Rev. Fr Mathew Chundamannil (83) a priest of the Archieparchy of Tiruvalla of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church is called to eternal rest on Friday 27 September 2013. On Monday 30 September at 11 a.m. onwards the mortal remains will be at Snehasadan, Kuttoor for public tribute and then the funeral service will begin at 3 p.m at St. John’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Tiruvalla. His Grace Dr Thomas Mar Koorilos, Metropolitan Archbishop of Tiruvalla will officiate the services. Rev. Fr Mathew Chundamannil was born on 15 November 1930 as the son of Mathai and Saramma. He was ordained priest on 21st March 1961 by Rt. Rev. James Mendolpha at Thriruchirappally. He served as a parish priest in various parishes: Vennikulam, Thachamam, Valankara, Ambattubagam, Valakuzhy, Maramon, Poovathoor, Kadamankulam, Kallooppara, Thottabhagaom, Pulikeezhu and Eraviperoor. May his soul rest in Peace!
The Fourteenth Ordinary Holy Episcopal Synod Concluded
The Fourteenth Ordinary Holy Episcopal Synod of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, that was in session from 22 -23 September 2013 at the Catholicate Centre, Pattom, concluded. The Synod was presided over by Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos. The Synod called on all to work united towards the integral growth and development of the country setting aside any differences. It called on the faithful of the Church to participate prayerfully in this process.
The Holy Episcopal Synod expressed its satisfaction in the progress and commitment of the Suvisesha Sangham that was established after the Major Archiepiscopal Assembly. The Synod decided to strengthen the Suvisesha Sangham for a faith-life founded on the Word of God and aimed at the sanctification of the ecclesial community.
The Synod expressed its gratitude to the various Christian Churches and Religions, political leaders of the people and the Government officials for their cooperation in conducting the 83rd Re-union Day Celebrations at Mavelikara from 19-21 September. Functioning of the various Synodal Commissions, Cause of Canonization of the Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios, the organization of our Faithful and their pastoral care in Australia and the publication of the revised Book of Rubrics (Thukkas) liturgical celebrations were on the agenda of the Synod.
The Holy Episcopal Synod expressed its deep concern over the turbulent political situation and atmosphere of religious persecution against Christians in Syria, Iraq and Egypt. The synod observes that these nations are precious to our heart as “cradle” of Christianity. We are deeply pained by the atrocities against Christians and forced eviction from places of their birth and culture due to violation of human rights. The Holy Synod also sent its deep condolence to the families bereaved by the massacre of their dear ones in the church in Pakistan. The Synod assured the prayers and solidarity of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church to the Hierarchs of these nations. The synod praised the courage of its fellow Christians in these lands.
Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos (President of the Synod), Most Rev. Thomas Mar Koorilos (Secretary of the Synod), Most Rev. Geevarghese Mar Divannasios, Most Rev. Yoohanon Mar Chrysostom, Most Rev. Joshua Mar Ignathios, Most Rev. Joseph Mar Thomas, Most Rev. Abraham Mar Julios, Most Rev. Vincent Mar Paulos, Most Rev. Jacob Mar Barnabas OIC, Most Rev. Thomas Mar Anthonios OIC, Most Rev. Samuel Mar Irenios and Most Rev. Philipos Mar Stephanos were present for the Synod.
83rd Reunion Anniversary at Mavelikara
The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church celebrated the 83rd Reunion Anniversary together with the consecration of the Cathedral of the Eparchy of Mavelikara and various other programmes, from 18 to 21 September 2013. His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the Major Archbishop of Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, and other Bishops gave leadership to the celebrations. His Grace Salvatore Pennacchio, the Apostolic Nuncio to India, was the chief guest for the celebrations.
On Thursday, 19th morning a seminar was conducted on the theme “the participation of Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in the building up of the nation” and on the same day afternoon an interreligious meeting of various religions was held. It was followed by the consecration of the newly constructed Eparchial Cathedral. The annual gathering of the members of MCA, MCYM and MCCL was held on 20 September 2013.
The solemn Pontifical concelebrated Holy Qurbono of the Reunion Day was at 7 a.m. on 21 September. His Grace Most Rev. Soosa Pakkiam, Archbishop of Trivandrum delivered the homily during the Holy Qurbono. It was followed by the Public Meeting which was presided over by His Beatitude. Sri Oommen Chandy, the Honourable Chief Minister of Kerala, inaugurated the meeting. His Grace Salvatore Pennaccio gave the benedictory address. Sri Ramesh Chennithala MLA, Sri Kodikkunnil Suresh and other dignitaries from social and political fields participated in it. The celebration was concluded with the Re-union Day Rally.
Rev. Sr Navya Jose DM called to eternal rest
Rev. Sr Navya Jose D.M of St. Mary’s Province of the Daughters of Mary Congregation is called to eternal rest on Tuesday, 17 September 2013. She was 45 years old. She belongs to kariyappuram family, Thodupuzhza. She served as a school teacher in various schools such as Pongummoodu, Pothencode , Thannithod, Nalanchira, Marthandam, Kudappanakunnu, Chempanaruvi .
Funeral service was held on Wednesday 18 September 2013, at Pongummoodu Convent. His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos officiated funeral service.
May her soul rest in peace.
Feast of Nativity of Mary Celebrated in Kuwait
The Malankara Catholic Faithful in Kuwait observed the Ettu Nombu and celebrated the Feast of Nativity of Mary, Mother of God this year also with due importance. The presence of His Grace Most Reverend Geevarghese Mar Divannasios, Metropoitan of the Eparchy of Puttur added joy to the occasion. His Grace Mar Divannasios arrived in Kuwait on 4th September and remained till 12th September in Kuwait. He celebrated Holy Qurbono in the Holy Family Cathedral, St. Daniel Comboni Parish, Abbasiya and Our Lady of Arabia Church, Ahmadi. Besides he spent time with the seven prayer groups of the Malankara Community in Kuwait and addressed them on the need of fostering faith and communion. A musical concert offered by His Grace with the aid of well-known artists Mr. Manoj Mavelikara, Mr Johnson and Mr Prathapan was a very special experience for the Faithful and the public on the occasion of the farewell gathering on 11th September 2013. The Kuwait Malankara Rite Movement (KMRM) and Rev. Dr. John Padipurackal, Spiritual Director, gave leadership to the services and programs.
Rev. Sr. Sharir SIC is called to eternal rest
Sr. Sharir SIC a member of Trivandrum Province of the Sisters of the Imitation of Christ, is called to eternal reward on Wednesday 11th September 2013. She was 90 years old. She belongs to Mankavu family, Kattanam. She served as a school teacher in various aided schools of M.S.C. management. Also she served as Superior and procurator in many convents. Funeral was held on the same day 4pm. at Provincial house in Nalanchira. His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos officiated funeral service.
May her soul rest in peace.
New Cathedral Parish for Syro- Malankara Catholic Exarchate USA
Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, the Major Archbishop of Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, established a new Cathedral Parish, St. Vincent D’Paul Malankara Catholic Parish, for the Exarchate.
Two neighboring parishes in the Syro-Malankara Catholic Exarchate have been brought together to form a new Cathedral parish for the Exarchate. The erstwhile St. John Chrysostom Malankara Catholic parish, Long Island and St. Basil’s Malankara Catholic parish, Queens have been combined and a new parish by the name St. Vincent de Paul Malankara Catholic Cathedral Parish, Elmont, New York has been established.
The solemn function took place at 10.00 am on Sunday, September 8, 2013, on the Feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary. His Excellency the Most Rev. Thomas Mar Eusebius, Bishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Exarchate in USA and His Excellency the Most Rev. Robert Brennen, Vicar General of the Diocese of Rockville Center were received at the entrance of the church. The Holy Qurbano was presided over by the Major Archbishop. During the Holy Mass, Bishop Eusebius read out the Decree establishing the new parish and Rev. Fr. Sathyan Antony OIC (Pastor), Rev. Fr. Abraham Lukose (Associate Pastor), Mr. Johnson Daniel (Secretary) and Mr. Saji Thomas (Treasurer) together received the Decree from the Bishop. Msgr. Peter Kochery, Msgr. Richard Figliozzi, many Rev. Fathers, Sisters and a large number of the Faithful witnessed the event.
Meeting of the Historical Commission Members
A meeting of all the team members who assist the Historical Commission for the Cause of Canonisation of the Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios was conducted at the Catholicate centre on 5 September, 2013.
The meeting was presided over by H. E. Most Rev. Thomas Mar Anthonios OIC, the Postulator of the Cause. Rev. Fr. James OIC, President of the Historical Commission welcomed all the members and shared the progress of the work done till now and what more are to be done. He conveyed gratitude to the members, who are leaving the team after their valuable service to the cause of canonization.
H.E. Most Rev. Thomas Mar Anthonios, in his sharing, highlighted the importance of team work and appreciated the members’ interest, hard work, and commitment in this matter. He said that work done was to highlight the sanctity of the Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios, so that it becomes a source of sanctification for the Faithful and source of spiritual renewal for the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.
The meeting ended with plans to complete the work done in a systematic manner.
Saturday 7 September 2013: Day of Fasting and Prayer for Peace
The Holy Father Pope Francis, during the Angelus prayer of Sunday, 1 September in St. Peter’s Square, called the Catholic Church throughout the world to mark Saturday, Sept. 7, as a day of prayer and fasting for peace in Syria, the Middle East and in the entire world. He also announced that on the same day he will preside over a prayer vigil service in St. Peter’s Square from 7.00 pm to midnight to ask from God this great gift of peace for the Syrian nation and for all the situations of conflict and violence in the world.” The Holy Father also invited non-Catholic Christians and non-Christian believers to participate in ways they feel are appropriate.
Saudi Arabian Malankara Meet
The Saudi Arabian Malankara Meet, the annual get together of the Syro- Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, Saudi Arabia was held at Catholicate Centre, Pattom on Sunday 11 August 2013. His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos inaugurated the meeting. His Beatitude exhorted, “The faith life should be built upon the strong spiritual foundation. The spiritual energy we receive through the Holy Qurbono is the main source for the faith life and communion among the faithful. We should be proud in sustaining our faith in God and in growing further in our relationship with God amongst the hardship of life and religious intolerance.”
About 300 members participated in the Annual Meet. After the inaugural session, the Holy Qurbono was celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom. It was followed by the meeting, presided over by His Beatitude. The former priests-in-charge of Saudi Arabian Mission were honoured during the meeting. They shared their missionary and pastoral experience in Saudi Arabia. It was very inspiring. During the afternoon session, the couples who have completed 25 years of marriage life were felicitated. The members of the Saudi Arabian community donated their contribution to the Sacredotal Silver Jubilee Housing Project of His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos and handed over the donation for the monument of the Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios, nearby the Tomb Chapel, which was newly constructed. Very Rev. Dr. John Padippurackal, Co-ordinator of the Syro-Malankara Catholics in Gulf Region, Rev. Fr. Shaji Makkappallil, Priest-in-charge of the Syro Malankara Catholics in Saudi Arabia, Rev. Fr. John Kampara, Rev. Fr. Joshua Kannilethu, Mr. James Palamuttam, Mr. Joy Mathew, Mr. Joseph Varghese and other representatives from Saudi Malankara Catholic Community were present and gave leadership to the Annual Meet.
