Kerala delegation holds talks with Pope on Mass liturgy issue
Lay group Almaya Munnettam claimed here on Saturday that a team of leading Catholics from Kerala led by former Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph met Pope Francis in Rome to discuss the deep divide in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly over the adoption of the Mass liturgy prescribed by the synod of the Syro-Malabar Church.
A communication from Almaya Munnettam, which has stood stridently for a full people-facing Mass as opposed to the synod Mass, said the four-member team included former Indian Ambassador to Rome K.P. Fabian, former Women’s Commission Chairperson Monamma Kokkad, and former Director of Public Education Lida Jacob. They were given an audience by the Pope on May 6 at 11.30 a.m. Indian time, claimed a communication from the lay group.
The delegation laid before the Pope, the stand taken by the archdiocesan authorities and presented before him suggestions on resolving the di£erences. A memorandum explaining the mistakes leading to the crucial synod decision was also submitted to the Pope.
The team visited the Pope ahead of the members of the permanent synod led by Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil. “This is a matter of great hope,” said Almaya Munnettam convenor Shaiju Antony and spokesman Riju Kanjookkaran. The lay group is hopeful, they said, of nding a solution acceptable to and inclusive of all.
Permanent synod
Meanwhile, the permanent synod members are expected to reach Rome ahead of a meeting with senior ocials of the Vatican on Monday. Much is being read into the Vatican meeting as both those demanding the implementation of the synod Mass and those opposing it are hopeful that a solution will be found in Rome.
Antony Valunkal has been appointed auxiliary bishop of the Varapuzha Archdiocese by the Vatican. An announcement to this effect was made by Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparambil at the archdiocesan headquarters at 3.30 p.m. on Saturday, said a communication here. He will be consecrated as bishop on June 30 on the Vallarpadam basilica premises.
Former Archbishop Francis Kallarakkal, bishop of Kochi Joseph Kariyil, bishop Alex Vadakkumthala, bishop Joseph Karikkassery, and senior priests and religious were present at the announcement, the communication added.
The new auxiliary bishop was born to Michael and Philomena in July 1969 at Eroor. He joined the seminary for priesthood in 1984 and completed his studies at St. Joseph’s Pontical Seminary in Aluva and was consecrated a priest by Archbishop Cornelius Elanjikkal in April 1994.
The Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE) has provided an opportunity for candidates, who have registered for the KEAM entrance examination for admissions to engineering and pharmacy courses to apply for a change in date of examination to avoid a clash with other entrance examinations.
The KEAM entrance examination has been scheduled to be held across batches from June 5 to 9. According to a notication issued, the candidates have been directed to submit details about other examinations such as the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) and Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test (IMUCET) that they intend to appear on the ‘Other Exam Details’ link provided on the Candidate Portal on the website www.cee.kerala.gov.in.
The deadline for submitting such details is May 13 at 6 p.m.