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
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
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.
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.
Sunthroniso of Bp. Thomas Mar Antonios as the first bishop of Pune-Khadki tomorrow
Bishop Thomas Mar Antonios will be installed as the first bishop (Sunthroniso) of the newly created exarchate of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church at St Mary’s Cathedral, Bhau Patil Road in Khadki on Saturday, May 30 morning.
The formal installation of the bishop will be attended by Major Archbishop Catholicas Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, who is also the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI), the Vatican’s ambassador in India Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, Pune Bishop Thomas Dabre and some bishops from other dioceses in the country.
Pope Francis had established the new exarchate of St Ephrem of Khadki on March 26, this year, for the Malayalam-speaking members of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.
Roman Catholic Church recognises 21 rites worldwide and three of them are in India, namely Latin rite, Syro-Malabar rite and Syro-Malankara rite.
Fr Mathew Varikkattu, general convener of the exarchate installation, has said that some special events are planned to mark this momentous milestone in the history of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. Hectic preparations are on at St Mary’s Cathedral in Khadki, which will be the headquarters of the newly created exarchate or diocese of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church having six districts in south India under its jurisdiction.
The exarchate covers Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, together with parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Till now, there was no Syro-Malankara ecclesial circumscription in south India.
CEREMONY
The ceremony to install Thomas Mar Antonios as the first bishop of Khadki exarchate will commence with reception to the special guests at 8.30 am, followed by concelebrated holy qurbono with liturgy of Sunthroniso (installation). There will be a public meeting at 11.30 am, followed by agape (community meal).
Credits: Sakaal Times
Visit of Bishop Thomas Mar Anthonios Valiyavilayil, OIC to the Catholic Diocese of Nashik
The Holy Father has established the new Exarchate of St. Ephrem of Khadki for the Syro-Malankara and has appointed as its first Apostolic Exarch His Lordship Thomas Mar Anthonios Valiyavilayil, OIC. The installation ceremony is scheduled to be held in Pune on 30th May 2015. The first Exarch will have his residence and chancery in the city of Khadki, Pune, in the complex which includes St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church, which will serve as the new cathedral.
His Lordship Thomas Mar Anthonios Valiyavilayil, OIC, made a personal visit to Bishop Lourdes Daniel in Nashik on 14th May, 2015. He was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Scharia Vishal, Parish Priest of St. Thomas Malankara Church and Rev. Fr. George, SAC, from Palloti Dham both from Nashik. The Two Bishop spent few moments of prayer in the Bishop’s House Chapel. His Lordship Thomas Mar Anthonios was felicitated by Bishop Lourdes Daniel.
Bishop Jacob Mar Barnabas to be installed as the First Bishop of the Eparchy of Gurgaon today
The latest diocese of the Syro-Malankara Church will be officially opened today in Delhi in a day-long program that includes a public meeting attended by officials of the federal and state governments.
Federal defense Minister Monohar Parrikar and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal are scheduled to address the afternoon public meeting along with Deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha P. J. Kurian.
During the function, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, the head of the Church will hand over a check of 500,000 rupees to Parrikar to the Prime Minister’s relief fund to help the quake-affected people in Nepal.
A three-hour long liturgy prior to the public meeting will also see the installation of Bishop Jacob Mar Bernabas as the head Delhi-Gurgaon diocese that was announced March 26. The new diocese covers 22 states of the northeast region of India.
With the announcement of the diocese in Delhi and a new exarchate in Pune, the Malankara Church has “achieved an all India jurisdiction for ecclesial administration,” said Cardinal Cleemis.
Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, the apostolic nuncio in India, will address the gathering, along with Latin rite Archbishop Anil Couto of Delhi and Syro-Malabar Bishop Kuriakose Bharanikulngara of Faridabad.
The diocesan area has some 2,000 families of this Kerala-based oriental rite that traces is roots to St. Thomas the apostle, who according to a tradition landed in Kerala in the first century.
Although originally based in Kerala, the members of the Church are now spread across the world. The migrant community in Delhi and surrounding areas are engaged in social welfare activities of the poor such as feeding the hungry, educating the poor and nursing the infirm, officials said at a press conference Thursday.
The new diocese will help expand the community’s social service activities for the development of the nation, said Cardinal Baselios Mar Cleemis, the head of the Church at the press conference.
“The focus will be more on slum dwellers, construction workers, homeless people and those who have no facilities for education and health care,” said Father Varghese Mattamana, the coordinator of the diocesan activities.
Credits: UCAN News
A New Diocese in Gurgaon, Delhi and a New Exarchate in Kirkee-Pune for the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church
- Most Rev. Jacob Mar Barnabas, the present Apostolic Visitor, is the new Bishop in Gurgaon, Delhi.
- Most Rev. Thomas Mar Anthonios, the present Curia Bishop, is the new Bishop for the Kirkee-Pune Exharchate.
- The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church achieved All India Jurisdiction for ecclesial administration with this announcement.
- The Decree of Pope Francis making these provisions was announced at 4:30 P.M. in Trivandrum and also was simultaneously made public in Vatican and Delhi.
- According to Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Bava: “A long cherished dream of Mar Ivanios is fulfilled with this announcement.”
- The announcement came during the Birth Centenary year of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios who initiated the missionary work of the Syro-Malankara Catholic outside Kerala.
- Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Bava expressed Church’s gratitude to Pope Francis, the Oriental Congregation, the Apostolic Nuncio to India and the Latin Hierarchy of India.
Trivandrum: Pope Francis has erected a new Diocese in Gurgaon, Delhi and an Exarchate in Kirkee-Pune for the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in India. Most Rev. Jacob Mar Barnabas is appointed the first Bishop of the Gurgaon Diocese and Most Rev. Thomas Mar Anthonios is appointed the first Bishop of the new Diocese of Kirkee-Pune. This announcement was made public at 4: 30 PM (IST) and the Decree was also read in the same time at Vatican and Delhi. Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos made the announcement at St. Mary’s Cathedral Church. The Synodal Secretary of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, Thomas Mar Koorilos read the Decree of Pope Francis during the ceremony.
Bishop Jacob Mar Barnabas is the present Apostolic Visitor to the faithful who live outside of the territorial jurisdiction of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. Bishop Thomas Mar Anthonios is the present Curia Bishop who coordinates the works of the central administrative center (the Catholicate Center) of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. With the establishment of the new Diocese and Exarchate, Pope Francis has granted the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, ecclesiastical authority for the whole territory in India.
The new Gurgaon Diocese is spread over 22 States in the North-East region of India. The Kirkee-Pune Diocese is spread over six States except Kerala in the South. Now, the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church has two Exarchates, seven Dioceses, one Archdiocese, besides the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum. There are sixteen institutions in the new Diocese including two colleges, three higher secondary schools and two high schools. At present, sixteen priests who come from various Dioceses and Bethany Congregation, render their services. The twenty-nine religious sisters comprise of Bethany, Daughters of Mary and Holy Spirit Congregations. The PrechodanaSocial Service Society in Delhi provides free luncheons to those who are living in the streets of Delhi.
In the new Exarchate there are twenty-seven parishes that are taken care of by twenty-one priests. Three Benthany Ashrams, thirteen Convents comprising of thirty-eight religious sisters belonging to various congregations also work in this area. Eighteen institutions offer various kinds of services including two colleges, three higher secondary schools and four high schools.
Gurgaon Diocese is established under the name of St. John Chrysostem (the Greek name for Mar Ivanios) and the Exarchate is named after the Syriac Father, St. Ephraem. St. Mary’s Church in Neb Sarai, Delhi is the temporary Cathedral Church for the Gurgaon Diocese. St. Mary’s Church in Kirkee-Pune is the Cathedral of the new Exarchate.
The priests, religious and the faithful who gathered at St. Mary’s Cathedral witnessed an unforgettable historical moment unfolding with this announcement there. After the 1930 reunion, under the leadership of Servant of God Mar Ivanios, the Church witnessed a great historical moment when St. John Paul II raised her to a Major Archiepiscopal Church. Pope Benedict XVI elevated Major Archbishop Baselios Cleemis Catholicos to a Cardinal of the Catholic Church in 2012. Now Pope Francis has made decision on a matter the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church was praying for a long time. Mar Ivanios dreamed of a Malankara Church who has Canonical Autonomy and also of having authority to spread the love of Christ to the whole of India. According to the words of Baselios Cardinal Cleemis – these two drams have been fulfilled with this announcement. And it also adds to the joy that this decision came during the Birth Centenary year of Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios who tirelessly worked to bring the mission of the Church to the territories outside of Kerala. Cleemis Bava also reminded the people that this is the recognition for our unwavering commitment to the communion with the Universal Church and also of the faithfulness to the Holy See. His Beatitude expressed the Church’s gratitude towards Pope Francis, the Oriental Congregation, the Apostolic Nuncio to India and to the Hierarchy of the Latin Church in India.
Those present at the St. Mary’s Cathedral during the announcement included Archbishop Thomas Mar Koorilos, Bishops Yoohanon Mar Chrysostem, Joshua Mar Ignations, Abraham Mar Julios, Samuel Mar Irenios and Philipose Mar Stephanos besides a large number of faithful, priests and religious. The Bishop of the new Exarchate of Kirkee-Pune, Thomas Mar Anthonios is at present in Australia to lead the Holy Week celebrations of the Syro-Malankara community there.
Blessing of the New Church in Houston
A long cherished dream of the St. Peter’s Malankara Catholic parish in Houston came true on March 7, 2015 with the blessing of the newly built church of the parish. His Excellency the Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Eusebius, Bishop of the Exarchate presided over the liturgy of the blessing. His Excellency the Most Rev. George Shelz, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and His Excellency the Most Rev. Joy Alappatt, Auxiliary Bishop of the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Chicago were concelebrants. Many priests of the Exarchate, namely, Very Rev. Fr. Augustine Mangalath, Rev. Fr. Joseph Nedumankuzhiyil, Rev. Fr. Babu Madathilparambil, Rev. Fr. Abraham Lukose, etc. were also present, besides Rev. Fr. Job Kalluvilayil, the former pastor of the parish and Rev. Fr. John Puthenvilayil, the present pastor. After the ceremony of the church blessing, there was a public meeting in which besides the bishops, the Mayor of the city of Stamford also participated. The blessing of the church marked a moment of fulfilment for the St. Peter’s Syro-Malankara Catholic parish community of Houston and for the whole Malankara Catholic Church in America. If the parish community has been able to construct a magnificent church in God’s providence, it is largely because of this community’s remarkable sense of dedication and generosity. The participation of the parishioners in this great attempt has been total. Every family of the parish, in its own way, contributed to this noble cause. The parishioners have been amazingly generous in sparing their energy, time, wealth and good will for this project. It was Rev. Fr. Job Kalluvilayil, who initiated the construction. Rev. Fr. John Puthenvilayil brought the construction to completion. On March 8 the Holy Eucharist was celebrated in the new church for the first time. His Excellency Mar Eusebius presided over the celebration. During the Holy Eucharist, 5 children of the parish received the first communion.
Priest-Coordinator for the Syro-Malankara Catholics in Canada
Rev. Dr. Gigi Philip, who has assumed charge as the Vicar of the St. Mary’s Syro-Malankara Catholic Mission in Toronto has been appointed the Priest-Coordinator of the Syro-Malankara Catholic communities in Canada by His Excellency the Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Eusebius. There are presently two missions with the presence of priests in Canada, namely, in Toronto and in Edmonton. Besides there are cities in Canada where there is a considerable number of Malankara Catholic families, like Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa, etc.. Rev. Dr. Gigi Philip hails from the Archdiocese of Tiruvalla. He had served the Malankara Catholic Mission in Toronto for six years earlier. Later he left for Rome to do higher studies in Theology. He secured a Doctorate in Dogmatic Theology from the University of St. Thomas (The Angelicum) in Rome. It is hoped that Rev. Dr. Gigi’s long years of pastoral experience in Canada, in Rome and in India coupled with his outstanding pastoral and leadership qualities will stand him in good stead in his new responsibility as the Coordinator. The Exarchate extends to him hearty congratulations and prayerful best wishes.
