eternal Rest!

Rev. Fr. George John Kizhakkethil (Josy) called to Eternal Life

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Rev. Fr. George John Kizhakkethil (Josy) called to Eternal Life

Rev. Fr. George John Kizhakkethil (Josy), 74, a priest of the Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, was called to eternal rest.

Burial Service will be held tomorrow (29th March) at 2 pm at Puthenpeedika Malankara Catholic Church, Diocese of Pathanamthitta. May God Reward him Eternal Rest.

25 Families at Muvattupuzha from other Syrian churches join the Syro Malankara Catholic Church fold

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25 Families at Muvattupuzha from other Syrian churches join the Syro Malankara Catholic Church fold

It is really a great time and grace showered by God on the diocese of Muvattupuzha and its Bishop Abraham Mar julious as 25 families belonging to independent Malabar Syrian Church, Orthodox Syrian and Syrian Orthodox Church spreading over Pazhanji and Chalissery of Thrissur and Palakkad revenue Districts reunited to the catholic church on 26th March 2016 at St. George Malankara Catholic Chruch, Kallumpuram, Kunnamkulam.

This ceremony was presided by Most. Rev. Abraham Mar Julious (Bishop of Muvattupuzha), and was attended by Very Rev. Fr. Thomas Njarakkattu (Episcopal Vicar), Very Rev. George Vadakken Corepiscopa and Fr. Placid OIC.

Thank God for your wonderful grace to us.

New home for the clergy, Sayoojyam, blessed

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New home for the clergy, Sayoojyam, blessed

The newly constructed residence for the clergy of the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum was blessed and inaugurated by His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis on March 16, 2016.

The clergy home on the premises of Malankara Medical Village, Pirapppencode , facilitates access to medical care for the priests.

The ceremony began with His Grace Yoohanaon Mar Chrysostem opening the door of the new building in the presence of His Beatitude and other bishops, priests, the religious and the laity. The blessing of the chapel was conducted at first and all other rooms were blessed subsequently.

The blessing ceremony was followed by a public meeting in which His Beatitude thanked all who contributed their share in making this home a realization, particularly mentioning the great role of Rev. Fr. Jose Kizhakkedathu.

On the occasion His grace Yoohaanon Mar Chrysostem, Bishop of Eparchy of Pathanamathitta, and His Grace Joshua Mar Ignathios, bishop of Mavelikkara, expressed their felicitations. Rev.Fr. Hormis Puthenveetil proposed a vote of thanks to all those turned up for the ceremony.

Mar Ivanios College (Amicos) award for Vijayaraghavan

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Mar Ivanios College (Amicos) award for Vijayaraghavan

The association of the former students of Mar Ivanios College (Amicos) has selected State Planning Board member G. Vijayaraghavan for this year’s Benedict Mar Gregorios award. The award instituted in memory of the first principal of the college will be given to Mr. Vijayaraghavan on March 17. The award to honour people in the field of social work comprises Rs.50,000 and a citation. Major Archbishop of Thiruvananthapuram (Syro Malankara Church) Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis will present the award.

Inauguration of Malankara Catholic Church in Goa

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Inauguration of Malankara Catholic Church in Goa

13th of March, 2016 became a remarkable day in the history of the Exarchate of St Ephrem, Khadki-Pune. On this blessed day, the first new Malankara Catholic Community in the Exarchate was formally inaugurated in Goa, centered around the Chapel of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Cortalim, by the Apostolic Exarch His Excellency Thomas Mar Anthonios. It was the fulfillment of a dream cherished by the Exarchial Pastoral Council held on 11 June 2015.

The day began with the solemn concelebrated Holy Qurbono in the Malankara Catholic rite by the Apostolic Exarch in the Chapel of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Cortalim. After the Gospel reading, the announcement regarding the erection of a new Parish in Goa was made by the Exarchial Chancellor Rev. Fr. George Mathew OIC. The new Parish is named ‘St. Ephrem Malankara Syrian Catholic Church’ after the heavenly Patron of the Exarchate, St. Ephrem. Following this, Fr. Varghese Valikkodath, whose relentless efforts made this dream a reality, was officially declared as the founder Vicar of the new Parish.

After the Holy Qurbono, an Inaugural Meeting was held in the Chapel with the distinguished guests and Malankara Catholic faithful from Goa, Pune, Mumbai and Kerala, who had participated on this consecrated day. Fr. Varghese Valikkodath, the appointed Vicar of the Parish welcomed the gathering. The meeting was chaired by V. Rev. Msgr. Varghese Mattamana, the Vicar General of the Exarchate. His Excellency Thomas Mar Anthonios formally inaugurated ‘St. Ephrem Malankara Syrian Catholic Church’, Goa by lighting the lamp and delivering the Inaugural Address. Later on, Fr Vijayanand SJ, Fr Mathew Varikkatt, Sr. Pradeepthi SIC, Exarchial MCA President Mr TM Johnson, Exarchial Mathrusangham President Mrs Lizy Koshy, Pune District MCYM President Mr Libin Oommen, Suvisesha Sangham Co-ordinators Mr VA George and Mrs Rosamma Rajan felicitated the new community. The meeting was concluded by a vote of thanks proposed by Mr VA Eapachan to all who have been part of the inaugural day.

After the inaugural meeting, all those who had come, partook in the Agape, a meal of love arranged by the community.

The first General Body Meeting of the Parish was held in the presence of the Apostolic Exarch. He reminded the community of the two main responsibilities of the Church; reunion and evangelization. He conveyed the decision to conduct regular Sunday Holy Qurbono and other important liturgical celebrations in Goa and the possibility of appointing a full-time resident priest for catering to the spiritual and pastoral needs of the community.

The following members were elected to the Parish Committee:

Trustee

Eapachan VA

Secretary

Benny George

Members

Thomaskutty Daniel

Wilson Varghese

Kunjumon Mathew

Tinky George

Jose EV

Benny K George

Laly Mathew

Jose K

Jose Daniel

The Apostolic Exarch appointed the following persons as in-charge of various Pious Associations:

Teacher-in-Charge of Sunday School           :           Mrs. Mary Eapachan

Leader of MCA                                               :           Mr. Benny George

Leader of Mathrusangham                             :           Mrs. Laly Jose

Leader of MCYM                                            :           Ms. Jeena Jose

The General Body Meeting concluded with prayer and Blessing from the Apostolic Exarch.

Earlier in the day, the Apostolic Exarch presented the official vestments of the Altar Servers   to five members of the community; Eapachan VA, Benny George, Subhash Varghese, Prince Joy and Shibin Benny. MCYM members from Pune District deserves a special mention for their active participation in the inaugural day.

Cardinal Baselios Mar Cleemis re-elected as CBCI President

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Cardinal Baselios Mar Cleemis re-elected as CBCI President

Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, has been re-elected as the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) for another term of two years.

The CBCI is one of the largest Bishops’ Conferences in Asia, and is linked to the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences.

Archbishop of Trichur Andrews Thazhath and Archbishop of Goa Filipe Neri Ferrao were also re-elected as CBCI vice president I and vice president II.

Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, Auxiliary of the Archdiocese of Ranchi, was elected the secretary general. He replaces Archbishop Albert D’Souza of Agra, who has served as the CBCI secretary general for the past six years.

Bishop Lumen Monteiro was re-elected for a term of four years as chairman of Caritas India and Bishop Thomas Dabre was re-elected as the chairman of National Biblical Catechetical and Liturgical Centre for a second term of four years.

Archbishop George Antonysamy of Madras-Mylapore was elected chairman of St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, replacing Archbishop Francis Kallarakal.

Invitation to Pope Francis

Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, handed over the letter of invitation to Apostolic Nuncio to India Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, on March 7 to forward to the Pope.

The invitation letter signed by Cardinal Cleemis says: “We, 178 Bishops of India, gathered at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, from 2 to 9 March, 2016 for the 32nd Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, humbly request Your Holiness that our dear Nation, India, may also be included in the list of Your Holiness’s pastoral visits in 2016/2017.”

“Our Nation was blessed by the visits of Blessed Pope Paul VI in 1964, of Saint Pope John Paul II in 1986 and in 1990. Being the largest democracy in the world, with an age-old tradition of different religions and cultures, India awaits with eagerness to listen to another Apostle of peace and hope,” the invitation letter further adds.

Letter to Home Minister Rajnath Singh

The CBCI president also wrote to the federal Home Minister Rajnath Singh seeking help to trace and rescue Indian Salesian priest Tom Uzhunnalil, a missionary who has gone missing after the March 4 attack on an old age home run by the Missionaries of Charity, in Aden, Yemen.Four nuns, including an Indian, were among the 16 people who were killed.

Missionaries of Charity Sister Sali, who escaped the attack has reportedly said that she saw Father Tom being taken away by the rebels. The nun, who is the superior of the convent, hails from Kerala, southern India. Earlier, it was reported she was a native of Chhattisgarh state in central India.

The CBCI letter to the home minister reiterated “our confidence and faith in you, and hope that you would immediately mobilize the government machinery to trace and rescue Father Tom, who is our fellow citizen.”

Tom worked in Hassan in Karnataka before going to Aden. He belongs to the Bangalore province of the Salesians.

On the penultimate day of the CBCI plenary assembly, 178 bishops collected and collated various suggestions and recommendations that came up during the discussions in the last six days. They bishops came to Bangalore to address the main theme “The response of the Church in India to the present day challenges.”

The bishops also had discussions for preparing the final statement of the 32nd assembly, to be released on the concluding day of March 9.

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