The inauguration of the newly erected eparchy of Parassala and the enthronement ceremony of Most Rev. Thomas Mar Eusebius, the first bishop of the Eparchy, was took place at Nazareth Home School, Balaramapuram on 23 September 2017. Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos was the Chief celebrant. His Beatitude Ignatius Youssef III Younan, the Antiochean Syrian Patriarch, Archbishop Giambattista Diquatro, the Apostolic Nuncio to India, Mother Prema, the Superior General of the Sisters of Charity, and other Bishops were given ecclesial reception at the main entrance of the venue. The sunthroniso ceremony or the installation was conducted during the concelebrated Holy Mass. Archbishop Giambattista Diquatro, the Apostolic Nuncio to India, gave the homily. It was followed by a felicitation meeting. Rev. Mother Prema, the Superior General of the Sisters of Charity, inaugurated the public meeting. She showed a special thanks to Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos for taking up Saint Mother Teresa of Kolkota as the patroness saint of the newly erected eparchy and offered prayers and support of the congregation to the new Eparchy. It is the first eparchy in the world which took Mother Teresa of Kolkota as the patroness saint. A good number of political-religious and social leaders were participated in the function.
REUNION DAY CELEBRATION OF THE SYRO-MALANKARA CATHOLIC CHURCH AND EPISCOPAL ORDINATIONS
The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church celebrated 87th Reunion Day (Sabha Sangamam) and Episcopal Ordinations from 19 to 21 September 2017 at Adoor under the auspice of Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum. It was an occasion for the Church to remember and to give thanks to the God Almighty for the abundant blessings which he has showered upon this Church during the course of time. The chief guest of the program was His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius Youssef Younan III, the Syrian Catholic Patriarch of Antioch, and the other delegates His Excellency Youssef Habash, Bishop of USA-Canada, Archbishop of Egypt- His Grace Youssef Hanoush. All the bishops from the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, number of bishops from the Latin and the Syro-Malabar Church, Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church, Malankara Syrian Jacobite Church and Marthoma Church were participated in the celebration. The program was attended by more than twenty-five thousand people including Vicar Generals, Core-Episcopos, Rambans, Priests, Religious and Lay faithful from various parts of the world. There were representatives from the Hindu and Muslim communities and leaders from various political and other social realms.
As a memorial monument of the 87th Reunion Day Celebrations, the newly constructed Sacred Heart church at Adoor, was consecrated and opened to all on 19 September 2017. His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, was the principal Celebrant, and His Beatitude Moran Mor Ignatius Youssef III Younan, the Syrian Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and the dignitaries participated in it.
On 19 September, after the hoisting of Papal and Catholicate flags at the venue of the celebration there was an International Quiz competition organized by the Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM). On 20th September there were gatherings of MCCL (children) MCYM (Youth), MCA (Laity) and Mathrusangam (Mothers Association) at various venues. More than thousand Sunday school students and teachers took part in the MCCL meeting and Rev. Fr Bony OFM conducted the orientation class. The gathering of MCYM was inaugurated by Dr. Santhosh Mathew IAS, the Chairman, NCTE. Rev. Dr Jacob Manjaly presented the theme. More than three thousand youth participated in the session. The session of the lay people (MCA) was inaugurated by Dr. Cyriac Joseph, Hon’ Rtd. Justice of Supreme Court. Dr Jacob Punnoose IPS Rtd., DGP of Kerala, delivered the benedictory address. The gathering of the mothers (Mathrusamagam) was inaugurated by Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, and Adv. Grace Lal, Family Councillor, led the session.
Green protocol of the State was strictly observed throughout the celebrations. Hence, Mrs R. Girija IAS, Hon’ District Collector of Pathanamthitta, gave the green protocol certificate to His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos for keeping the entire premises under green protocol of the state. Several charitable acts have been launched during this reunion gathering.
There was a special gathering conducted under the title ‘Addressing of the Church in Fire’ in view of addressing the issues of the persecuted Church in Syria. The chief guest of the function His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius Youssef Younan III, the Syrian Catholic Patriarch of Antioch shared the concerns and anxieties of the people in Syria and Lebanon. As a token of love the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church offered Rs. 65,00,000/- to the persecuted church.
Episcopal Ordinations
The Episcopal Ordinations of His Excellency Most. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Makarios (George Kalayil Ramban) as the Bishop of Puttur and His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Yoohanon Mar Theodoisus (Yoohanon Kochuthundil Ramban), as Bishop of the Major Archiepiscopal Curia and Apostolic Visitator for Europe and Oceania were taken place on 21st September 2017. The Principal celebrant was Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos. His Beatitude Patriarch Ignatius Youssef III Younan, all the prelates of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church and other Bishops delegates from various Churches solemnized the ceremony.
Afterwards, the following persons belonging to the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church were awarded for their yeomen service to the society at large: Dr K.M Abraham IAS (the present Chief Secretary, Govt. of Kerala), Mr John Mathai IAS (Retired, Former Chief Secretary, Govt. of Kerala), Ms Lizy Jacob IAS (Retired Former Chief Secretary, Govt of Kerala), Mr Jacob Punnoose IPS (Retired Former Director General of Police, Govt of Kerala), Dr Alexander Jacob IPS (Retired Former Director General of Police, Govt of Kerala), Dr Santhosh Mathew IAS (Chairman, National Council for Teacher Education), Mr Jacob Thomas Kozhimannil IAS (Retired Former Chairman, Cochin Port Trust), Dr George Onakkur (Malayalam Literary Luminary) and Dr Varghese Kurian (NRI Industrialist).
Prominent religious-social-political leaders like Archbishop Maria Soosai Pakiam (Trivandrum), Archbishop Andrews Thazhath (Trissur), Archbishop Joseph Perumthottam (Changanassery), Archbishop Abraham Viruthukulangara (Nagpur), Mar Mathew Arackal (Kanjirappally), Bishop Stanly Roman (Kollam), Mar Alex Vadakkumthala (Kannur), Mar Jose Pulickal (Kanjirappally), Mar George Madathikandom (Kothamangalam), Mar Sebastian Edayanthrath (Ernakulam), Mar Joseph Pandarassery (Kottayam), Mar George Rajendran (Thakkala), Bishop Markos Mar Chrysostomos (the Evangelistic Association of the East at the Monastery of St. Aphrem, the Syrian), Bishop Mathews Mar Thevodosios (Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church), Bishop Abraham Mar Paulos (Marthoma Church) , Rev. Dr. Tony Neelankavil (Bishop-Designate, Trissur), Rev. Dr. Sebastian Vaniapurackal (Bishop-Designate, Syro-Malabar Curia), Rev. Dr. Joseph Plampany (Thallassery) Rev. Fr Boby Alex (Deepika, Chief Editor), Prof P.J. Kurian (Deputy Speaker, Rajya Sabha), Mr M.M Mani (Hon’ Minister of Kerala), Justice Kurien Joseph (Hon’ Justice, Supreme Court of India), K.M Mani, V.M. Sudheeran, Raju Abraham MLA, Anto Antony MP, Kodikunnel Suresh MP, Francis George, Hon’ Rtd. Justice Cyriac Joseph, Kummanam Rajasekharan (BJP State President), were participated in the celebration.
The 64th Feast of Commemoration of the Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios at Gurgaon
Delhi Malankara Catholic Association and Delhi Regional Pastoral Council unitedly celebrated the 64th Feast of Commemoration of the Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios on 22nd and 23rd July 2017 at St Mary’s Cathedral, Nebsarai, New Delhi.
The padayatra in relation with the commemoration of the 64thfeast of Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios started from Mother Mary Malankara Catholic Church Ghaziabad on 22nd July 2017. The padayatra started after The Holy Qurbono, Gurugram Diocese Vicar General Msgr. Shaji Manikullam was the main celebrant for the Holy Qurbono and all our regional parish priest were co-celebrants. Msgr. Shaji Manikullam blessed the Vallikurishu, handed over to Padayatra Captain Rev. Fr. Benny OIC, DMCA Gen Secretary Mr. Sijin Mathew & MCYM Delhi Regional President Mr. Sijo Sunny and Msgr. inaugurated the Padayatra.
After refreshment, Padayathra proceeded to Nebsarai Cathedral via Indirapuram Velankanni Church, after a grand reception at Velankanni Church, by noon padayathra reached at St. George Malankara Catholic Church, Mayur Vihar. At Mayur Vihar Church padayathra traditionally received by Parish Vicar Rev. Fr. Felix OIC and Parish members and followed by Dhoopa Prarthana. After reception everyone had lunch and rest.
In the evening by 3.30 PM padayathra re-started from Mayur Vihar and proceed to Jasola. By 7.30 PM padayathra reached at St. Jude Malankara Catholic Church, Jasola. At Jasola Church padayathra traditionally received by Parish members and followed by Dhoopa Prarthana. After grand reception everyone had dinner and halt for the day.
On 23rd July 2017, at 6.00 AM the padayathra started after Morning Prayer from Jasola Church and proceed to final destination of St. Mary’s Cathedral Nebsarai. By 10.30 AM padayathra reached at St. Mary’s Cathedral. H E Vincent Mar Paulose along with Cathedral Vicar Rev Fr. Philips Vazhakunnath and Parish Members received the padayathra.
The two days long celebrations concluded with the solemn Holy Qurbono celebrated by H E Vincent Mar Paulose Bishop of Marthandom Diocese and the entire regional priest were co-celebrants. The second day concluded with Dhoopa Prarthana, Special Prayer, Luthiniya, Nercha and Agape.
Around 800 devotees participated in the two days celebrations from all over the Delhi Region. The celebration was very much delightful to all the devotees participated in Padayathra, Holy Qurbono and Prayers. Devotees went to home with full of joy and peace in heart.
All the preparations were done in the headship of Proto Presbyter Rev Fr. Sam Pathackal and team members Mr. K. G John (Vice President), Mr. Sijin Mathew (Gen. Secretary), Mr. Sunny Mathew (Secretary), Mrs. Valsamma Simon (Secretary), Mr. T. Thomas (Treasurer) and Mr. Jayan Mathew (Joint-Treasurer).
Mar Ivanios Pilgrimage 2017 from Gurgaon Diocese
The Mar Ivanios Pilgrimage 2017 from Delhi started on 11th July 2017 from Mar Ivanios Bhawan, Neb Sarai, New Delhi, with the Holy Qurbono celebrated by H.E. Most Rev. Bp. Jacob Mar Barnabas. After, the Holy Qurbono and Dhoopa-prarthana, the ‘Vallikurishu’ and the Portrait of Servant of God Mar Ivanios were handed over by His Excellency to Rev. Fr. Sam Pathackal and Mr. Biju George respectively. Rev. Fathers, Sisters and Regional Pastoral Council Members in Delhi Region were present to receive and see off the Pilgrimage Team. The Pilgrim-team moved to New Delhi Railway Station, from where most of the pilgrims joined together and travelled by Kerala Express to Trivandrum. There were 49 Pilgrim-members from Delhi Region in the train and so many people along with the priests, sisters and missionaries from our different mission stations namely Odisha, Punjab and North-East have participated in the Padayathra in Kerala for five days.
The Pilgrim-team spent time in reciting prayers, Luthiniya, seeking intercession and recollecting the life & vision of Archbishop Mar Ivanios. Bhopal Community received the Pilgrimage-team at Bhopal Railway Station with much devotion and enthusiasm. The pilgrim-team reached Trivandrum on 13th July evening, and visited the Tomb at the Pattom Cathedral on 14th morning, where the pilgrims from different regions of the Diocese of Gurgaon and Excharchate of Pune assembled together and offered Holy Qurbono. His Excellency Most Rev. Bp. Thomas Mar Anthonios was the main celebrant and priests from Diocese of Gurgaon and Pune Exarchage were the co-celebrants. After the Holy Qurbono, the pilgrim team went to Vettinad and joined with the Main Padayatra coming from Ranni-Perunnadu under the leadership of His Beatitude Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Catholicos. The entire Padayathra-team, thousands in number, reached the Tomb Chapel by 14th July evening and participated in the Prayers and Candle Procession. On 15th July, 2017, the devotees participated in the main celebrations of Concelebrated Holy Qurbono, Dhoopa-prarthana, Agape, etc.
64th Feast of Commemoration of the Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios Celebrated
The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church celebrated the 64th Feast of Commemoration of the Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios on Saturday, 15 July 2017 at St Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom, Trivandrum. Mar George Cardinal Alencherry, Major Archbishop of Syro-Malabar Church was the chief guest of the celebrations.
The padayatra from Ranni-Perunnadu along with other groups of pilgrims reached at the Tomb Chapel, Cathedral on 14 July 2017. It was followed by the Evening prayer and the Candle procession.
The Fifteen days long celebrations concluded with the solemn Holy Qurbono celebrated by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos on 15 July. It was followed by the Dhoopaprarthana and Nercha
Foundation stone laid for school in Gurgaon
The foundation stone for the proposed school in Gurgaon was laid on 25 March 2017 by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr Jacob Mar Barnabas OIC in the presence of the Priests, Sisters, Representatives of the Pastoral Council, well-wishers and benefactors of the Diocese. the Foundation stone was blessed by His Beatitude Moran Maor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos.
The Second anniversary of the Diocese of Gurgaon and festal celebrations
On 7 May 2017, Gurgaon diocese celebrated the Second anniversary of its inauguration along with the festal celebrations of Bishop H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas at St. Mary’s Syro-Malanakara Catholic Cathedral. The programme began with a Holy Qurbono at 3.30 pm, during which 53 individuals of the Suvishesha Sangham were blessed. It was followed by the procession of reception to the Apostolic Nuncio and the Public meeting.
The Chief Guest for the day was H.G. Giambattista Diquattro, the Apostolic Nuncio to India who conveyed the blessings of the Holy Father Pope Francis. He appreciated the ‘solid foundation’ of the missions in the diocese and asked all to move ahead for the ‘challenging mission of evangelizaion’ holding fast the principle of ‘Unity in Diversity’.
Shri. Alphons Kannanthanam IAS and several other distinguished guests, priests, sisters and a large number of laity were present on the occasion. Vicar General Monsignor Shaji Manikulam welcomed and Chancellor Fr. Felix John, OIC thanked the gathering.
Syro-Malankara Catholic Bible Convention 2017, New Delhi
The annual Syro-Malankara Catholic Bible Convention in the Diocese was held this at the St. Mary’s Syro-Malankara Catholic Cathedral, Neb Sarai, New Delhi. It was inaugurated on 24 February 2017 by H.E. Most Rev. Jacob Mar Barnabas, in the presence of Chief Vicar General, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Daniel Kuzhithadathil Corepiscopo, Very Rev. Fr. Simon Eluvuthinkal (Retreat Preacher), Very Rev. Mother Lilly Jose SIC, Provincial Tiruvalla and representatives of the various Apostolates. The convention concluded on Sunday, 26 February 2017 wherein H.E. Theodore Mascarenhas, SFX was the chief guest who blessed the gathering with this presence and blessings.
CBCI Youth Award
Mr. Renny Raj Thevarthottathil, the international president of the Malankara Catholic Youth Movement (MCYM) and the member for of the Eparchy of Pathanamthitta won the Youth Award of CBCI for his dedicated service to the Youth Movements in the Catholic Church. The award was announced by Bishop Henry D?Souza, Chairman, Youth Commission of CBCI, during the 10th National Youth Convention held at Mangalore. Heartfelt Congratulations to Mr. Renny Raj.
