Cardinal-Designate Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos in Vatican

His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos reached Vatican on 19 November 2012 for the Investiture Ceremony. He prayed at the tombs of his predecessors Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios, Archbishops Benedict Mar Gregorios and Cyril Mar Baselios Catholicos and beseeched their intercession, before his departure and also prayed at the tomb of Bishop Benziger who received Archbishop Mar Ivanios to the Catholic Church. He visited his Spiritual Father, Rev. Fr. Bernadeen at Carmel Hill Monastery, Thiruvananthapuram to receive his blessings.

His Beatitude was accorded a grand reception in Rome under the leadership of World Pravasi Organisation. Many Priests, Religious and Faithful came to felicitate him. He urged them to pray for him. He said that he would pray for the blessings of our nation in the liturgical services in Vatican.

Delegates and representatives from India and abroad will reach Rome on 22 and 23 November. The Investiture Ceremony will be on 24 November at 11 a.m. His Beatitude will receive the insignia of the Cardinal from His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. Pilgrims can meet the new Cardinal at 4.30 p.m. The new Cardinals will concelebrate the Holy Mass with His Holiness on 25 November at 10 a.m at St. Peter’s Baslica. His Beatitude will celebrate the Holy Qurbono for the Syro-Malanakara Catholic Delegation in St. Paul and St. John Basilica in Rome at 4.00 p.m