OCTOBER 2020 | Vol. 01 | Issue 03 | a Syro-malabar Major Archiepiscopal curia newsletter
“She is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley.” - St. Augustine Editor’s Desk
September 8 is the feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary, ever Virgin. We observe seven days of fasting and on the eighth day celebrate the feast of the nativity of the Virgin Mary. On this occassion, Major Archbishop, Mar Alenchery exhorted the faithful to observe a day of fasting, attend the Holy Qurbana on Friday, September 4, and pray for good health during this Covid-19 pandemic. He also requested prayers to illuminate the scientists and health department so they can come out with effective vaccines to control the spread of the virus. All priests were asked to offer Holy Qurbana for this special intention on the same day.
The entire Archiepiscopal Curia and the premises were blessed after a marathon long days of paint work which came to an end last month. New Auxiliary Bishop to the Archeparchy of Kottayam, Mar George Kurisummoottil was given a warm reception at the Curia. The annual retreat for the priests and nuns in the Curial offices is being held during the last two weeks of the month of September.
Apart from this, Curia had a normal rhythm during the month of September with Major Archbishop conducting various meetings online, curial administrative activities being carried out by the Curia Bishop and the staff at the Curia with Post-Synodal documentation alongside other works of immediate concerns. Different commissions and offices were committed to working in their respective areas.
Let the celebration of the feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary rekindle in us the spirit of true discipleship with trust in God's providence and care for us. May Mother Mary intercede for us all. St. Bernard who gave impetus to the strong devotion to Our Lady in the middle ages wrote; When you pray to her, You will not despair; When you think of her, You will not err; “ When she holds you up, You will not fail...
FR. ALEX ONAMPALLY SECRETARY, MEDIA COMMISSION INSIDE STORIES
EVENTS Reception to the New Auxiliary Bishop of Kottayam 04
MOUNT VISION OCTOBER 2020 | VOL.01 | ISSUE 03
A SYRO-MALABAR MAJOR ARCHIEPISCOPAL CURIA NEWSLETTER
CHIEF EDITOR FR. ALEX ONAMPALLY SECRETARY, MEDIA COMMISSION
LANGUAGE EDITOR DR. GEORGE MADATHIPARAMBIL Vencharippu of the Archiepiscopal Curia 05 CONSULTORS MAR SEBASTIAN VANIYAPURACKAL CURIA BISHOP, Curia Inmates in Annual Retreat 06 MEMBER, MEDIA COMMISSION Winners of Edenthottam Garden 07 MAR JOSEPH Syriac Academy Inauguration 08 PAMPLANY CHAIRMAN, MEDIA COMMISSION Prathal, Christian Musical Album Released 09 MAR PAULY Heartlink Global Project of Catholica Congress 10 KANNOOKADAN MEMBER, MEDIA COMMISSION The Laity Forum Webinar Inauguration 11
DR. VINCENT CHERUVATHOOR PRESS RELEASES CHANCELLOR Bishop Mar Paul Chittilapilly was a Great Pastor 12 DR. ABRAHAM KAVILPURAYIDATHIL Archbishop Joseph Chennoth Called to Eternal Rest 12 VICE-CHANCELLOR, PRO C.F. Thomas was a Great Leader 13 FR. SEBY KOLANGARA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Protest of the Global Mathruvedhi 13 INTERNET MISSION
SYRO-MALABAR CURIA NEWS MEDIA COMMISSION MOUNT ST. THOMAS, P.B. NO. 3110 Reports of the Commissions & Affiliated Offices 14 KAKKANAD P.O., KOCHI - 682 030 Major Archbishop’s Diary 15 Email: [email protected] Phone: +91 9946162280 Curia Bishop’s Diary 16 Website: www.syromalabarmc.in Events, Feasts & Birthdays 16 DESIGN & LAYOUT JOSEMON VAZHAYIL MUMBAI MOUNT VISION | OCTOBER 2020 | 04
ReceptionTO NEW AUXILIARY BISHOP OF KOTTAYAM
|| NEW AUXILIARY BISHOP FOR KOTTAYAM
A warm reception was given to the newly elected Auxiliary Bishop to Archeparchy of Kottayam, Mar George Kurisummoottil on 14 September at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad. Mar George is elected to serve the Knanaya faithful from Syro-Malankara tradition in the Archeparchy of Kottayam. MOUNT VISION | OCTOBER 2020 | 05
Vencharippu OF THE ARCHIEPISCOPAL CURIA
|| VENCHARIPPU
The Archiepiscopal Curia and the premises were blessed on 7 September at 12 PM after a marathon long days of paint work which came to an end last month. Major Archbishop officiated the Vencharippu Service along with Curia Bishop Mar Sebastian and other priests of the Curial office. MOUNT VISION | OCTOBER 2020 | 06
|| ANNUAL RETREAT IN CURIA
CURIA INMATES IN ANNUAL RETREAT
Making use of the relaxations in the Covid lockdown, the inmates of the Curia spent days in prayer and silence, making their annual retreat in the month of September. The retreat was conducted in two batches.
The first batch of retreat was for the priests and seminarians working in the Major Archiepiscopal Curia, from 14 to 18. Rev. Fr. Mathew Kakkattupillil, the Provincial Superior of St. Joseph’s Province of the Vincentian Congregation preached the retreat. Although Major Archbishop and Curia Bishop had already made their annual retreat, they joined the priests in prayer and silence in the retreat days.
The second batch of the retreat was scheduled for the MSJ Sisters working at the Curia from 21 to 25. The preacher was Rev. Fr. Mariadas Palatty OFM Conv. The MSJ Congregation sent two Sisters from the Generalate to make the Sisters at the Curia totally free to make their retreat fruitfully. MOUNT VISION | OCTOBER 2020 | 07
|| WINNERS OF EDENTHOTTAM GARDEN
WINNERS OF GARDEN COMPETITIONSEden HONOUREDthottam
Service to Farmers should be regarded as Church’s Mission Activity: Cardinal Mar George Alencherry.
lockdown for promoting non-toxic The Church is committed to helping the vegetable cultivation. The meeting was helpless and distressed farmers and it presided by Catholic Congress Global should be regarded as a missionary President Adv. Biju Parayanilam, Mar activity of the Church. Major Archbishop Sebastian Vaniyapurackal, the Curia Cardinal George Alencherry was speaking Bishop, Fr. Abraham Kavilpurayidathil, after distributing the cash awards and Mr. Benny Antony, Dr. Josekutty Ozhukayil, certificates to the winners of the Mr. Thomas Peedikayil and Mr. P. J. state-level kitchen vegetable garden Pappachan addressed the gathering. Mr. competition, the "Garden of Eden Davis Edakkalathoor and Justice Kurian Competition", organized by the Catholic Joseph sponsored the first and second Congress Global Committee. The function prizes of Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 25,000 was held at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad. respectively. The third prize of Rs. 10,000 Farmers are subjected to constant each was sponsored by generous persons exploitation as they become unorganized. from various parts of the world. Mr. P. K. The Major Archbishop congratulated the Alexander from Ernakulum-Angamaly and participants and winners of the Garden of Mr. Lenu Mathew from Palai won the first Eden competition for making use of the and second prizes respectively. MOUNT VISION | OCTOBER 2020 | 08
|| SYRIAC ACADEMY INAUGURATION
The Syriac language is of paramount SYRIAC LANGUAGE importance to experience the mystery aspect of the liturgy. It is the key to the IS THE KEY TO THE richness of our Liturgy. The Major Archbishop was inaugurating online the Mar Kariyattil Syriac Academy started under the RICHNESS OF LITURGY: aegis of the Liturgical Committee of the CARDINAL ALENCHERRY Eparchy of Thamarassery on 23 September 2020. He congratulated Bishop Remigiose Inchananiyil and the priests involved in the initiative of teaching Syriac language. In the inaugural function conducted online, Bishop Remigiose Inchananiyil welcomed the Major Archbishop. As a first step, now a course is arranged for the priests who are interested to learn this language. 20 priests who have registered to learn Syriac also participated in the meeting. Fr. Joseph Kalathil, the Convenor of the Liturgical Committee thanked the major Archbishop and others who collaborated with the event. Rev. Dr. Mathew Kulathinkal of the Eparchy of Thamarassery, an expert of the language, is the resource person. MOUNT VISION | OCTOBER 2020 | 09
|| PRATHAL, MUSICAL ALBUM RELEASED PRATHAL, Major Archbishop Cardinal Mar George Alencherry released the Christian Album ‘Prathal’ at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad. The CHRISTIAN famous singer Kester sang the songs in the album. The songs are composed by Jacob Koratty. Fr. Nevin Attokkaran, the Chancellor of the Eparchy of Irinjalakuda is the lyricist and director of the MUSICAL ALBUM album. ‘Prathal’, a musical album featuring priests, nuns and other artists from the Eparchy of Irinjalakuda, was released on September 6 on the YouTube channel, ‘Love Home’.
RELEASED This album presents the life experience of suffering people who find solace in the Eucharistic presence. Eucharist gives a great hope to those who keep their home a dwelling place for Lord our God especially in the Corona period. Cardinal Alencherry gave a remark during the album release that it narrates the story of human survival in the fullness of the Eucharist. MOUNT VISION | OCTOBER 2020 | 10
|| HEARTLINK GLOBAL PROJECT OF CATHOLICA CONGRESS CATHOLICA CONGRESS LINKS THE HEARTS THROUGH ‘HEARTLINK GLOBAL PROJECT’
Major Archbishop Cardinal George Alencherry, inaugurating through a video conferencing the new project Heartlinks started by the Global Committee of the Catholic Congress with the participation of representatives from 34 countries, stated that it is a new face of organizational work of the lay movement of the Syro-Malabar Church. Cardinal Alencherry inaugurated also first housing project under Heartlinks for a deserving family. His Beatitude expressed his hope that the participation of community members from all over the world through Heartlinks to wipe out the tears of many would be an exemplary activity in the society. The Global President, Adv. Biju Parayanilam presided over the conference. Catholic Congress Bishop Legate Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil, Mar George Mathathikandathil, Dr. Mohan Thomas and prominent leaders of Catholic Congress participated in the inaugural meeting.
Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil Mar George Mathathikandathil
Adv. Biju Parayanilam Dr. Mohan Thomas MOUNT VISION | OCTOBER 2020 | 11
|| THE LAITY FORUM WEBINAR INAUGURATION
PRESERVE THE PROTECTION GIVEN TO THE MINORITIES IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY; CARDINAL ALANCHERRY It is a matter of social justice that proper recognition should be Inaugurating the webinar organised by the Laity Forum, Cardinal Mar George given to the minorities Alencherry emphasized the importance of whether they are preserving the protection given to the religious or linguistic. minorities in a democratic society. It is a matter of social justice that proper recognition should be given to the minorities whether they are religious or linguistic. He also pointed out the need for all the faithful to cooperate in the effort to overcome the harmful effects of the pandemic.
The Laity Forum demanded from the Government speedy actions with regard to the implementation of the reservation benefits given to the economically weaker sections of the forward communities and to grant the specific benefits that are due to the Christian communities to the economically backward among them. MOUNT VISION | OCTOBER 2020 | 12
PRESS RELEASES
Bishop Mar Paul Chittilapilly Archbishop Joseph was a Great Pastor: Chennoth called to Cardinal Alencherry Eternal Rest
Kochi: Former Bishop of the Eparchy of Kochi: Cardinal Mar Thamarassery, Mar Paul Chittilapilly passed George Alencherry, away following cardiac arrest at a private the President of hospital in Kozhikode. He was 87. He was KCBC and the Major leading a retired life from 2010. He was the Archbishop of the first Bishop of the Eparchy of Kalyan. Syro-Malabar Church in his condolence In his condolence message, Cardinal Mar message recalled that the late George Alencherry said that Bishop Mar Archbishop Mar Chittilapilly was a great pastor who was Joseph Chennoth deeply rooted in Christian and human values. was a diplomat The integrity of life that he kept in his priestly whose life was and episcopal roles was exemplary. The deeply rooted in faithful co-operated with him and offered him spirituality. The assistance generously in all the ministries he Cardinal added that he had recognized the was engaged in. He noted that Mar Chittilapilly greatness of Archbishop Chennoth from his left a distinct mark on the Indian hierarchy as contact with him through letters and the bishop of the newly-erected Eparchy of conversations. The late Archbishop was a person Kalyan. He acknowledged the magnificent of great calm and serenity. He was also totally leadership he gave to the building-up of the attached to the Church. He was very much Eparchy of Thamarasserry. The Major interested in fostering unity among different religions. He served in many under- developed Archbishop offered his prayers for the repose countries during his career as a Vatican of his soul. diplomat. He worked hard in those countries for the good of the people as well as of the Church. It was while he was working as the Nuncio in Japan that he fell ill and passed away. Love of the poor was a hallmark of his pastoral ministry. He gave his own personal savings to help his home parish as well as to meet the needs of the Church on different occasions.
He maintained all throughout his life a very dignified demeanor and a high sense of nobility which he definitely acquired from the noble traditions of his family. The Cardinal offered his prayers and condolences to the family as well as to the Kokkamangalam parish. He also offered his prayers for the eternal repose of his soul.
DATE: 06 SEPTEMBER 2020 DATE: 08 SEPTEMBER 2020 PRESS RELEASE: SYRO-MALABAR MEDIA COMMISSION PRESS RELEASE: SYRO-MALABAR MEDIA COMMISSION MOUNT VISION | OCTOBER 2020 | 13
PRESS RELEASES
C.F. Thomas was a Great Protest of the Leader Loved by the Global Mathruvedhi Public of Changanacherry: Cardinal Alencherry Kochi: The global Mathruvedhi under the presidentship of K. Kochi: Cardinal V. Reethamma protested Mar George against the attack on the Alencherry in his young lady who was a Covid condolence patient by the ambulance message driver. They requested the pointed out that Govt to give exemplary Sri. C. F. Thomas punishments to the driver. Fr. Wilson was a great Elavuthinkal Koonan, the Director, Rosaly leader loved by Paul Thattil, Annamma John Tharayil, Mercy the public of Joseph, Binny Jose, Tessy Sebastian, Beena Changanacherry Bitty etc spoke on the occasion. irrespective of their social status or religious affiliations. He represented Changanacherry as an MLA for the last 40 years and was held in great respect by his party as well as by the Government. He was always available to the people. He was a distinguished alumnus of S. B. College and always showed keen interest in its development and growth. He was also a distinguished teacher at S. B. High school and was well–liked by the students and his colleagues. His interest in helping poor students is worthy of great admiration. He was instrumental in creating many civic and administrative facilities at Changanacherry. He was a person of deep faith and was regular at the various services at his parish church. The simplicity he exuded in his life was remarkable. He is one of the rarest of the leaders who love the people they serve and in turn are loved by them. The Cardinal offered his prayers and condolences.
DATE: 27 SEPTEMBER 2020 DATE: 07 SEPTEMBER 2020 PRESS RELEASE: SYRO-MALABAR MEDIA COMMISSION PRESS RELEASE: SYRO-MALABAR MEDIA COMMISSION MOUNT VISION | OCTOBER 2020 | 14
CURIA NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
Reports of the Commissions & A liated O ces
Commission for Life, Laity and Family Commission for Liturgy
Laity Forum conducted a web conference for Special Committee Meetings of Bishops were held for discussion regarding ‘Minority Issues’. the scrutiny of the Peshitta version of the Psalms. Inaugurated the ‘Heartlinks Global Project’ of Sub-Committee Meetings of CLC Members were held Catholica Congress through online video conference. on various days for the language correction of the Peshitta version of the Psalms. Commission for Ecumenism A Central Liturgy Committee meeting was held to discuss the new set of readings for the Liturgy. Inaugurated an online Ecumencial global meeting of A Sub-Committee Meeting of 6 CLC Members was Laity in which prominent lay leaders of different convened to study and discuss on the new set of church denominations and communities from India readings for the Liturgy. and abroad attended. The Commission has published the Panchangam for Commission for Catechesis 2021 and respective reading sheets both in Malayalam and English. Conducted an Orientation Class for Catechetical PTA in Singapore. Syro-Malabar Dalit Vikas Society (SDVS) Conducted Catechism Directors meeting online Conducted General body meeting online Inaugurated the Program,‘Making Always Difference’, of the Kalkaji Parish belonging to the Eparchy of Approved 74 renewal applications for scholarships Faridabad. that support the professional studies of the Syro-Malabar Dalit Students. Commission for Public A airs
Sent memorandum to the Chief Minister of Kerala regarding the implementation of the 10% Reservation to the EWS of the Non-Reservation category. MOUNT VISION | OCTOBER 2020 | 15
CURIA NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
Sept. 13 Participated in the online video conferencing conducted by the Eparchy of Kalyan in Major memoriam of late Bishop Paul Chittilapilly. Sept. 14 Blessed the new house of Mr. Jose Archbishop’s Mavelipuram at Kakkanad. Recorded the inaugural address to the Dairy Ecumenical Meeting in connection with the 90 year celebrations of Reunion of Syro-Malankara Church. Sept. 16 Inaugurated Vedik coaching academy at Kakkanad. DATE EVENTS Sept. 18 Released a book containing the Text of Sept. 1 Participated in the online meeting of Liturgy Syro-Malabar Qurbana in Syriac, English and Special Committee hosted by the Commission Malayalam languages prepared by Fr. Cyril for Liturgy. Thayyil at Mount St. Thomas. Sept. 5 Inaugurated the webinar organized by the Laity Sept. 19 Presided the online meeting of Syro-Malabar Forum. Bishops from outside Kerala in India hosted from Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad. Inaugurated the ‘Heartlinks Global Project’ of Catholica Congress through online video Inaugurated the online meeting of Catechism conferencing. Directors’ meeting hosted by Department of Cathechesis. Sept. 6 Released video music album Praathal by Fr. Nevin Attokkaran at Mount St. Thomas. Sept. 20 Delivered benedictory address at the Fr. Joseph Maliparambil Memorial online Sept. 8 Presided the funeral service of Bishop Paul webinar conducted by MST Generalate. Chittilapilly at Mary Matha Cathedral, Thamarassery. Sept. 21 Participated in the online discussion about the Farmers’ Bill organized under the Sept. 9 Conferred priestly ordination to Dn. Pleason auspices of JPD Commission of KCBC. Chelackappillil at Major Archiepiscopal Marth Mariam Archdeacon Pilgrim Church, O ciated the final part of the funeral service Kuravilangad. of Fr. Abraham Moloparambil MCBS at Little Flower Church, Kaduvakulam. Participated in the first anniversary celebrations of Nasrani Sangamam at Archiepiscopal Marth Sept. 22 Inaugurated online Mar Kariyattil Syriac Mariam Archdeacon Pilgrim Church, Academy started in the Eparchy of Kuravilangad. Thamarassery to promote the study of Syriac language. Celebrated Holy Qurbana at Archiepiscopal Marth Mariam Archdeacon Pilgrim Church, O ciated the final part funeral ceremony of Kuravilangad. Bishop Joseph Chennoth at St. Thomas Church, Kokkamangalam. Sept. 10 Blessed the new o ce of Mr. Babu Kallivayalil at Ernakulam. Sept. 24 Participated and distributed the prizes to the winners of Edenthottam competition Blessed the new house of Mr. Sonu Alencherry at conducted by Catholica Congress at Mount Kakkanad. St. Thomas, Kakkanad. Blessed the marriage of Rose and Rahul at St. Sept. 25 Participated in the online meeting of Liturgy Francis Assisi Church, Kakkanad. Special Committee hosted by the Sept. 11 Participated in the online meeting of Liturgy Commission for Liturgy. Special Committee hosted by the Commission Presided the online meeting of the for Liturgy. Syro-Malabar Bishops outside India, hosted Participated and moderated the online meeting from Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad. of POC Commission. Sept. 26 Inaugurated the webinar organized by the Sept. 12 Celebrated Holy Qurbana at FCC Generalate in Laity Forum of the Syro-Malabar Church. connection with the Golden Jubilee celebrations Sept. 27 Inaugurated the ‘Care Chellanam’ project of of unification of FCC congregation. KLC at Chellanam. Blessed the marriage of Gimi George (Miya) and Sept. 28 O ciated the final part of the funeral service Ashwin Philip at St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica, of Mr. C. F. Thomas MLA at St. Mary's Ernakulam. Metropolitan Cathedral, Changanacherry. Sept. 13 Celebrated Holy Qurbana at St. Mary's Forane Sept. 30 Participated in the online meeting of Liturgy Church Kudamaloor on the occasion of the Special Committee hosted by the declaration as Major Archiepiscopal Pilgrim. Commission for Liturgy. MOUNT VISION | OCTOBER 2020 | 16
CURIA NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
Curia Bishop’s Diary
DATE EVENTS
Sept. 2 SDVS Zoom Conference.
Sept. 8 Ordination of Dn. Jitho Arackal at St. Germain’s Church, North Paravoor.
Grotto Blessing at Basil Bhavan, CST Fathers, Mookkannur.
Sept. 14-18 Annual Retreat for Curia Members.
Sept. 18 Participated in releasing of Syriac Holy Qurbana text prepared by Fr. Cyril Thayyil.
Sept. 19 Video Conference of Bishop's outside Kerala.
Sept. 22 Prayed O ce for the dead when the body of Archbishop Joseph Chennoth was brought to the St. Mary’s Basilica Church, Ernakulam.
Sept. 24 Participated in AKCC Award distribution ceremony.
Sept. 25 Online Meeting of Bishop’s of SMC outside India.
Sept. 29 Zoom meeting of Eastern Legal Board.
EVENTS, FEASTS & BIRTHDAYS
DATE DAY EVENTS, FEASTS & BIRTHDAYS
7 Mon Blessing of the Curia (Vencharippu)
8 Tue Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
14 - 18 Mon Annual Retreat for Priests
18 Fri Birthday of Fr. Thomas Adoppillil
21 - 25 Mon Annual Retreat for Sisters
27 Sun Feast of Fr. Vincent Cheruvathoor THE ROSARY IS THE WEAPON FOR THESE TIMES.
ST. PADRE PIO
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