Mar Baselios Day 2015 – Abu Dhabi, UAE

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Mar Baselios Day 2015 – Abu Dhabi, UAE

The Abu Dhabi Malankara Catholic Community celebrated its Annual Get together, Mar Beselios Day on the 24th of Sep 2015 at St. Joseph Church parish Hall, Abu Dhabi. The program was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Johnson, Parish Priest of the St. Joseph Church. The meeting was followed by a visual documentary about Moran Mor Cyril Mar Baselios Catholicos.

The cultural program started with a welcome dance, followed by children dances, music, MCYM drama and finally a Fusion program, a mixed program by kids and elders about the history of UAE Malankara from forming date to the 24th sept. The day concluded with a lucky dip, vote of thanks and then dinner.

85th Reunion Day Celebrations

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85th Reunion Day Celebrations

The 85th Reunion celebrations of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church and Ecclesial gathering was held on 19, 20, & 21 September 2015 at St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church Thirumoolapuram (Mar Ivanios Nagar).

On 19th September at 10.30 am an exhibition was inaugurated by Metropolitan Archbishop Dr. Thomas Mar Koorilose. Coinciding with this a colourful pageantry of portraits, Deepashikha, Flag etc reached at St.John’s Cathedral. At evening 3.30 pm there was a flag off ceremony and thereafter a quiz competition was conducted.

His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis inaugurated MCCL International Meeting at 9.30 am on 20th September 2015 in Benedict Mar Gregorios Nagar. MCYM & MCA International meetings were inaugurated by Sri. Adoor Prakash, Minister of Revenue & Coir Abbreviation and Panakkad Seyd Sadhikali Shihab Thangal respectively.

The blessing of ‘Pithrugriham of Malankara’ was at 1.30pm. Thereafter, Sri. P. J. Kurien, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman inaugurated “Sanyastha varshacharanam” at 2.30pm.On 21st of September, following a liturgical reception to the Major Archbishop–Catholicos and the other bishops His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis together with the other Bishops and priests celebrated the Holy Qurbano at 8.00 am.

A good number of priests, deacons, seminarians, religious and laity of the Church participated in the auspicious occasion. This was followed by the public meeting.

Sri. Oommen Chandi, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala was the chief guest of the meeting. Religious, social and political leaders participated in the meeting. There was an awareness class about “Donation of Organs” by Rev. Fr. Davis Chirammel, Chairman of Kidney Federation of India.

In connection with the reunion day anniversary there was a procession to the tomb of Bishops at 2.30pm.The celebrations concluded with the final blessing.

Syro-Malankara Church celebrates reunion day with organ donation drive

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Syro-Malankara Church celebrates reunion day with organ donation drive

Syro-Malankara Catholics in India are pledging to donate their organs after death to mark the anniversary of their church joining the Catholic fold 85 years ago.

“We are organizing the program to sensitize people about organ donation. It will certainly help many critically ill,” said Cardinal Baselios Mar Cleemis.

Some 100,000 church members are expected to consent to donate their organs during the church-organized Sept. 10-21 programs at Tiruvalla town in south India’s Kerala state where the church is based.

Cardinal Cleemis said more people should join in the organ donation campaign to help needy people in the country.

In India, culture and religious beliefs block people from organ donation even as thousands of people who could be helped are dying because of non-availability of organs, he said.

 

Syro-Malankara Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos, who is coordinating the organ donation campaign, said the church’s effort would continue even after reunion day celebrations.

More than 100,000 rupees (US$1,500) each will be handed over to 85 impoverished heart patients and another 100,000 rupees for marriage assistance for 10 low-income girls, during the celebrations. A 1.5-million-rupees housing program also is being planned for the poor, said Archbishop Koorilos.

Father Davis Chiramel, chairman of the Kidney Federation of India, who donated his kidney to a Hindu recipient, will help in the handling of consent forms during the organ donation campaign.

“I’ve been campaigning for organ donation for the last five years. But we could not get much headway as no organization or religious groups promoted the campaign. I’m glad that the Syro-Malankara Church has come forward with a meaningful campaign. It will help thousands of people,” Father Chiramel said.

K. Elangovan, secretary of the health department in Kerala, also welcomed the Church initiative. “Organ donation can help thousands of people and pave the way for a revolution in transplantation surgery,” Elangovan, a surgeon said.

Indian media reports that fewer than 5,000 kidney transplants are carried out annually in India against an estimated requirement of some 175,000.

Some 50,000 people die of liver disease each year in India, with only 1,000 transplants carried out annually, according to a report by the Times of India.

The annual requirement for hearts is estimated at around 50,000 and lungs at about 20,000. The rate of organ donation is as low as 0.3 per million population, the report said.

  • source – UCANEWS

Pranamam 2015 – Kuwait Celebrates the Birth Centenary of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios

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Pranamam 2015 – Kuwait Celebrates the Birth Centenary of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios

The Malankara Catholic Community under the leadership of Kuwait Malankara Rite Movement (KMRM) celebrated the Birth Centenary of Metropolitan Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios, on Friday, 4th September 2015, at Carmel School Auditorium, Khaitan, Kuwait. Three hundred invited persons belonging to various Christian churches, religions and associations took part in the Memorial lecture organized by KMRM. His Grace Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom, Bishop of Pathanmthitta, Kerala, inaugurated the function. During the inaugural speech, His Grace offered praises to Mar Gregorios and focused on his contribution to the Political, Social, Cultural, Agricultural and Economic field of the society of Kerala.

The Memorial Speech was delivered by honorable Hafiz P.H Abdul Gaffar Moulavi, Imam of Manakkad Valiya Pally, Trivandrum and former WAKF Board Chairman. He was a close associate of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios in Trivandrum, a renowned scholar and an orator. During his speech on the topic “Secularism and the Secularist Political Situation of India”, he presented Mar Gregorios as a role model of Secularism. He recalled pleasant memories of his association with Benedict Mar Gregorios. During the time of communal riot in Poonthura, Travandum, the “Shanthi Yathra” (Peace March) lead by Benedict Mar Gregorios, Sawmi Saswathikananda and himself regained peace and communal harmony in Trivandrum. He presented with tremendous emotion that during the event of the demolition of Babari Masjid, Benedict Mar Greorios visited Maulavi and hugged him and expressed his sorrow to him and the whole community. Indian Secularism should live long as a model for the whole world. Unfortunately, Indian Secularism is in a precarious situation, and he expressed his concern over the present situation in India.

Rev. Fr. Mathew Kunnelpurayidam, Vicar General of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, in his felicitation speech, recollected his memories of Archbishop Mar Gregorios. He highlighted Mar Gregorios’ affection towards nature, as he has witnessed on several occasions, how the great Archbishop valued flowers and plants at the premises of the Carmel Monastery in Trivandrum. Rev. Dr. John Padipurackal, Spiritual Director, KMRM, recalled that Mar Gregorios could communicate with all, the educated and the uneducated and people of all walks in the society, and without any difficulty.

During the presidential address Mr. George Mathew, President of KMRM, emphasized that Kuwait Malankara Rite Movement got the privilege to host one of the Centenary Speeches in Kuwait, representing the entire Middle East and Northern Arabia.

The Centenary Song, “Sathasangeethi” by hundred singers and a short video presentation named “Glimpses of a Great Legend” brought the distinguished audience’s attention to the life and vision of the Archbishop.

During the function His Excellency Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom released KMRM directory by receiving a copy from Mr. Synoy Varghese, Directory Convener & Secretary of KMRM and handed over to Mr. George Mathew (Bose), President after releasing. Mr. Jomon Cherian had given a memento to honorable Abdul Gaffar Moulavi as a token of love and appreciation. During the occasion, KMRM honored students who attained highest marks in 10th & 12th from various catholic communities and the prizes of MCLS were also distributed.

A special applause to Baladeepam for conducting Valamkali song, and all prayer groups for presenting various cultural programs to the audience.

Mrs. Sajitha Skaria General Secretary, KMRM welcomed the invited guests and gathering. While delivering the felicitation, Program Convener Mr. Babuji Betheri, presented the value of Hindu Culture and pointed out how beliefs are connected with nature. Mr. Jomon Cherian Vazhathara, proposed the vote of thanks. Pranamam-2015, a memorial celebration of an extraordinary nature, concluded with delicious traditional Onam Sadya. Advocate Shibu Jacob, Master of Ceremonies managed the whole event to be within the scheduled time with his skills.

Calgary Malankara Catholic Mission

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Calgary Malankara Catholic Mission

A new mission for the Syro-Malankara Catholic faithful living in and around Calgary in Canada was inaugurated on August 29, 2015 by His Excellency the Most Rev. Thomas Mar Eusebius. His Excellency celebrated the Holy Mass for our community in Calgary at the St. Joseph’s Church. After the Holy Mass, His Excellency officially inaugurated the mission, naming it, ‘St. Jude Syro-Malankara Catholic Mission of Calgary’. Rev. Fr. John Kuriakose has been appointed the Vicar of this mission. The Syro-Malankara Catholic community in Edmonton along with their Vicar Rev. Fr. Thomas Puthuparambil participated in the Holy Mass and in the inauguration ceremony. Other priests present on the occasion were Rev. Fr. Saju (Syro-Malabar Mission, Calgary), Rev. Fr. Thomas Vadassery OSB, Rev. Fr. Reji OFM, Rev. Fr. Joseph, etc.. Rev. Fr. John Kuriakose has served the St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Mission of Toronto for almost 6 years.

Calgary mission 2

Rev. Sr Euginia SIC is Called to Eternal Rest

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Rev. Sr Euginia SIC is Called to Eternal Rest

Rev. Sr Eugenia SIC, a member of the Sisters of the Imitation of Christ, Thiruvananthapuram Province, was called to eternal reward on Tuesday 18, August, 2015. She was 77 years old. Funeral service was held on Wednesday, 19, August, 2015 at Provincial House chapel Thiruvananthapuram. His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos officiated the service. Her mortal remains buried at the tomb of Cemetery of Bethany Provincial House, Trivandrum. She belongs to Malancharuvil family at Ullannur, Pathanamthitta. Cyril Baselios Catholicos of Happy Memory, late Fr George Malancharuvil, late Fr Mathai Malancharuvil, late Sr Helena SIC, late Mr. Abraham Malancharuvil, Rev. Sr. Berchumans SIC, Rev. Sr Felicia SIC, Sri. Joseph Mathew, Malancharuvil, USA and Sri. John Mathai IAS are her siblings. She served as the teacher in various Schools, such as, Nalanchira, Kayamkulam, Nangiarkulam, Chengannur, Aruviyodu and Kundara. She also served as the administrator of Infant Jesus central school, Kuravankonam. May her soul rest in peace!

The first phase of housing scheme comes to an end & Girideepam Convention Center inaugurated

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The first phase of housing scheme comes to an end & Girideepam Convention Center inaugurated

Inspired by the love of God and envisioned with one of the greatest objectives, the Major Archbishop –Catholicos Silver Jubilee Housing Scheme came to the end of its first phase with the gathering of 502 families in the newly constructed Girideepam Convention Center, on July 28, 2015.

The newly constructed Girideepam Convention Center at Nalanchira was blessed and inaugurated by His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, in the presence of a large gathering of the clergy, religious and faithful. His Beatitude was the main celebrant and with him Bishop Samuel Mar Irenios was the concelebrant. After the ceremonial blessing the inaugural session commenced with the lighting of the lamp by His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis.
Bishop Samuel Mar Irenios formally welcomed the gathering and it was followed by His Beatitude’s recognition of indebtedness to all for the help in the form of prayers and financial assistance.

The meeting drew to a close with Sri John Mathai(IAS Retd.), the secretary of the Major Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, offering a vote of thanks to all.

In the auspicious occasion where the clergy, religious and faithful gathered, His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Major Archbishop-Catholicos handed over the keys of the completed houses to the beneficiaries.

Cardinal Cleemis meets opposition MPs over saffronisation of education

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Cardinal Cleemis meets opposition MPs over saffronisation of education

Cardinal Baselios Mar Cleemis, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India met leaders of several political parties in Delhi on Thursday, expressing concerns regarding the “saffronisation of education”.

He also pointed out that none of the 35,000 Christian institutions in the country had so far been consulted on the National Education Policy.

The Human Resource Development Ministry has invited online suggestions on the new education policy. It is also holding over 2.75 lakh direct consultations at the grassroots level.

The Cardinal’s meeting also saw discussions on recent statements by some leaders. These included the recent statement of VHP patron Ashok Singhal in which he said India would become a Hindu Rashtra by 2020.

Also on the agenda was the RSS demand that the “minority” character of an institution should be determined by the composition of its students and not the religion of its administrators.

Among the leaders present were Congress’s Oscar Fernandes, TMC’s Derek O’Brien and AIADMK’s Ravi Bernard.

Eparchy of Puttur girl to play basketball at Special Olympics in Los Angeles

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Eparchy of Puttur girl to play basketball at Special Olympics in Los Angeles

Mangaluru: Rebeka, a 16-year-old student of the Bethany Jeevan Jyothi Special School, Mardala in Puttur Taluk has been selected to participate in the basketball event to be held at Los Angeles from July 25 to August 2.

Speaking to Bangalore Mir-ror, Fr Antony, director of the school said, “Rebeka has been with the institute since 2007. She has participated not just in sports, but in various extracurricular activities including a state level dance competition. She is the daughter of Siji and Rosamma – both coolie workers. Since 2011, she has been participating in basketball competitions. Despite being mentally challenged, she is good in extracurricular activities.”

He added that she and the school was very excited about her participation. “She is the first student from our school at the international level. In the past, we have only made it to the national competitions,” he said.

 

Source: Bangalore Mirror

Mar Ivanios Day Celebrations – Across the globe, 2015

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Mar Ivanios Day Celebrations – Across the globe, 2015

India – Thiruvananthapuram

An unprecedented 20,000 people concluded a five-day “walking pilgrimage” to remember Servant of God Mar Ivanios.

“He is father of our Church. It is part of the Eastern spiritual practice to walk in pilgrimage to the tomb of our fathers,” said Father Thomas Kayyalackal, chief organizer of the pilgrimage that ended July 15 in southern Indian Kerala state.

When the pilgrimage started 37 years ago less than 20 people participated but now the numbers have increased phenomenally, said Father Kayyalackal.

Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, head of the Church, led the 130 kilometers walk from Mar Ivanios’ birthplace to his tomb.

Mar Ivanios “always worked for religious and spiritual harmony,” he said.

Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, president of Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace was chief guest for this year’s programs. In his address, he described Mar Ivanios as the “modern Moses who led his faithful to the promise land.”

Less than 10 people joined Mar Ivanios when he came to Catholic fold, but the Church today has some 500,000 Catholics in eight dioceses and two archdioceses.

USA

The 62nd anniversary of the heavenly journey of the Servant of God Mar Ivanios was celebrated by the Exarchate on Sunday, July 12, 2015. The celebration was started with the morning prayers at the St. Vincent de Paul Malankara Catholic Cathedral, followed by concelebrated Holy Qurbono. His Excellency the Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Eusebius presided over the liturgical celebration. Rev. Dr. Paul Thelakkat gave the homily. Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Mangalath, Rev. Fr. Sathyan O.I.C, Rev. Fr. Abraham Lukose, Rev. Dr. Sunny Mathew, Rev. Fr. Rev. Fr. Francis Assisi and Rev. Fr. Michael Edathil were concelebrants. After the Holy Qurbono, special prayers were offered for Mar Ivanios. Rev. Fr. Francis Assisi OIC delivered the commemoration speech in honor of the Servant of God. The celebration was concluded with agape. Around 500 people participated in the celebration.

UAE – Sharjah

Sharjah Malankara Catholic Community celebrated Feast of Commemoration of the servant of God Mar Ivanios on 10th of July 2015 at 11am at St. Micheal’s Church, Sharjah. The Padayathra was lead by the MCYM members. A total of 600 Malankara members were present during the Padayatra followed by the Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Mathew Kandathil.

UAE – Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Malankara Catholic Community celebrated Feast of Commemoration of the servant of God Mar Ivanios on 9th of July 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Abu Dhabi. The Padayathra was lead by the MCYM members. The Malankara members of the Abu Dhabi emirate participated in the Padayatra followed by the Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Mathew Kandathil.

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