Vatican Delegation Visits Malankara Syrian Catholic Church Headquarters to Strengthen Ecumenical Dialogue

A visit by representatives of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity took place at the headquarters of the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church in Thiruvananthapuram on July 26-27, 2024. The delegation, comprising 11 members, was warmly received by His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, the Catholicos and Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Church, along with His Excellency Bishop Antony Mar Silvanos.

The visit included a detailed ecumenical meeting led by His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis and highlighted the ongoing efforts towards Christian unity, one of the main aims of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity. This Vatican body plays a critical role in facilitating dialogue between Christian denominations and supporting initiatives that foster unity between Churches, especially the Eastern Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant Churches.

The delegation, led by Father Hyacinthe Destivelle OP from the Dicastery, included Fr. Ashwin Fernandes (Ecumenical Relations Secretary of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church) and Deacon Geo Joseph, both representing the Orthodox tradition. Fr. Destivelle, an experienced member of the Vatican Dicastery, has been involved in various international ecumenical efforts, with a focus on bridging theological differences and encouraging collaboration on issues of faith and doctrine. His involvement in the dialogue with the Eastern Churches has been pivotal.

During the meeting, His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, along with other church leaders, discussed important ecumenical matters and stressed the importance of unity and collaboration between the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church and the global Christian community. The ecumenical dialogue addressed shared theological concerns, pastoral initiatives, and practical ways to collaborate in serving the needs of the faithful.

Rev. Fr. Thomas Madukamoottil, Secretary at the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church Curia, was instrumental in coordinating the logistics and the programme of the delegation’s visit. He ensured that the Vatican officials were given a thorough insight into the spiritual and liturgical life of the Malankara Syrian Catholic community. The Vatican representatives expressed their deep appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to them and praised the Church’s efforts in nurturing Christian values and unity.

The Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, formerly known as the Secretariat for Promoting Christian Unity, was founded during the Second Vatican Council in 1960. Its mission is to encourage dialogue with other Christian communities, deepen relationships between the Roman Catholic Church and other Christian denominations, and resolve theological issues that divide Christian Churches. Through this visit, the Vatican’s representatives reaffirmed their commitment to bridgdialogue with the Malankara Syrian Catholic Church, a community known for its ancient liturgical heritage and deep commitment to unity within the broader Christian world.

The two-day visit highlighted the deep historical connection between the Syro-Malankara Church and the Vatican and reinforced the shared vision of both Churches for continued ecumenical collaboration in the future.