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.

Mar Ivanios is Moses of Modern Era: Cardinal Peter Turkson

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Mar Ivanios is Moses of Modern Era: Cardinal Peter Turkson

Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Vatican, has described Geevarghese Mar Ivanios as the Moses of modern times.

Turkson was addressing the gathering at the commemoration ceremony of the Sevant of God Mar Ivanios. The chief guest at the occasion, Turkson said that akin to Moses leading his people to the Promised Land, Mar Ivanios led the people of his church to the fold of the Universal Church and laid the foundation for building a strong Christian community.

In every age, unique personalities like that of Mar Ivanios are sent by God to give direction to his people and to strengthen their faith, Cardinal Turkson, who hails from Ghana, said. He set an example with his unwavering faith in God. It was through this faith that he attracted communities, said Turkson, who also participated in the procession held prior to the public meeting.

Thousands of faithful Chrisitans visited the tomb of Mar Ivanios at the St Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom, and paid their tributes. Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, Major Archbishop of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, led the Holy Ceremonies.

Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos, Geevarghese Mar Divannasios, Yuhannon Mar Chrysostom, Joshua Mar Ignathios, Abraham Mar Julios, Joseph Mar Thomas, Vincent Mar Poulose, Jacob Mar Barnabas, Thomas Mar Antonios, Samuel Mar Irenius and Philipose Mar Stephanos were also present.

Grand Finale to a Grand Event – Eckara 2015 UAE

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Grand Finale to a Grand Event – Eckara 2015 UAE

The Vacation Bible Class for the children of the Dubai Malankara Catholic Community came to its conclusion on the 14th of July after five glorious Spiritually enriching and fun filled days.

A detailed explanation of the Eckara 2015 in the words of Master Tony Paul (an Eckara participant) who was one of the speakers at the closing ceremony follows.

“Each day has been a learning experience for me. On the first day we were given a talk by Dr. Anthony, he spoke on the topic creation versus evolution. He came to the conclusion that creation and evolution was the same thing by giving valuable evidence. His class was intriguing and informative at the same time. On the second day Dr. Josephine took a class on sexuality in Christianity. She explained the various consequences we could face if we fell towards sin. The third and fourth days sir George Mathew took classes on the history, various parts and meaning of the holy Qurbona. On the fifth day Mr. Cherian held an informative bible quiz which helped us gain knowledge about the bible. We were given a chance to express our talents in the form of a mime. We were divided into 3 groups and had to express a bible parable in the form of a mime. At the end of each day Mr. Philip brainstormed our brain with the help of math puzzles. The vbc has managed to combine fun, education and religion at the same time.

I would also like to thank the yoga specialists for improving my sense of health and teaching us the importance of yoga. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for food and drinks. I couldn’t have survived without you. In a short span of time vbc managed to cover aspects ranging from bible to Christian history to science to health to even art. We even had a short action song class led by Silvi ma’am to keep us entertained. Overall the first edition of vbc was a huge hit. We have changed, Physically, spiritually and mentally. Eckara was the name given for the vbc. It is the Hebrew word for foundation. The vbc has created a foundation of faith in the young kids as well as us teenagers, thus staying true to its name.

I would like to thank our Headmistress Mrs. Thresiamma Varghese and our secretary Mrs. Ancy Phillip for giving me this opportunity. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude towards all the organizers, committee members, teachers and all the people who worked for vbc 2015. Last but not the least a very big thank you towards our spiritual director Fr. Mathew Kandathil.”

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Malankara Catholic Bible Convention – USA 2015

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Malankara Catholic Bible Convention – USA 2015

The Malankara Catholic Bible Convention of 2015 was held on 10, 11 and 12 July, 2015 at the St. Vincent de Paul Malankara Catholic Cathedral, Elmont, New York. Rev. Dr. Paul Thelakkat from the Archdiocese of Ernakulam was the preacher. The convention started every day with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the morning and concluded with the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at 5.00 pm. A good number of our faithful from our Cathedral Parish, our parishes in New Rochelle, Rockland County, New Jersey and from the neighboring parishes participated in the convention. Mr. Shine gave leadership to the choir. The parish committee of the Cathedral was responsible with the arrangements of the convention.

Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee Celebration of Rev. Dr. Geroge Oonnoonny and Rev. Dr.Gigi Philip

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Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee Celebration of Rev. Dr. Geroge Oonnoonny and Rev. Dr.Gigi Philip

The Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee of two Malankara Catholic priests in North America, namely, Rev. Dr. Geroge Oonnoonny and Rev. Dr.Gigi Philip was celebrated on July 11 under the auspices of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Exarchate. The Jubilarians celebrated the Holy Mass at 11.00 am at the St. Vincent de Paul Cathedral Church. His Excellency the Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Eusebius preached the homily during the Mass. After the celebration of the Holy Mass, the Jubilarians were felicitated by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Peter Kochery and Mr. George James, representing respectively the priests/religious and the lay faithful of the Exarchate. Mr. John P. Varghese, Secretary of the Exarchail Pastoral Council was the MC. The Jubilarians spoke in reply. The celebrations was concluded with a common lunch. Rev. George Oonnonny serves as Pastor in two parishes in the Archdiocese of New York and also in the Archdiocesan Tribunal. Rev. Gigi Philip is the Vicar of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Mission in Toronto and the Priest Co-ordinator of the Syro-Malankara Catholic communities in Canada. Besides, he also serves as the Pastor in a parish in the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Priests’ in USA – Annual Retreat

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Priests’ in USA – Annual Retreat

The priests of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Exarchate had their annual retreat from July 5 to 9 at the Malvern Retreat Center, Philadelphia. His Excellency Dr. Thomas Mar Eusebius and 21 priests participated in the retreat. Rev. Dr. Paul Thelakkatt, PRO of the Syro-Malabar Church was the retreat preacher. The solid preaching of Dr. Thelekkat, coupled with the serene and scenic atmosphere of the retreat center helped the retreatants to spend four enriching days in prayer and reflection. The occasion was also used to convene an official meeting of the Presbyteral Council of the Exarchate.

Discernment Camp USA

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Discernment Camp USA

A discernment camp was organized to bring together the youth of the Exarchate to inspire and inform them about the vocation to priesthood. The camp was conducted on June 26 to 28, 2015 at the Exarchate Center under the leadership of Bishop Thomas Mar Eusebius, Rev. Fr. Abraham Lukose, and Bro. Jerry Mathew. The highlight of the camp was the diaconate ordination which was held on the second day of the camp. The camp also included talks and videos on the vocation to priesthood, Holy Mass, adoration, and liturgical song practice. The talks were given by Bishop Thomas Mar Eusebius, Rt. Rev. Msgrs. Peter Kochery and Richard Figliozzi, Rev. Frs. Sathyan Antony, Saji Mukkoot, Sunny Mathew, and Michael Edathil. 36 boys from the Cathedral, New Rochelle, Washington, Toronto, Houston, Philadelphia, and Chicago parishes attended the camp. The organizers thank the families who provided a place to stay for the campers who came from out of state.

Brother Jerry Mathew is ordained a Deacon

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Brother Jerry Mathew is ordained a Deacon

Most Rev. Bishop Thomas Mar Eusebius ordained Bro. Jerry Mathew as a deacon at St. Vincent De Paul Malankara Cathedral Parish, Elmont, NY. The ceremony started at 9:30 am with solemn procession and the prayers of the Third Hour. The diaconate ordination was celebrated during the Holy Qurbono after the Quqilions. Msgr. James McDonald of St. Aidan’s parish delivered the homily. The event was attended by several priests, religious sisters, and parishioners from various parishes, along with the family and relatives of Bro. Jerry. Bro. Jerry is the son of Thomas Mathew and Gracy Mathew and is a native of St. Joseph’s Malankara Church, Detroit, Michigan. Around 250 people were present for the joyous occasion.

Diaconate Jerry Mathew

First Pastoral Council of the Exarchate of Khadki in India

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First Pastoral Council of the Exarchate of Khadki in India
A joint meeting of the members of the Pastoral Council with the Priests and Religious of the Exarchate of St Ephrem Khadki-Pune was held on 11th June 2015 at St. Mary’s Cathedral Khadki Pune. The Gathering began with the concelebrated Holy Qurbono in which all the members participated.

After the Holy Qurbono, all gathered in the auditorium of the Cathedral for the Pastoral Council Meeting together with the Priests and the Religious.  The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Most Rev Thomas Mar Anthonios OIC, Exarch of Khadki-Pune.

On the dais were Very Rev Monsignor Varghese Mattamana, Protosyncellus of the Exarchate, Rev Fr George Mathew OIC, Chancellor of the Exarchate, Bar Itho Kasiro Sri PV Thomas and Barz Itho Kasirtho Smt Sara Mani Kuriakose. After the opening prayer by His Excellency Most Rev Thomas Mar Anthonios OIC, there was a reading from the Holy Bible (Mt 10:1-15). The Chancellor Rev Fr George Mathew OIC then welcomed the gathering.

ELECTION OF THE PASTORAL COUNCIL SECRETARY

Very Rev. Msgr Varghese Mattamana introduced the agenda of the meeting. It was proposed that the secretary of the Pastoral Council shall be elected so that he may begin to record the minutes of the meeting. As per directive from the Exarch, the Council could propose the name and someone could support the proposal and on acceptance by the proposed, the person could take up the responsibility. Accordingly Shri Daniel Babu’s name was proposed and the house applauded the proposal as a sign of support. The Exarch asked the consent of the proposed. On acceptance of the proposal, the Exarch appointed Mr Daniel Babu as the Secretary of the Pastoral Council for the next three years.

INAUGURAL ADDRESS

His Excellency Most Rev Thomas Mar Anthonios OIC then addressed the gathering. He highlighted the significance of the first official gathering of the Exarchate and welcomed everyone to the gathering. He stated that the Exarchate Pastoral Council is the coming together of all the Clergy, Religious and the Laity to serve the exarchate. The purpose of the Pastoral Council as per Canon 272-275of the CCEO was explained by His Excellency. He then presented a vision of the activities for the next five years.

The Protosyncellus, Very Rev Monsignor Varghese Mattamana, then presented a gist of sharing by the Exarchial Bishop. The Monsignor said that we have a dual responsibility, one of faith living as per the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church and evangelization as per the vision of the Reunion Movement.

The house spent quarter of an hour in clarifying some of the points shared in the inaugural address. All then proceeded to the church for noon prayer and thereafter for lunch at the ground floor.

SESSION ON UPCOMING PLANS OF THE EXARCHIAL COMMISSIONS

The afternoon session started off with prayer and was followed by the self-introduction of the members.

Rev Fr Varghese Valikkodath the Coordinator and Secretary of the Exarchial Commissions for Evangelization, Vocation, Faith Formation, Apostolates of Bible, Youth, Family and Laity, then outlined how the various apostolates will be organized in the Exarchate. A write up on the model of functioning and requirements of each commission was handed out to all members and the same explained. Rev Father mentioned that his immediate responsibility was to animate the reorganization of the unit, zonal and exarchial level bodies of all these commissionsin accordance with the need of the Exarchate. He mentioned that he will be visiting all zones to ensure that the activities are launched and sought the help of all concerned.

The house was then open to discussion regarding Exarchial Commissions. His Excellency concluded the session and responded to interventions

Afterwards, the Protosyncellus Very Rev Monsignor Varghese Mattamana, with the approval of the Exarch, presented a general guideline of administration for the present.

OPEN DISCUSSION

The next session was the Zero Hour or Open Forum moderated by Very Rev Monsignor Fr. Varghese Mattamana. He invited the members to share their views and suggestions for the life in the Exarchate. Many of the members wholeheartedly contributed to this session

ACCOUNTS OF THE INAUGURATION OF THE EXARCHATE AND THE SUNTHRONISO

Rev.Fr. Mathew Varikkatt presented the accounts of the Exarchate till date including expenditure for installation functions and income from souvenir and Malayala Manorama supplement collection. At this juncture the Monsignor in a big way appreciated the finance committee which performed and contributed in a big way. The role of Rev Fr Mathai Iranathara OIC as General Convenor of the Finance Committee was also highly appreciated. Rev Fr Mathai Iranathara thanked all members of the Finance Committee and mentioned the names of Shri Babu George Kharghar, Shri Alex Valavil Dehu Road for their extraordinary commitment and the Kharghar Parish which collected Rs10 lakhs and BARC a small parish of 15 families which collected Rs2.25 lakhs.

The Protosyncellus also thanked the nine generous volunteers who contributed to purchase a vehicle for the use of the Exarch. These nine volunteers were given mementoes by the Exarch.

UPCOMING MAJOR EVENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CONSOLIDATION OF THE MEETING BY THE EXARCH

His Excellency Thomas Mar Anthonios said that the Padayatra to the tomb of the Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios will be taken up this year also as per arrangements coordinated in the previous years in ETRI.  Reservations shall be made with Netravathi Express from Mumbai starting on 12th June.  His Excellency will be part of Padayatra on all five days and said that the padayatris from the Exarchate can join on the 5th day at Trivandrum for one day walk. There are also Youth from the Exarchate who join the padayatra on the first day. His Excellency said that the organization of the Feast of Commemoration of Mar Ivanios in various zones needs to be stepped up.

The 85thReunion Day Celebrations and annual Sabha Sanghamam to be held at Thriumoolapuram in the Archdiocese of Thiruvalla from 19-21 September 2015. Participation from the Exarchate is to be ensured. Zonal Reunion Celebrations are also to be organized as usual.

Many are requesting a Holy Land Pilgrimage under the leadership of the Exarch. This will be organized in the month of November 2015. Those interested shall give their names to the Chancellor Rev Fr George Mathew OIC.

As we had a common gathering of the Exarchate at its inauguration, there is no plan for conducting any convention this year as a major function of the Exarchate. General convention of the Exarchate will be held next year. We will explore the possibility of a common convention of the MCYM with the Eparchy of St John Chrysostom.

EXARCHATE BULLETIN

His Excellency complimented the Editor of the Exarchial Bulletin, Rev Fr George Mathew OIC and others involved in the timely publishing of the first bulletin of the Exarchate during the installation/inauguration ceremony on 30th May 2015. He stated that the Bulletin is the organ where all the official communication in the Exarchate will appear. All the news from zones/parishes/institutions is to reach the Chancellor before the 20th of each month and the same will be printed and couriered to all units before end of month. Zonal and unit wise bulletins can be continued as per discretion of respective zones/units. However, all important news of the Exarchate has to be published in the Exarchate Bulletin. Vishal Malankara Voice (VMV) will continue and will cater to the needs of theological, spiritual, ecclesial and social thinking and sharing in the two Eparchies. Personnel and volunteers from the Exarchate to serve on the Editorial Board of the VMV are solicited.

PASTORAL COUNCIL

His Excellency also clarified that the Pastoral Council has included all the members of the Exarchate region elected and nominated in the erstwhile ETRI Pastoral Council. They are now confirmed as members of the Pastoral Council of the Exarchate. However the Council will be reconstituted by adding nominated members soon and the Council will have a term of three years from now.

GRATITUDE

His Excellency Thomas Mar Anthonios also took the opportunity to thank everyone of the Exarchate who worked diligently for the success of the inauguration the Exarchate and the installation of the Exarch, which was successfully conducted on 30May 2015 at Khadki Pune. Healso thanked Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Major Archbishop-Catholicos and the Holy Episcopal Synod of the SMCC for their constant solidarity with the Exarchate. He also placed on record the gratitude of the Exarchate and his personal gratitude to the Apostolic Nuncio His Grace Salvatore Penachio and all the Bishops and other dignitaries who participated in the above mentioned functions. He appreciated the generous and dynamic leadership of the Laity of the Exarchate for their Spirit-filled commitment and hard work. They are the treasure of the Church and the Exarchate. In the Exarchate we have them as a special gift of Our Lord. He also thanked profusely the Rev. Priests and the Sisters for their commitment for the emergence of the Exarchate. He especially thanked everyone present for their participation in spite of their busy schedule. However, he pointed that absence in such gatherings without the most serious reason is a breach of trust the Church has placed on them.

CONCLUSION

The meeting ended with vote of thanks by Mr Daniel Babu, the Secretary of the Pastoral Council. His Excellency Thomas Mar Anthonios made the concluding prayers and gave the apostolic blessing to all present and for the entire Exarchate.

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