In a heartwarming celebration of unity and joy, His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, visited the historic Kowdiar Palace and ceremonially cut the Christmas cake. The event was a serene moment that encapsulated the spirit of Christmas and served as a bridge of fellowship and dialogue.
Kowdiar Palace: A Legacy of Heritage and Hospitality
Kowdiar Palace, located in the heart of Trivandrum, stands as an enduring symbol of Kerala’s royal heritage. Built in 1934, the palace remains home to members of the Travancore Royal Family, who are respected not only for their historical lineage but also for their deep-rooted cultural and social contributions to Kerala. Today, the Kowdiar Palace continues to welcome meaningful interactions that transcend barriers of faith and tradition, fostering goodwill and harmony within the community.
Cardinal Cleemis: A Leader of Unity and Dialogue
Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, known for his exceptional leadership and humility, has long championed the values of ecumenism and interfaith dialogue. As the President of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) and a prominent voice in the Catholic Church, Cardinal Cleemis has consistently emphasized the importance of reaching out to all communities, transcending religious divides to foster understanding and peace.
Rooted in the teachings of Christ—“Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34)—Cardinal Cleemis believes that Christmas is a season of inclusivity, compassion, and shared joy. His presence at Kowdiar Palace is a reflection of his enduring efforts to build bridges across religious, cultural, and social boundaries.
A Shared Vision of Peace: Pope Francis’ Call for Fraternity
The visit also aligns with the vision of Pope Francis, who has made interfaith dialogue a cornerstone of his pontificate. Through initiatives such as the Document on Human Fraternity signed in Abu Dhabi in 2019 and his call for a “culture of encounter,” Pope Francis encourages Catholics to engage with people of all faiths, embracing common values of love, justice, and fraternity.
The Holy Father often reminds the faithful that Christmas is not only a celebration within the Church but a universal call to recognize the dignity of all people. In a world divided by conflict and inequality, moments like these—symbolized by the cutting of a simple cake—take on profound significance, embodying Pope Francis’ message that “Peace is built on the strength of dialogue and encounter.”
The Spirit of Christmas at Kowdiar
Cardinal Cleemis’ visit to Kowdiar Palace highlights the unique harmony that Kerala has long been known for—a land where diverse faiths, cultures, and traditions coexist. The Travancore Royal Family’s gracious hospitality towards a leader of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church serves as a reminder of this shared legacy of unity.
Amidst the glow of Christmas lights and the symbolic act of sharing cake, the gathering at Kowdiar transcended ceremony. It became a quiet yet powerful testament to the values of love, peace, and mutual respect that Christmas represents.
A Continuing Message of Hope
As Kerala and the world prepare to celebrate Christmas, Cardinal Cleemis’ presence at Kowdiar Palace leaves behind a message of hope: that through acts of kindness, dialogue, and shared celebrations, we can build a world that reflects the light of Christ—a light that shines for all.
In a time when division often dominates headlines, this simple moment of unity speaks volumes. It reminds us that Christmas, at its heart, is a call to recognize God’s love in one another and to share it generously.
May this season of Christmas bring joy, unity, and peace to every household, reflecting the light that Cardinal Cleemis and the faithful continue to spread.
Photos & News Credit: Pravin
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