The Blessing of the Renovated Tomb Chapel

The dedication and the blessing of the renovated and expanded tomb chapel where the mortal remains of the Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios, Archbishop Mar Gregorios and the first Major Archbishop Cyril Baselios Catholicos rest was blessed at the hands of Major Archbishop Baselios Cleemis Catholicos at 5 p.m. on Tuesday 30 September 2008. A large number of Priests, Religious and the Faithful from the city of Trivandrum participated in the blessing and prayed at the tomb.  The altar of the chapel was blessed and dedicated on 1 September 2008 in preparation for the 55th Feast of Commemoration of the Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios.

Mar Baselios Cleemis’ Speech on the closing day of the 78th re-union

Major Archbishop Mar Baselios Cleemis Catholicos said that the bishops of the Malankara Catholic Church would never encourage people believing and being members in atheistic movements. He was presiding over the closing ceremony of the Reunion Day Celebrations held at Ranni.

Conscious efforts have been made to prevent the growth of faith in the state. Pastoral Letters are one of the teaching method of the Church and it was not invented during the tenure of the LDF government. The Church explains its mission and vision through such Pastoral Letters. The standpoints of the Church are not taken by an individual but by the college of the bishops. The attempt to despise these letters should be condemned.

Attempts are made to spread atheism even through the school textbooks. Steps should be taken from the family itself to check this attempt to destroy the seeds of faith. It is the responsibility of the parents to create and foster faith in children Catholicos added.

We have to speak about God to others. We should be strengthened by the words of Jesus that He would not let us go orphan in any crisis. As the Major Archbishop of the Malankara Catholic Church, my desire and dream is that all Malankara churches should be united under one head. If it happens, I am ready to sacrifice my title and to serve the Church under the common authority, said the Catholics in his most inspiring speech.

Laity Honoured

Malankara Catholic Church honoured 21 members of the Laity who participate in the building up of the Church with immense sacrifice and exemplary service in the various missions of the Church. Among them 8 are women. The titles are called “(Bar Eetho Kasheetho) the Diligent Son of the Church” and “(Bars Eetho Kasheertho) the Diligent Daughter of the Church”. It goes without saying that the titles of honour bestowed in the Church are in recognition of the meritorious service they rendered to the Church. The Major Archbishop Catholicos announced the names of those dignitaries in the public meeting on the main day of the reunion day celebrations at Ranni. They laity are:

Trivandrum

1. Mr. Cherian Chenneerkara (Pampumala)
2. Mr. P. Poulose (Kanjiramkulam)
3. Mr. Mathew Varghse Keecheril (Pattom)
4. Mrs. Mary Samuel Mukkoottumannil (Punalur)

 
Thiruvalla
1. Mr. George Erumeda (Vandanmedu)
2. Mr. Thomas Pulickathara
3. Mrs. Eliyamma Varghese Madelil (Thottabhagam)

Bathery

1. Mr. M. K. Kuruvila Mekkatt (Uppatty)
2. Mrs. Valsamma Thankachan Parackal Puthenpura (Uppada)

Marthandom

1. Mr. Christal John (Nagarcoil)
2. Mrs. Vasanthakumari (Koickalthopp)

Moovattupuzha

1. Mr. K. J. Peter Keyyalil (Vettickal)
2. Mrs. Elizabeth Mathai Idikula (Ernakulam)

Mavelikara

1.Mr. Thomas John Thevareth (Puthiyakavu)
2. Mrs. Annamma George Plamoottil (Chengannur)

ETR

1. Mr. C. T. Symon (Bangalore)
2. Mr. P. V. THomas (Pune)
3. Mrs. Sarah Mani Kuriakose (Mumbai)

ETR outside India

1. Mr. Baby Thomas Naikamparambil (New York)
2. Mrs. Achamma John Mathai (Chicago)

The Inauguration of the Re-union Day Celebrations

The reunion celebrations had magnificent and colourful beginning. The three days programme was begun by the proclamation rally that started from Ranni Block Padi to Mar Athanasios Nagar at St. Mary’s Senior Secondary School, Ranni. The portrait of Mar Ivanios from the Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum, Catholicate flag from the Diocese of Bathery, Papal Flag from the Diocese of Marthandom, portrait of Mar Theophilos from the Diocese of Muvattupuzha, MCYM flag from the Diocese of Mavelikara and the MCYM Logo from the Extra-Territorial Regions were brought under the leadership of MCYM with great pomp and show. The procession was leaded by priests and the office bearers of MCYM. Archbishop Thomas Koorilos inaugurated the rally. The lighted lamp was followed by the Papal flag, Catholicate flag and the portrait of the bishops. Hundreds of vehicles accompanied. At the end of the rally the lighted lamp was handed over to Rev. Fr. Abraham Naduviledam (Proto-presbyter) and it was placed at the main venue of the reunion day celebrations. The portraits were handed over to Rev. Msgr. Antony Kackanattu. Most Rev. Joshua Mar Iganthios, Most Rev. Thomas Mar Koorilos, Rev. Fr. Job Kalluvilayil and Rev. Fr. Mathai Kadavil hoisted the Papal flag, Catholicate flag, MCYM flag and the MCA flag respectively.