Dallas, USA – The season of Lent must be centred on Christ, guiding the faithful toward spiritual renewal and transformation, said His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. He was delivering a homily during the Holy Qurbono at St. Mary’s Syro-Malankara Parish, Dallas, urging the faithful to embrace a life of deeper faith and repentance.
“The most profound goal of Lent is the renewal of the heart. True fasting is not merely about external abstinence but about an inner conversion that brings us closer to Christ,” His Beatitude remarked, encouraging the faithful to embrace Lent as a time for introspection, prayer, and strengthening their relationship with God.
The parish community, under the leadership of Vicar Rev. Rev. Fr. Abraham Thomas Vavolimepurath, warmly welcomed His Beatitude upon his arrival. Parishioners gathered in large numbers, reflecting their deep faith and reverence for the head of the Church.
The Syro-Malankara Catholic community in Dallas rejoiced in the visit of His Beatitude, drawing inspiration from his message as they entered into the Lenten season with a renewed commitment to faith, prayer, and spiritual discipline.
ELANJIMEL: The Managing Committee and Eparchial Executive Oath-Taking Ceremony of the Malankara Catholic Association (MCA), Mavelikara Eparchy for the 2025-26 term was solemnly held at Elanjimel Malankara Catholic Church on 2 March 2025 at 3:00 PM.
Oath-Taking of the New Executive Committee
The newly elected Executive Committee members for the eparchy took their oath of office before Rev. Fr. Sylvester Thekkedath, MCA Eparchial Spiritual Advisor.
Following this, the Managing Committee convened, deliberating on the past year’s accomplishments and formulating a strategic pastoral plan for the upcoming year. Each district actively engaged in discussions, leading to the formal approval of the new framework.
Key Addresses & Discussions
🔹 Bible Reading:Elizabeth Ninan, MCA Eparchial Vice President 🔹 Welcome Speech:Williams Mathai, MCA Eparchial General Secretary 🔹 Inaugural Address:Rev. Fr. Sylvester Thekkedath 🔹 Presidential Address:Adv. Anil Babu, MCA Eparchial President
New Organisational Framework for MCA Mavelikara Eparchy
The Eparchy has introduced a renewed operational model ensuring unit-level, district-level, and clergy-centred coordination across all 96 parishes. Six district committees will function as the central coordination bodies, working towards strengthening parish-level activities while aligning with the Eparchial leadership.
Guidance from the Vicar General
Most Rev. Dr. Kulathumkarott Stephen, Vicar General of Mavelikara Eparchy, presided over the pastoral planning discussions and urged members to be role models in their service to the Church. He emphasised the importance of strengthening MCA at all levels and encouraged a structured approach to reinforce parish and district operations.
Coordination & Organisational Support
To ensure a well-organised and impactful event, Rev. Fr. Christy Charuvila,Chengannur District Spiritual Advisor, played a key role in the planning and execution of the day’s proceedings.
The Malankara Catholic Association of Mavelikara Eparchy stands committed to its mission of service, faith, and community development, working closely with clergy and laity in dedicated and transformative action.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – The Annual Assembly and Action Plan Inauguration of the Malankara Catholic Mothers’ Forum (MCMF) Sabha Level was held on 26 February 2025 at the Catholicate Centre, Pattom, the headquarters of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.
Key Highlights
🔹 Mrs. Jiji Mathai, President of MCMF Sabha Level, presided over the meeting. 🔹 Rt. Rev. Varkey Attupurath Corepiscopo, Major Archdiocesan Proto-Syncellus, inaugurated the session, offering insights into the role of MCMF in strengthening faith and family values. 🔹 Mrs. Sarah Mani Kuriakose led interactive sessions, guiding members on faith-based parenting and community engagement. 🔹 The action plan for the year, titled ‘Nuhro 2K25’, was officially launched by Rt. Rev. Varkey Attupurath Corepiscopo. 🔹 MCMF Sabha Director, Rev. Fr. Mathew Arackal, led the event’s coordination and arrangements.
The assembly reaffirmed the commitment of MCMF to nurturing spiritual growth and strengthening families, with a renewed focus on social outreach and faith formation in the coming year.
Pongummoodu, Trivandrum – Sr. Fransilin D.M., a devoted member of the Daughters of Mary, St. Mary’s Province, Pongummoodu, passed away on 25 February 2025 at the age of 70.
The funeral services will be held on 26 February 2025 at the Provincial House, Pongummoodu, with His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mor Polycarpos, Auxiliary Bishop of the Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum, as the main celebrant.
Let us remember her in our prayers, giving thanks for her life of faith and dedicated service.
KAIPATTOOR: The Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM) of Pathanamthitta Eparchy inaugurated its 2025 action plan, “Rhema 2025,” on Sunday, 23 February at St. Augustine’s Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, Kaipattoor. The event was presided over by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Yoohanon Mor Theodosius, Bishop of Muvattupuzha and Apostolic Visitator to Europe.
A Call Against Rising Substance Abuse
Delivering the inaugural address, His Excellency Yoohanon Mor Theodosius expressed deep concern over the increasing prevalence of substance abuse among youth. “The alarming rise in drug consumption is devouring the future of a hopeful generation,” he cautioned, urging young people to remain steadfast in their values and faith.
Seminar on Youth & Democracy
A seminar on “New Generation Youth – The Hope of the Church and Democracy” was led by Advocate Vinod Mathew Wilson, a prominent social media influencer and public figure. The session explored the role of youth in both Church leadership and democratic engagement.
Best Unit Awards
Recognising excellence in parish-level activities, the Best Unit Award for the previous year was presented to: 🏆 Mulanthara & Kottayam Units (Konni Ecclesiastical District) 🏆 Thekkummala Unit (Ranni-Perunadu Ecclesiastical District)
Flag Hoisting & Leadership Participation
The official MCYM flag was hoisted by Sr. C. Jovan S.I.C., Eparchial Animator. The event saw participation from various Church leaders, including:
🔹 Rev. Fr. Job Pathalil, Eparchial Director of MCYM 🔹 Rev. Fr. Scott Sleeba Pulimuden, Assistant Director 🔹 Rev. Fr. Sam Vengattoor, Pandalam Ecclesiastical District Director 🔹 Rev. Fr. James Thadathil O.I.C., Kaipattur Unit Director 🔹 Subin Thomas, Eparchial General Secretary 🔹 Abin P. Biju, Eparchial Secretary 🔹 Aleena Elizabeth Mathew, KCYM Syndicate Member 🔹 Sam Koshy, Pandalam District President 🔹 Augustine Rajan, Kaipattur Unit President
MCYM’s Focus for the Year: Living in the Word of God
Last year, the Kerala Catholic Church dedicated its activities to “The Year of Youth.” This year, the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church is observing a special “Year of the Word of God.” Aligning with this theme, Pathanamthitta Eparchy has structured its 2025 MCYM activities under the motto: 📖 “Youth, Abide in the Word of God.”
The word “Rhema” in Greek signifies “God’s spoken word,” and the Pathanamthitta Eparchy’s MCYM is committed to nurturing a deeper connection between young people and the Word of God through its initiatives.
The event was organised by the Eparchial Committee, Pandalam Ecclesiastical District, and Kaipattur Unit, ensuring a well-coordinated and spiritually enriching gathering.
Delhi – The Malankara Catholic Association (MCA) of the Delhi Region solemnly inaugurated its pastoral plan for the year 2025-26 under the esteemed presence and blessings of His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mor Anthonios OIC, Bishop of the Eparchy of St. John Chrysostom, Gurgaon. The event was a profound gathering of faith, service, and commitment, reaffirming the mission of the Church in the capital region.
The inauguration witnessed the participation of key Church leaders and lay representatives, underscoring the importance of collective leadership and pastoral responsibility. Present at the occasion were MCA Sabhathala Executive Member Sri. Varghese Mammen, Gurgaon Eparchial President Sri. Reji Thomas, General Secretary Sri. Shaji John, Eparchial Treasurer Sri. K. K. James, and Sri. Sabu Samuel. The event was further graced by the spiritual guidance of Very Rev. Fr. Varghese Vallikkatt, Proto-Presbyter of the Eparchy of Gurgaon, and Rev. Fr. Varghese Vinayanand OIC, Proto-Presbyter of the Gurgaon Eparchy. Additionally, Rev. Fr. Mathew Manaluvila OIC, the spiritual advisor of the Delhi Region, along with several regional and unit-level MCA leaders, attended the solemn gathering.
His Excellency Mor Anthonios OIC, in his inaugural address, reminded the faithful of their shared responsibility to live out the Gospel with conviction and charity. “Our pastoral vision must be one of hope and action, anchored in the rich traditions of our Malankara Church. The mission of MCA is not merely an administrative function but a spiritual duty—to bring Christ to the world through our words, actions, and unwavering faith,” he remarked.
The Delhi Region MCA’s pastoral plan for 2025-26 includes initiatives focused on faith formation, charity, community outreach, and youth empowerment, ensuring that the Syro-Malankara Catholic faithful in the region remain actively engaged in the mission of the Church. The event concluded with a prayer of dedication, entrusting the year’s activities to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. John Chrysostom.
With this solemn beginning, the MCA of the Delhi Region embarks on another year of service and spiritual enrichment, committed to strengthening the bonds of faith and community.
PATHANAMTHITTA: The Eparchial Committee of the Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM), Pathanamthitta, convened a press conference at the Pathanamthitta Press Club in preparation for the launch of its annual action plan, “Rhema 2K25.”
The official inauguration of “Rhema 2K25” is set to take place on 23 February at St. Augustine’s Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, Kaipattur.His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Yoohanon Mor Theodosius, Bishop of Muvattupuzha and Apostolic Visitator to Europe, will preside over the event and deliver the inaugural address.
Highlights of the Programme
🔹 Prominent advocate and social media influencer, Adv. Vinod Mathew Wilson, will lead a youth seminar addressing the role of young people in the Church and society. 🔹 MCYM Eparchial President, Bibin Abraham, will preside over the meeting. 🔹 The event will be a gathering of youth leaders from various ecclesiastical districts as the eparchy aligns its 2025 initiatives with the “Year of the Word of God” being observed by the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.
Press Conference Attendees
The press briefing saw the participation of key MCYM eparchial leaders, including:
🔹 Rev. Fr. Scott Sleeba Pulimuden, Assistant Eparchial Director 🔹 Bibin Abraham, MCYM Eparchial President 🔹 Linto Thomas, MCYM Eparchial Vice President 🔹 Nibin P. Samuel, KCYM Senate Member 🔹 Sam Koshy, Pandalam Ecclesiastical District President
The MCYM of Pathanamthitta Eparchy is gearing up for an impactful year of faith-driven youth engagement through its various activities under “Rhema 2K25,” ensuring a spiritually enriching and socially relevant youth movement in alignment with the Church’s vision for the Year of the Word of God.
ONLINE MEETING HELD TO STRENGTHEN MIGRANT APOSTOLATE
The Episcopal Synodal Commission for Migrants of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church convened an online meeting on 17 February 2025 to deliberate on the significance and operational framework of the Migrant Commission.
Key Discussions and Participants
🔹 His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Philipos Mor Stephanos, Chairman of the Commission, led the session with a thematic presentation on “The Relevance and Functioning of the Migrant Commission.” 🔹 Rev. Fr. Thomas Madukkammoottil, Secretary of the Commission, extended a warm welcome to the participants. 🔹 The meeting saw the participation of Vicars General from various eparchies, regional coordinators serving in different countries, clergy, and lay representatives from both eparchial and regional levels.
Addressing Challenges and Planning Future Initiatives
The discussions centred around:
✅ The migration of Malankara Catholic families to different countries and the challenges they face. ✅ Country-specific pastoral concerns raised by representatives based on pre-submitted queries. ✅ Developing a structured framework for expanding and strengthening the Church’s pastoral care for migrants.
The meeting provided insightful reflections and strategic planning to enhance the Church’s outreach among migrant communities, ensuring their spiritual and communal well-being.
Dubai, 16 February 2025 – The Malankara Catholic Children’s League (MCCL) Day 2025 was celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by the Dubai community at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on 16 February.
The celebration commenced with a solemn offertory procession, led by MCCL leaders and representatives from all classes, symbolising the children’s dedication and commitment to their faith. Following this, Rev. Fr. John Thundiyath Cor Episcopo hoisted the MCCL flag in the presence of MCCL committee members, children, and teachers. The event continued with the oath-taking ceremony, affirming the young faithful’s dedication to Christ and the Church.
The gathering was a testimony to the unwavering faith and commitment of the children, teachers, and parents who play a pivotal role in nurturing the spiritual growth of the younger generation.
Tiruvalla, Kerala – The grandeur of a Christian’s calling is not merely in personal devotion but in the sacred responsibility to transform the world around them. This profound truth echoed through the halls of the Malankara Catholic Association (MCA) Tiruvalla Region’s annual gathering, where His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mor Aprem, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Kottayam, inaugurated the region’s pastoral initiatives and development projects for 2025–26.
Speaking with prophetic urgency, His Excellency reminded the faithful that the mission of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church is to be a bridge of unity—uniting communities in faith, charity, and shared purpose. “Each layperson is called not merely to exist within the Church but to be an agent of transformation in the world. We must become ambassadors of unity,” he exhorted.
The bishop reflected on the challenges facing Christian communities in Kerala, including declining Christian demographics, migration of the younger generation, and the fragmentation of familial bonds. “We live in a time when the dignity of human life is debated, yet laws exist to protect animals with greater vigour than they do for the vulnerable. Governments change, but the plight of the Christian community remains neglected. The time for Christian unity is not just near—it is overdue,” His Excellency warned, urging all faithful to stand together as a community bound by faith and action.
A Gathering of Leadership and Faithful
The programme was presided over by MCA Tiruvalla Regional President Mr. Biju George, with Rev. Fr. Mathew Vazhayil delivering the keynote address. Rev. Fr. Mathew Punakulam offered a special benedictory message. MCA National President Mr. S.R. Baiju, Mr. John Mamman, Mr. A.C. Reji, Mrs. Mini David, MCA Eparchial President Mr. Biju Palathingal, and Mr. Shibu Abraham were among those who addressed the gathering.
A symbolic handover of the pastoral action plan took place, where unit presidents and secretaries received the annual strategy document and the ceremonial lamp from the bishop, signifying their commitment to the Church’s mission.
Honouring Leadership and Launching Key Initiatives
The event also witnessed the felicitation of key MCA leaders, including Dr. Shibu Zachariah, Mr. Shaji Mathew Kooliyat, Mr. Baiju S.R., Mr. Shibu Chunkathil, Mr. Biju Palathingal, and Mr. Justin John, acknowledging their dedicated service to the Church.
The official launch of various mission initiatives followed:
MCA National President Mr. S.R. Baiju unveiled the pastoral mission document.
Eparchial Procurator Rev. Dr. Thomas Parackal released the Mission Karunya Project Brochure.
Dr. Shibu Zachariah inaugurated the Mission Aid Coupon Scheme.
Rev. Fr. Philip Thayillam launched the Catholic Convention Brochure, and Rev. Fr. Mathew Vazhayil conducted the first sale of mission aid coupons.
Participation and Unity in Mission
The event brought together 14 parish communities, with over 170 active members in attendance. Among the prominent priests who graced the occasion were Rev. Fr. Santhosh Azhakathu (Cherian), Rev. Fr. Thomas Kanjirathinkal, Rev. Fr. Cherian Kurisummoottil, Rev. Fr. Philip Mangattethu, Rev. Fr. Mathew Puthenpurackal, and Rev. Fr. Thomas Thoppilkalathil.
Leading the organisational efforts were Mrs. Binu John, Mr. P.C. George, Mr. Bersily Joseph, Mr. Jaymon T, Mr. Reji A.C., Mr. Saji Abraham, Mrs. Vasamma John, and Mrs. Jaya Mathew. The programme concluded with a public meeting, where General Secretary Mr. John Mamman welcomed the gathering, and Treasurer Mr. Shibu Abraham expressed gratitude.
This year’s MCA Tiruvalla pastoral initiatives reaffirm the Church’s mission—not just to preserve faith, but to live it boldly, advocating for unity, social justice, and the common good. As the faithful step into another year of service, the message is clear: the Church must stand firm, shine brightly, and work tirelessly in faith, charity, and unity.
