MAY 2021 | Vol. 01 | Issue 10 | a Syro-malabar Major Archiepiscopal curia newsletter
St.THE Joseph WORKER Editor’s Desk
The rapid surge of Covid Pandemic in and nursing officers. Let us not forget the second wave has instilled a sense the public servants who are lending of insecurity and anxiety among the their helping hands to the common people. The central and state public in the street and those affected governments give regular updates on in the containment zones. Kudos to all the situation, constantly seeking the unsung heroes who are in the cooperation from the people so as to battleground against the Pandemic! enable a collective and effective fight May they be all encouraged, against the Pandemic through the motivated, and blessed in their efforts public servants. However, an towards humanity. indisposed sense of social responsibility among the people We fondly remember Philipose Mar crossed the limits at a time when Chrysostom Metropolitan who died at such a call is of paramount the age of 103. He was a true man of importance. This has now forced God who reached out to all sections of several states to declare a complete the society with compassion and love. lockdown for weeks. The judiciary in We also remember Adv. Jose several parts of India has now Vithayathil who lost his life to covid. demanded better governance from He was a great Lay Leader who the Governments as the nation is on a worked tirelessly for the good of the war footing against a virus that has Church and humanity. infected lakhs in India even as the death count is on the rise as the days The election results have been pass by. declared and the elected leaders have taken the pledge to serve the society A nationwide day of fasting and and the nation. May they be guided by prayer was observed by the faithful the light of truth, honesty, and the on May 7th at the request of the spirit of service especially at the time CBCI, as the second wave of Covid- of Pandemic. Let us also be one with 19 continued to take many lives. A Pope Francis as he prays for India’s number of dioceses and religious emergency workers, “in these days of congregations have lost many of immense grief, may we all be consoled their priests, nuns, and prelates to in the hope born of Easter and our Covid. Pope Francis has exhorted the unshakable faith in Christ's promise of faithful for a one-month Rosary resurrection and new life.” Devotion as the month of May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Stay safe, Stay Healthy! We also pray to St. Joseph the worker who would intercede for us at this difficult time of the pandemic. We continue to pray for all the scientists who are into vaccine FR. ALEX ONAMPALLY experiments, health workers, doctors, SECRETARY, MEDIA COMMISSION INSIDE STORIES
Maundy Thursday & Good Friday at Mount St. Thomas 04 MOUNT VISION Archpriest & Team from Thazhekad, Irinjalakuda 05 MAY 2021 | VOL.01 | ISSUE 10 Newly Elected General & Team of the MMB Congregation 06 A SYRO-MALABAR MAJOR ARCHIEPISCOPAL Newly Elected General & Team of the CST Congregation 07 CURIA NEWSLETTER Newly Elected General & Team of the Vincentian Congregation 08
CHIEF EDITOR Archbishop Kurian Vayalunkal 09 FR. ALEX ONAMPALLY 'Padumpathiri' Sets New Rhythm for Holy Qurbana 10 SECRETARY, MEDIA COMMISSION Mar Joseph Kunnath CMI 11
COPY EDITOR DR. GEORGE MADATHIPARAMBIL 12 CONSULTORS MAR SEBASTIAN MAJOR VANIYAPURACKAL CURIA BISHOP, ARCHBISHOP’S MEMBER, MEDIA COMMISSION BIRTHDAY MAR JOSEPH & FEAST DAY PAMPLANY CHAIRMAN, MEDIA COMMISSION
MAR PAULY Mar Raphael Thattil on His Birthday 13 KANNOOKADAN MEMBER, MEDIA COMMISSION Magazine Release: Nasrani Margam 14
DR. VINCENT CHERUVATHOOR CHANCELLOR PRESS RELEASES
DR. ABRAHAM Sri K. J. Chacko was an Honorable Leader for the People 15 KAVILPURAYIDATHIL Medical Oxygen should be Considered a Basic Human Right 15 VICE-CHANCELLOR, PRO
FR. SEBY KOLANGARA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INTERNET MISSION CURIA NEWS Reports of the Commissions & Affiliated Offices 16 SYRO-MALABAR MEDIA COMMISSION Major Archbishop’s Diary 17 MOUNT ST. THOMAS, P.B. NO. 3110 KAKKANAD P.O., KOCHI - 682 030 Curia Bishop’s Diary 18 Email: [email protected] Phone: +91 9946162280 Events, Feasts & Birthdays 18 Website: www.syromalabarmc.in
DESIGN & LAYOUT JOSEMON VAZHAYIL MUMBAI MOUNT VISION | 04 | MAY 2021
|| MAUNDY THURSDAY & GOOD FRIDAY MAUNDY THURSDAY & GOOD FRIDAY AT MOUNT ST. THOMAS
The Maundy Thursday celebration began with the morning Holy Qurbana in the Main Chapel. The main celebrant Rev. Fr. George Madathiparampil along with other priests at the Curia celebrated the Holy Qurbana. The Major Archbishop cut the Pesaha Appam in the evening after a short prayer and distributed it among priests, sisters and the other staff at the Curia.
The Good Friday services began with the reading of the Passion Narratives in the morning at the main Chapel. The Major Archbishop led the service. After the ‘Way of the Cross’ service Kaipuneeru was distributed. MOUNT VISION | 05 | MAY 2021
|| ARCHPRIEST & TEAM FROM THAZHEKAD CHURCH Archpriest & Team from Thazhekad Major Archiepiscopal Pilgrim Church
T hazhekad St. Sebastian's Major Archiepiscopal Pilgrim Church Archpriest Rev. Fr. John Kavalakattu and the parish team visited the Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alencherry at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad on 9 April 2021. The Archpriest informed them about the pastoral activities of the parish and invited the Major Archbishop to the Pilgrim Church. The parish with 900 families was declared a Major Archbishop Episcopal Pilgrim Center on 8 March 2021. The feast of the parish is usually celebrated on 3 May every year. During this visit 5% of the nerchapanam received for the last one year in the Church was given to Curia to assist the Missionary activities. Archpriest Rev. Fr. John Kavalakattu was accompanied by Kaikars, Mr. Mathews Karedan, Mr. Rijo Parayil, Mr. George Thommana and Mr. Vincent Thekkethala. MOUNT VISION | 06 | MAY 2021
|| MMB CONGREGATION
NEWLY ELECTED GENERAL & TEAM OF THE MALABAR MISSIONARY BROTHERS
The Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alencherry received the new General Administrative team of the Malabar Missionary Brothers at Major Archiepiscopal Curia at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad on 03 April 2021 in the presence of Mar Antony Kariyil CMI. The team includes the Superior General Bro. Bastin Karuvelil, Vicar General Bro. Edwin Kuttickal and the General Councillors Bro. Paulose Arumbuparambil, Bro. Savio Olakkengil, Bro. Devaraj Plackayil. The General and Team joined for the tea. The Major Archbishop promised his prayers for the ministries of MMB Congregation. He appreciated the services of the MMB Congregation in the Church. MOUNT VISION | 07 | MAY 2021
|| CST CONGREGATION
NEWLY ELECTED GENERAL & TEAM OF THE LITTLE FLOWER CONGREGATION
The Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alencherry received the new General Administrative team of the CST Congregation at Major Archiepiscopal Curia at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad on 09 April 2021 in the presence of Mar Sebastian Vaniyapurackal. The team includes the Superior General Rev. Dr. Jojo Varakukalayil, General Councillors Rev. Fr. George Aramcherry, Rev. Fr. John Kappiyarumalayil, Rev. Fr. Aneesh Angadiyath, Rev. Fr. Jeevan Thundiyil and the Auditor General Rev. Fr. Tijo Kochukavampuarath. The General and Team joined for the Tea in the evening. The Major Archbishop promised his prayers for the ministries of CST Congregation. He appreciated the services of the CST Congregation and their hospitality. MOUNT VISION | 08 | MAY 2021
|| VINCENTIAN CONGREGATION
NEWLY ELECTED GENERAL & TEAM OF THE VINCENTIAN CONGREGATION
The Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alencherry received the new General Administrative team of the Vincentian Congregation at the Major Archiepiscopal Curia at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad on 17 April 2021. The team includes the Superior General Rev. Dr. John Kandathinkara, Assistant General Rev. Fr. Tomy Chakkungal and the General Councillors Rev. Fr. Augustine Mundackattu, Rev. Fr. Thomas Mangalath and Rev. Fr. George Elenjickalputhenpura. The General and the Team joined for the dinner. The Major Archbishop promised his prayers for the ministries of Vincentian Congregation. He appreciated the services of the Vincentians especially in the field of Evangelization. MOUNT VISION | 09 | MAY 2021
Apostolic Nuncio to Algeria Archbishop Kurian Vayalumkal
|| ARCHBISHOP KURIAN VAYALUMKAL
Archbishop Mar Kurian Mathew Vayalunkal, the Apostolic Nuncio in Algeria visited Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alencherry at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad on 10 April 2021. Previously he was Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands (2016–2021) and he belongs to the Archeparchy of Kottayam. Pope Francis appointed him Nuncio to Algeria on 1 January 2021. The Major Archbishop cordially received the Archbishop Mar Kurian Vayalunkal and enquired about the diplomatic services in Algeria. He joined for lunch thereafter. He thanked the Major Archbishop for the reception and expressed his love and concern for the Syro-Malabar Church. MOUNT VISION | 10 | MAY 2021
'Padumpathiri' Sets New Rhythm for Holy Qurbana in Carnatic Tunes
|| NEW RHYTHM FOR HOLY QURBANA
Dr. Fr. Paul Poovathingal CMI, alias, 'Padumpathiri' presented new rhythms of Holy Qurbana that are arranged in Carnatic melodies at Mount St. Thomas on 16 April 2021. Fr. Paul informed that the melody is arranged in such a way that everyone can sing together using moderate instruments in the singing of the Holy Qurbana. The Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alencherry congratulated and encouraged Fr. Paul to continue such efforts for the Church in the future as well. MOUNT VISION | 11 | MAY 2021
Mar Joseph Kunnath CMI
|| MAR JOSEPH KUNNATH CMI
Mar Joseph Kunnath CMI, the Bishop Emeritus of the Eparchy of Adilabad visited Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alencherry at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad on 20 April 2021. The Major Archbishop cordially received the Archbishop Mar Joseph Kunnath CMI. He joined for lunch thereafter. He thanked the Major Archbishop for the reception. MOUNT VISION | 12 | MAY 2021
Ma r Archb hop’s B thday & Fe t Day
|| MAJOR ARCHBISHOP’S BIRTHDAY & FEAST DAY
The Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alencherry celebrated his birthday on 19 April 2021 in the Major Archiepiscopal Curia at Mount St. Thomas. The feast day of the Major Archbishop falls on 24 April 2021. The celebration was arranged in a simple manner in the Covid Pandemic situation. After the Holy Qurbana in the morning the Major Archbishop cut the cake on his birthday as well as on his feast day. Curia Bishop Mar Sebastian Vaniyapurackal exchanged the flower bouquet and greeted the Major Archbishop along with the priests and sisters working at the Curia on both the days. MOUNT VISION | 13 | MAY 2021
MAR RAPHAEL THATTIL ON HIS BIRTHDAY
|| MAR RAPHAEL THATTIL ON HIS BIRTHDAY
Mar Raphael Thattil, the Bishop of the Eparchy of Shamshabad visited Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alencherry at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad on 21 April 2021 on his birthday. The Major Archbishop cordially received Bishop Mar Raphael Thattil and greeted him birthday wishes. He joined for lunch thereafter. He thanked the Major Archbishop for the reception and birthday wishes at Mount St. Thomas. MOUNT VISION | 14 | MAY 2021
|| MAGAZINE RELEASE
NASRANI MARGAM
The magazine, Nasrani Margam was released by the Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alencherry on 12 April 2021 by handing it over to the Curia Bishop Mar Sebastian Vaniyapurackal. The magazine is a special issue in remembrance of the Late Malpan Fr. Geevarghese Chediyath who contributed enormous works in the academic field of Patrology. MOUNT VISION | 15 | MAY 2021
PRESS RELEASES
stave off the disastrous effects of the Covid 19 Medical Oxygen should be pandemic but still much more remains to be Considered a Basic Human Right: done. We cannot waste our time through wrangling and recriminations. The Governments, Cardinal George Alencherry Central and State, should act immediately to provide medical oxygen to all our hospitals so that no life will be lost in India on account of the Kochi: In an appeal directed to the State and the unavailability of this precious commodity. We Central Governments, Cardinal George appeal to all voluntary agencies to support the Alencherry, the Major Archbishop of the Governments. The Church is prepared to Syro-Malabar Church, the President of Kerala collaborate wholeheartedly with the Catholic Bishops’ Council and the Chairman of government to get over this unprecedented Kerala Inter Church Council, asked them to treat health crisis in the country. the availability of medical oxygen as a basic human right and to take all necessary measures immediately to make it available to the people who are struggling hard to hang on to their DATE: 25 APRIL 2021 lives in hospitals and health care centers. PRESS RELEASE: MEDIA COMMISSION We usually speak of food, clothing and shelter as basic human needs that a government should provide for its people. Now, with the increasing spread of Covid 19, the lives of the people are in extreme danger and there is a great clamor of medical oxygen for survival. Medical oxygen Sri K. J. Chacko was an should be treated on a par with food, clothing Honorable Leader for the People: and shelter. Therefore, it is the bounden duty of the Govt, to make available medical oxygen in all Cardinal George Alencherry the hospitals and health care centers of India.
The Government should not see it as a Kakkanad: Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar marketable commodity to be left to different Church and the President of K. C. B. C. Cardinal commercial agencies for profiteering. There are Mar George Alencherry offered his condolences at many who cannot afford to buy medical oxygen the passing away of former minister and M. L. A. from the open market because of exorbitant Shri. K. J. Chacko. He worked tirelessly for the prices. What is important is that at this critical common good of the people and was highly juncture in our country, it should be made respected by the public, especially the people of available to all our citizens. The availability of Changanacherry. He was elected the M. L. A. of medical oxygen should be seen as a basic need Changanassery three times and was also a and is to be made available free of cost to the Minister for a short time in the Cabinet. Sri citizens of India. In an economy that is emerging Chacko also served as the Municipal Chairman of to become fast developing, medical oxygen Changanassery and the President of Vazhappally should not be left to become a commodity for Co-operative Bank. making profits. During this time of oxygen crisis in many parts It is noteworthy that he was able to preserve of the country, we hope the Governments will Christian values in his public life. Cardinal rise to the occasion to get rid of all bottlenecks, Alencherry recalled that Sri Chacko was a role political or transport-centered. The Govt. model for the new generation of civic and should come forward to use all its resources like political leaders.While he was the minister, he took chartered flights to bring medical oxygen from the initiative of getting Holy Thursday declared a abroad to make it available to the states that are public holiday. in need of them.
We appreciate very much the steps already DATE:12 APRIL 2021 taken by the Central and State governments to PRESS RELEASE: MEDIA COMMISSION MOUNT VISION | 16 | MAY 2021
CURIA NEWS APRIL 2021
Reports of the Commissions & A liated O ces
Commission for Catechesis Syro-Malabar Mission (SyMM) Conducted the Directors meeting online, discussed and Thirteen Deacons whose priestly formation supported formulated the Catechetical Action Plan for the through the sponsorship program of the Syro-Malabar Academic year 2021-22. Mission (SyMM) received Holy Orders in April 2021. They belong to different Syro-Malabar Mission Eparchies and Began the production works of the Catechism Classes in Congregations and will serve in the Syro-Malabar Malayalam for the academic year 2021 - 2022 to be Missions. broadcast through the TV Channels namely Shalom Television, Shekinah TV, and the Goodness TV.
The Catechism Directors of the Outside Kerala Eparchies Commission for Doctrine held an online meeting in which they decided to broadcast Catechism Classes in English. Participated in the FABC representing the Syro-Malabar Church to discuss the 'FABC 50 Guide Document'.
Commission for Liturgy Held two CLC sub-committee meetings online consisting Liturgical Research Centre (LRC) of language experts and Bible scholars for the revision of Conducted the fourth webinar in the series of the 59th the Peshitta version of Psalms. LRC Seminar. Held a meeting of the special committee of Bishops for the revision of the Peshitta version of Psalms. MOUNT VISION | 17 | MAY 2021
CURIA NEWS APRIL 2021
MAJOR ARCHBISHOP’S DIARY
14 WED Addressed the General Synaxis of Vincentian Congregation at Edappally. Participated in the online prayer service for the recovery of Adv. Jose Vithayathil. 16 FRI Participated in the online meeting with Eparchial Directors of the Department of Catechesis. 17 SAT Blessed the Marriage of Arun and Reenu at Christ the King Church, Ettumanoor. Officiated office for the dead for Rosamma Varkey Karuvely, at her residence in the parish of Mannookkad, Thommankuthu. Received at Mount St. Thomas the newly elected General and team of Vincentian Congregation. 18. SUN Celebrated Holy Qurbana and administered First Holy Communion at St. Mary's Church, Kumbalam. 19 MON Celebrated Holy Qurbana on the occasion of Jubilee Celebrations of Sr. Lince SABS at Veroor, Changanacherry. DATE EVENTS 20 TUE Celebrated Holy Qurbana on the occasion of Jubilee Celebrations of Fr. George Valiyaveetil at St. Mary's 1 THU Celebrated Holy Qurbana and other ceremonies of Church, Pulimkunnu. Thursday at St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam. Participated in the online memorial meeting of late Adv. 3 SAT Received the newly elected General and team of MMB Jose Vithayathil, Secretary of Laity Forum. brothers at Mount St. Thomas. 23 FRI Participated in the online meeting with representatives of 4 SUN Celebrated Easter Sunday Holy Qurbana at St. Mary's Catholic channels to discuss the telecasting of Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam. catechism classes. 6 TUE Cast vote at Ernakulam for the Assembly Elections. 24 SAT Celebrated Holy Qurbana at Mount St. Thomas, on the feast of St. George, the heavenly patron. 8 THU Celebrated Holy Qurbana in St. Mary's Forane Church, Arakkuzha in connection with the declaration as Major 26 MON Participated in the online meeting of the Liturgy Special Archiepiscopal Pilgrim Centre. Committee hosted by the Commission for Liturgy. 9 FRI Received at Mount St. Thomas the newly elected General 27 TUE Celebrated Holy Qurbana on the occasion of Jubilee and team of CST Fathers. celebration of Sr. Margherita at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad. Participated in the online webinar organized by LRC. 28 WED Participated in CBCI Standing Committee Meeting held 10 SAT Celebrated Holy Qurbana on the occasion of Jubilee online. celebrations of St. Francis Assisi Sisters at St. Mary's Church, Mallussery. 29 THU Participated in CBCI Standing Committee Meeting held online. Received Archbishop Kurian Vayalumkal, the Apostolic Nuncio of Algeria at Mount St. Thomas. 30 FRI Officiated the ceremonies of the opening of the tomb of Mother Celine CMC at Karukutty. 12 FRI Blessed the Marriage of Sangeeth and Jenet at St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam. Participated in the online webinar conducted by LRC. MOUNT VISION | 18 | MAY 2021
CURIA NEWS APRIL 2021
April 12 Blessed the Marriage of Alex Parapuram and Anu Jose Ganapathiplackal at Our Lady of Perpetual CURIA Help Church, Ayathupady. BISHOP’S April 14 Holy Qurbana at Vincentian Generalate, Edappally DIARY on the occasion of General Synaxis. April 15 Jubilee Qurbana at S.H Provincial House, Pala. April 17 Jubilee Qurbana of Green Garden Sisters at Cherthala. April 18 Blessed the marriage of Tom Vayalilkarottu & Anjali DATE EVENTS Sebastian Nedumala at Nettithozhu Church. April 01 Maundy Thursday celebration in Pathanamthitta April 21 Blessed the Marriage of Sebin Jeerakathil and Church. Meenu Kanjikal at St. Antony's Church, Chengalam. April 02 Good Friday in Pezhumpara Church. April 22 Jubilee Qurbana at CSN Provincial House, Ramalloor. April 03 Blessing of Holy Water and Candles at Konni Church. April 24 Holy Qurbana with Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar April 04 Easter celebration at Pathanamthitta Mary Matha George Alencherry. Church. Blessed the marriage of Joseph Koyikara & Kripa April 07 Participated in the meeting of priests in the Eparchy Njavallil at St. Joseph’s Church, Kalamassery. of Kanjirapally at Marian College, Kuttikkanam. April 25 Officiated the ceremony of Perpetual Profession of April 08 Participated in the Jubilee Celebration at Holy Family Sisters in SD Generalate, Thottumugham. FCC Convent at Udayamperoor. April 28 Blessed the Marriage of Akhil Kuzhiyamplavil and April 10 Blessed the marriage of Joyal Perekattu & Ansu Anju Vaniyapurackal at St. Joseph’s Church, Vayalilkalapura at St. Thomas Church, Poovathodu. Upputhodu. April 11 Baptism of Rosily Antony Kudiyirippil at St. Martin De April 30 Holy Qurbana at St. Joseph Church, Kalamassery. Porres Church, Palarivattom.
EVENTS, FEASTS & BIRTHDAYS
DATE DAY EVENTS, FEASTS & BIRTHDAYS 1 Thu Birthday of Fr. Joji Kallingal Maundy Thursday 2 Fri Good Friday 4 Sun Easter 6 Tue Send off wishes for Bro. Joshy with supper 8 Thu Birthday of Fr. Alex Onampally 11 Sun Puthunjayar, Divine Mercy Sunday 15 Thu Ordination day of Fr. Alex Onampally 16 Fri Ordination day of Fr. Jacob Chakkathara DATE DAY EVENTS, FEASTS & BIRTHDAYS 19 Mon Birthday of Major Archbishop 24 Sat Feast of Major Archbishop 20 Tue Tribunal Meeting Feast of Fr. George Madathiparambil 21 Wed Tribunal Meeting Feast of Fr. Joji Kallingal Benefactors Meeting by SyMM 25 Sun Ordination day of Fr. Siju Azhakath MST 22 Thu Tribunal Meeting 27 Tue Monthly Recollection (Priests) MOUNT VISION - A SYRO-MALABAR MAJOR ARCHIEPISCOPAL CURIA NEWSLETTER SYRO-MALABAR MEDIA COMMISSION, MOUNT ST. THOMAS, P.B. NO. 3110, KAKKANAD P.O., KOCHI - 682 030 Email: [email protected] | Phone: +91 9946162280 | Website: www.syromalabarmc.in