Rev. Fr. Sevanand Ennamprayil is blessed as the new Abbot of Kurisumala Ashram by His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Koorilos, Metropolitan Archbishop of Tiruvalla, on 14 May 2018 at Kurisumala Ashram Parish. He is the fourth Abbot of the Kurisumala Ashram.
Most Rev. Dr. Samuel Mar Irenios, Coadjutor Bishop of Pathanamthitta and Abbot Dom Steel Hartman from Australia were the concelebrants of the service.
Congratulations and Prayerful Wishes to the new Abbot!
The Bishop of Curia of the Syrian Catholic Church and the Apostolic Visitor of Europe and Oceania. Rev Dr. Yuhanon Mar Theodosius Metropolitan is making a pastoral visit to Oceania from March 1 to 13, 2018. This is the first pastoral visit by the Bishop after being anointed metropolitan in September 2017.
The appointment of the Apostolic Visitor is a continuation of the mission activities that began in 2013 in various locations in Australia and New Zealand.
The Bishop arrived at Perth international airport at 1 pm on March 1 and was accorded a warm welcome by the Malankara believers in Perth under the leadership of Chaplain Father Premakumar. Later, he arrived in Australia and was felicitated by the coordinator of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church community under the leadership of Fr. Stephen Kulathumkarot. In the days that follow, he will visit the communities of Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and New Zealand.
33rd General Body Meeting of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) is started at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Koramangala, Bengaluru, with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Archbishop Giambattista Diquattro, the apostolic Nuncio to India, on 2 February 2018 at 9 AM. Cardinal Charles Bo, the Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar, is the Chief Guest at the inaugural function. Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the President of the CBCI, delivered the Presidential Address and preside over the whole General Body Meeting.
The Bishops will also elect the President and two Vice Presidents for a term of two years. 204 Bishops and 64 Bishop-Emeritus from 174 eparchies are attending in the meeting. The meeting will be concluded on 9 February 2018.
His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos inaugurated the Missionaries’ Meet and Mission Expo at Pastoral Orientation Center (POC), Kochi, on 26 January 2018. Missionary bishops, priests, religious and laity from Kerala serving in the various parts of the country gathered on the joyful occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the POC. The meet will end on 28 January 2018.
Tiruvalla ∙ The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church mourns the loss of His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mor Divannasios, former bishop of the Eparchies of Puthur and Bathery, who passed away at the age of 67. His earthly journey came to an end on 16 January 2018 at 2:45 PM at Pushpagiri Medical College Hospital, Tiruvalla, after a prolonged battle with diabetes.
The final rites were held at St. John’s Cathedral, Tiruvalla, on 18 January 2018 at 2:00 PM. His mortal remains were placed at the Cathedral for public homage, where His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos and other bishops led prayers in his memory.
Born on 1 November 1950 to N.S. Varghese and Mariamma in the Ottathengil family from Anaprambal, Edathua, Mor Divannasios was the second of eight children. In 1956, his family migrated to South Canara in Karnataka, settling in Ichilampady, a picturesque village in the region. In 1962, the family embraced the Catholic faith, a pivotal moment that shaped his future spiritual journey.
After completing his schooling, he began his seminary formation in 1966 at the Infant Mary Minor Seminary in the Eparchy of Tiruvalla. In 1970, he was sent to St. Paul’s Seminary in Tiruchirappalli for philosophical and theological studies. During his formation, he developed an interest in Carnatic music, dedicating time to mastering the art.
Fr. Varghese Ottathengil was ordained a priest on 20 April 1978 by His Grace Benedict Mor Gregorios. Following his ordination, he served as assistant vicar of five parish stations at Nilambur and later as the vicar of parishes at Narangathode, Onjil, Mycavu, and Manalvayal.
In 1980, he was sent to Rome for higher studies, where he earned his Ph.D. in Spiritual Theology. Returning to India in 1987, he was appointed the vicar of Palanthadom parish in Kasargod and simultaneously took charge as the Rector of the Minor Seminary in the Eparchy of Bathery. He also served as the vicar of the cathedral parish during this time.
In May 1990, he was entrusted with the role of Rector of St. Mary’s Malankara Major Seminary, Trivandrum, during its formative years. His tenure of seven years was marked by significant development and growth, culminating in the seminary hosting the CBCI General Body Meeting in 1996, an event that showcased his exceptional leadership.
On 18 December 1996, His Holiness Pope John Paul II appointed him as the Bishop of Bathery, succeeding Cyril Mor Baselios. He was consecrated a bishop on 5 February 1997 at Bathery by His Grace Cyril Mor Baselios, receiving the name Geevarghese Mor Divannasios. As the second bishop of the Eparchy of Bathery, he led the faithful with vision and dedication for 13 years.
His sacerdotal Silver Jubilee was celebrated in 2003. In 2007, following the demise of Moran Mor Cyril Baselios Catholicos, Mor Divannasios served as the Administrator of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church during a period of transition, providing stable leadership to the Church.
In 2010, he became the first bishop of the newly established Eparchy of Puthur, carved out of the Eparchy of Bathery. Under his leadership, the eparchy grew spiritually and pastorally. Due to health reasons, he retired from active ministry on 24 January 2017, dedicating his remaining days to prayer and rest.
Mor Divannasios’ unwavering commitment to the Syriac heritage of the Church was evident throughout his life. As the Rector of St. Mary’s Malankara Seminary, he played a crucial role in shaping the spiritual and theological education of future priests. His doctoral research in spiritual theology, focused on the Syriac tradition, remains a valuable resource for scholars and seminarians.
He was also a visionary leader who recognized the importance of combining pastoral care with academic excellence. His contributions to theological education and spiritual formation inspired countless seminarians and priests.
Mor Divannasios is survived by his siblings: Achamma Rajan (Alappuzha), George Varghese (Germany), Eliamma Solomon (Mangaluru), Valsamma Sebastian (Karnataka), Dr. Susan Zacharia Varghese (UK), Gracy George (Switzerland), and Reji Mathew (Canada). His feast day is observed on 29 November, a date that commemorates his enduring spiritual legacy.
The funeral rites began with prayers at 2:00 PM on 18 January 2018 at St. John’s Cathedral, Tiruvalla. The Church invited the faithful to join in paying their respects and offering prayers for the eternal repose of his soul.
In his life, His Excellency Geevarghese Mor Divannasios embodied a profound love for the Church and a steadfast commitment to its mission. From his early days in Ichilampady to his service as the first bishop of Puthur, he left an indelible mark on the Malankara Catholic Church. His devotion to preserving the Syriac tradition, coupled with his pastoral and academic contributions, will continue to inspire generations. As we bid farewell to this humble and devoted servant of God, let us unite in prayer, trusting in the hope of resurrection that he so faithfully proclaimed.
LONDON: To bring the young generation closer towards God, there need to be an immense consideration for such cultural events. The first Bible Arts Festival, organised in London was an essential step towards fulfilling this motive. The event -involving members from 6 Syro Malankara Catholic Missions- was decided to take place in London. The beginning of yet another chapter in the history of the Syro Malankara Church in UK was inaugurated by Fr Thomas Madukkamoottil, the Co-ordinator of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church in the United Kingdom. Additionally, there were felicitation speeches by several members of the church such as Mr Benny Southampton, the National Council Representative, followed by Mr Jobin, the Catechism Co-ordinator and finally Mr Jerry.
Moreover, the Seminar which took place earlier the very same day had the key motive to inform parents about the ‘The role of parents in the faith formation of Children’. The real motive for the day was met, when Sunday School children from East London, Southampton, Croydon, Luton, Ashford, West London, took an opportunity to perform to express their abilities through Performing Arts. It is of paramount importance to point out that all the students, performed to the best of their ability and, so it was an unforgettable experience and thus a visual treat for all those who were lucky enough to see the performances. Moreover, there were special mention and awards for the top-performed GCSE students whom included Steffy Sunil, Judin Sebastian, Angel Prakash and Liya Sheen. Meanwhile, there was another special mention to all the Sunday School students and in particular, those who scored the highest in their exams. Such an event could not be complete without the gesture of appreciation for all the Sunday School teachers for their outstanding effort and commitment to teach the children the true path in faith and love.
Finally, towards the end of the day, there was also meetings and discussions arranged for the new academic year informing and directing teachers about the new structure of how Sunday School lessons should be carried out. All things considered, it was a remarkable day and the abilities of the children who performed was overwhelming in such a way that we could foresee the tremendous success of those children. Moreover, and more importantly there was an atmosphere of joy and happiness which was prevalent throughout the day. Therefore, it is vital that such events require special attention as it expresses the importance of children to the role they play in the Church.
The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Conference (KCBC) conducted a special prayer for the victims of Ockhi cyclone on 6 December 2017 at Vallarpadam Basilica, Cochin. Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the President of CBCI, Most Rev. Susai Pakkiam, the President of KCBC, and Mar Mathew Moolakkat, the secretary General of KCBC led the candle prayer procession. During the prayer service, as per the decision, KCBC offered a substantial financial assistance to the victims.
The inauguration of the Eparchy of Hosur and the Episcopal Ordination and installation ceremony of Very Rev. Msgr. Dr. Sebastian Pozholiparambil of the Syro-Malabar Church took place in St. Antony’s Syro-Malabar Cathedral, Nuthenchery, Chennai, on Wednesday, 22 November 2017 at 2 pm. His Beatitude George Cardinal Alencherry, Major Archbishop of the Syro Malabar Catholic Church, was the main celebrant. Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, the Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church and the President of CBCI gave the Gospel Message.
Most Rev. Joshua Mar Ignathios, Most Rev. Vincent Mar Paulos and Most Rev. Thomas Mar Anthonios OIC, from the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, participated in it.
Congratulations and Prayerful wishes to Mar Sebastian Pozholiparambil!
The Golden Jubilee of the Presbyteral and the Pastoral council in the Eparchy of Pala was inaugurated by Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, the Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church and the President of CBCI, on 21 November 2017, Tuesday, at St. Thomas Cathedral Parish Hall, Pala.
Episcopal Ordination ceremony of Rev. Msgr Tony Neelankavil, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Trichur took place in Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral Church, Trichur, on Satrurday, 18 November 2017 at 2 pm. His Grace Mar Andrews Thazhath, Metropolitan Archbishop of Trichur, was the main celebrant. His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Soosai Packiam, the President of KCBC and the Metropolitan Archbishop of Trivandrum, gave the Homily.
Most Rev. Joshua Mar Ignathios, Most Rev. Vincent Mar Paulos, Most Rev. Geevarghese Mar Makarios, Most Rev. Samuel Mar Irenios and Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Theodosius from the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church participated in it.
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