The Holy Episcopal Synod of the Malankara Catholic Church

The 7th Holy Episcopal Synod of the Malankara Catholic Church convenes from the 18th of November, to the 21st of November, 2008 at the Pattom Catholicate Centre. The Synod is attended by major Archbishop Baselios Mar Cleemis, Bishops Geevarghese Mar Yulios, Joseph Mar Thomas, Jacob Mar Barnabas, and Geevarghese Mar Timothios among others.

The first day of the Holy Synod was observed as a prayer day and the Bishop of Thuckalai gave the points for reflection. The Holy Synod evaluated the entire administration of the Church and took important decisions for the better future of the Church. The draft of the Code of Particular Canons (CPC), the particular law of the Church was discussed thoroughly and made necessary changes. The draft of the CPC will also be circulated among the members of the Church for wider discussions and observations. For the session at 4.00 p.m. on 20^th November, the major superiors of every religious congregation of the Church were specially invited. The Holy Synod was concluded by noon on 21^st of November. 

The Pro-Cathedral of Palayam elevated to the status of Basilica

St. Mary, Queen of Peace Pro-Cathedral at Palayam was elevated to the status of Basilica in the Universal Church. Leonardo Cardinal Sandri, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, read out the declaration on 10 November 2008 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom after the Holy Mass. Henceforth, this church will be known as ‘St. Mary Queen of Peace Basilica, Trivandrum.

Reception to Leonardo Cardinal Sandri

His Eminence Leonardo Cardinal Sandri, Prefect, the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, Rome.

Malankara Catholic Church gave a warm reception to Leonardo Cardinal Sandri, the Prefect of the Congregation for Oriental Churches, on 10 November 2008, 9.00am at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Pattom. The reception was arranged in the traditional manner. Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis, Major Archbishop-Catholicos was the chief celebrant of the Holy Qurbono. Leonardo Cardinal Sandi delivered the homily. After the Holy Mass, His Eminence visited the tomb of Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios.

The following public meeting was presided over by Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos. The Metropolitan Archbishop Most Rev. Thomas Mar Koorilos, Most Rev. Joshua Mar Ignathios, Msgr. Eldo Puthenkandathil and the lay representative Shri. John Mathai IAS  made the felicitation speeches. The representatives from the religious congregations of various eparchies gave memento to the Cardinal. All the metropolitans of our Church, Priests, Religious, Nuns, Brothers and numerous Faithful participated in the blessed function.

The Blessing of the Renovated Cathedral

The renovated St. Mary’s Cathedral at Pattom was blessed by Major Archbishop Baselios Cleemis Catholicos at 8 a.m. on Saturday 8 November 2008. A large number of Priests, Religious and the Faithful from the city of Trivandrum participated in the blessing.