Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos to Visit Vienna for Apostolic Mission

Vienna: The faithful of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Austria eagerly welcomed His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the Father and Head of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church and Major Archbishop-Catholicos of Trivandrum, on his historic apostolic visit to Vienna. The visit, conducted under the aegis of the Mor Ivanios Malankara Mission, was centred at the mission’s church in Pfarre Breitenfeld, Florianigasse 70, 1080 Vienna.

As part of this inaugural apostolic visit, His Beatitude arrived to preside over the celebrations at St. Francis of Assisi Church, marking a spiritual milestone for the mission and the Malankara faithful. The event, which spanned October 6 and 7, 2018, was organised with prayerful leadership by Fr. Thomas Prasobh OIC, the Chaplain of the Mor Ivanios Malankara Mission, along with support from Prince Pathiparampil, Trustee of the Mission, and other faithful.

The highlight of the visit was the Solemn Holy Qurbono, celebrated on October 6 at 5:30 PM. This liturgical celebration, held at the Pfarre Breitenfeld Church, brought together clergy and laity in a shared act of worship, with priests from various traditions assisting as co-celebrants. Following the Holy Qurbono, His Beatitude officially inaugurated the MCYM Golden Jubilee Celebrations, marking 50 years of the Malankara Catholic Youth Movement’s impactful presence and service. The evening concluded with an agape, fostering fellowship and unity among the faithful.

Reflecting on the significance of this visit, the Major Archbishop’s presence in Vienna symbolised a deepening of spiritual ties within the diaspora community, honouring the legacy of Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios, whose vision continues to inspire the mission’s growth.

His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos holds the distinction of being the first Cardinal from the Malankara Catholic Church. Elevated to this role by the Holy See, he is also a member of the Papal conclave, underscoring his pivotal role in the global Catholic Church. A distinguished scholar, His Beatitude earned a doctorate in ecumenism from Rome and has tirelessly worked to build bridges between diverse Christian traditions.

As the faithful gathered in Vienna, the Mor Ivanios Malankara Mission extended a heartfelt invitation to everyone to participate in the celebrations and liturgical services led by the Catholicos. His Beatitude’s visit reinforced the mission’s commitment to preserving the rich spiritual and cultural traditions of the Malankara Church within the diaspora.