Schools Must Be Drug-Free, Teachers Must Uphold Moral Values: His Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos

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Schools Must Be Drug-Free, Teachers Must Uphold Moral Values: His Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos

Thiruvananthapuram – Schools must remain free from the menace of drugs, and teachers should be committed to nurturing a morally upright generation, said His Eminent Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.

His Beatitude was inaugurating the annual conference of the Kerala Catholic Teachers’ Guild (KCTG) of the Major Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram, which also included a farewell ceremony for retiring teachers. Addressing the gathering, His Beatitude emphasised that the classroom must be a place of virtue and formation, where children are guided towards a life of faith and righteousness.

The event was presided over by Roy N. G., President of the KCTG, Thiruvananthapuram Major Archdiocese. Among the distinguished speakers were Very Rev. Msgr. Varkey Attupurath Corepiscopo, Vicar General of the Major Archdiocese and Correspondent of Schools, Fr. Nelson Valiyaveettil, Principal of St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Pattom, Fr. Jose Charuvil, Principal of St. John’s Model Higher Secondary School, Nalanchira, Johnny C. A., Vice President of the KCTG, Biju P. M., Secretary, and Biju K. George, Treasurer.

Also present were Rani M. Alex, Vice Principal of St. Mary’s School, Pattom, and C. Madlin Mathew, a teacher at St. Goretti’s School, Nalanchira. The gathering honoured winners of teacher literary competitions and Joseph Roy, recipient of the KCBC Teacher Award.

The conference reaffirmed the commitment of Catholic educators to upholding faith-based education, ensuring that schools remain centres of learning, moral formation, and social responsibility.

Rev. Sr. Merlin D.M. Enters Eternal Rest

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Rev. Sr. Merlin D.M. Enters Eternal Rest

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Daughters of Mary, St. Mary’s Province mourns the passing of Rev. Sr. Merlin D.M. (75), a dedicated servant of Christ, who entered eternal rest today, 5 March 2025, at 11:45 AM. A member of the 1969 batch, Sr. Merlin faithfully served the Church and the congregation, embodying a life of prayer and commitment.

Funeral Arrangements

🔹 Public Viewing:

  • 5 March 2025, until 6:30 PM at Anchal Bhavan.
  • Following this, the mortal remains will be taken to Pongummoodu Provincial House by 8:00 PM.

🔹 Funeral Service:

  • 6 March 2025, at 11:00 AM
  • Officiated by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mor Polycarpos, Auxiliary Bishop of the Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum.

The Malankara Catholic Church extends its heartfelt prayers for Sr. Merlin’s soul, recalling her years of selfless service and unwavering dedication to Christ and His people. Let us unite in prayer, asking the Lord to grant her eternal rest and peace.

Honour for Dedication: Mrs. Mariamma George Receives State Award for Best Anganwadi Teacher

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Honour for Dedication: Mrs. Mariamma George Receives State Award for Best Anganwadi Teacher

Kizhavalloor: Recognition comes to those whose service is not a mere profession but a calling, and in this spirit, Mrs. Mariamma George, a devoted member of St. Peter’s Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, Kizhavalloor, has been honoured with the State Award for Best Anganwadi Teacher for the year 2024.

With a heart that nurtures and hands that build the future of many children, Mrs. Mariamma George has been a guiding light for young minds, embodying the values of care and dedication. Her relentless efforts in early childhood education and community welfare have now been recognised at the state level, bringing pride to her parish and all who know her.

The Malankara community extends heartfelt congratulations and prayers, rejoicing in this well-deserved honour. May the Almighty bless her to continue her invaluable service with renewed strength and grace.

Eternal Rest in Christ: Sr. Baptista Called to Her Heavenly Home

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Eternal Rest in Christ: Sr. Baptista Called to Her Heavenly Home

Pathanamthitta, March 3, 2025 – The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church mourns the passing of Sr. Baptista, who was called to eternal rest at the age of 83. A devoted religious sister, her life was one of deep faith, selfless service, and unwavering commitment to the Church and the people of God.

The funeral rites were held today, March 3, 2025, in Pathanamthitta, with the faithful gathering in prayer and remembrance. The final journey began at 8:00 AM with the mortal remains being kept for public homage. The sequence of funeral services included:

  • 8:00 AM – Arrival of the body at Virasha Kurishadi
  • 9:30 AM – First prayer service
  • 10:30 AM – Second prayer service
  • 11:30 AM – Final respects and prayers
  • 12:00 PM – Holy Mass and funeral liturgy
  • 3:00 PM – Final burial rites at Kanjiramkuzhy Church Cemetery

A cherished member of the Bethany Sisters, Sr. Baptista lived a life dedicated to prayer, education, and social service. Her passing is a great loss to the congregation and to the many whose lives she touched.

The Malankara Catholic community unites in prayer, asking the Lord to grant her eternal rest in His heavenly kingdom. May her faithful witness and spiritual legacy continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful ones” (Psalm 116:15).

“Renewal of the Heart is the Essence of Lent”: His Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos

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“Renewal of the Heart is the Essence of Lent”: His Beatitude Cardinal Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos

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.

MCA Mavelikara Eparchy Inaugurates New Managing Committee and Executive Oath-Taking Ceremony

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MCA Mavelikara Eparchy Inaugurates New Managing Committee and Executive Oath-Taking Ceremony

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.

MCMF Annual Assembly and ‘Nuhro 2K25’ Inauguration Held at Catholicate Centre

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MCMF Annual Assembly and ‘Nuhro 2K25’ Inauguration Held at Catholicate Centre

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.

Sr. Fransilin D.M. Enters Eternal Rest

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Sr. Fransilin D.M. Enters Eternal Rest

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.

Rhema 2025 Inaugurated: Pathanamthitta Eparchy Launches Yearly MCYM Action Plan

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Rhema 2025 Inaugurated: Pathanamthitta Eparchy Launches Yearly MCYM Action Plan

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.

MCA Delhi Region Inaugurates 2025-26 Pastoral Plan under the Blessings of His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mor Anthonios OIC

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MCA Delhi Region Inaugurates 2025-26 Pastoral Plan under the Blessings of His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mor Anthonios OIC

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.

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