Prof.K.V.Thomas

  The funeral of Prof.K.V.thomas who passed away yesterday did take place today at Edappally Church at 12 noon. I went to the house of Prof.Thomas around 11.30 am after getting the location from Dr. Isaac Paul. Without any difficulty, I could reach the house of Prof. Thomas. A few of the teachers of SB were there. I said the Office for the Dead and spoke a few words of appreciation for his service at the college. He was very gentle, and soft-spoken and was greatly respected by his colleagues. 

Mar Raphael Thattil, The New Major Archbishop

 Mar Raphael Thattil was elected the new Major Archbishop on Jan. 11 and was installed as the Major Archbishop at Mt.St.Thomas on Jan. 12. His election was greeted with great joy and enthusiasm as his name was a surprise and was not mentioned in the media as a possible candidate. His pleasant nature, affability, availability, and ever-present smile have evoked a great response among the Catholic faithful. It was with great enthusiasm and happiness that people received him. There is a natural spontaneity and warmth in his interactions. He gives a new face to The Church. It is like fresh air being blown into the halls of the Church.

 His retreat talks were warmly and prayerfully received by the people at the Cathedral of Chicago. I was there on the last day to give him the vote of thanks on behalf of the diocese. I called him the crown of the Syro-Malabar Church because of the tremendous impression he has created in the minds of the people. 

We hope and pray that he will open a new chapter in the history of the Church especially because of the estrangement of the Ernakulam diocese from the mainstream of the Church. A new approach, more conciliatory and compromising has to be adopted to bring them into the fold.  It would be presumptuous to think that they would accept all the matters demanded of them within a few weeks. It may require many years for such a  transformation. What is important is the unity of the church and keeping the faithful close to Jesus. Insisting blind obedience and total submission is impractical. It may need more conciliatory approaches and years of walking together with them. At a time when it is difficult for us to bring another person into the Faith, we have to be careful not to alienate those who are in the Church. It is not a canonical approach that is needed but one that is charitable and magnanimous.

So many divisions in the church have happened because of the intransigence and narrow vision of a few people in the leadership. History tells us to go slowly. "Festina lente" should be the nature of our approach.

The Election of the New Major Archbishop

 The Synod to elect the new Major Archbishop will convene tomorrow, Jan.8th.This Synod will be another important phase in the history of the Church .After more than 12 years of the administration of Cardinal Mar George Alencherry, a new person will be elected to the position of the Major Archbishop. The Church needs a new direction and a new focus. Its contribution to the spiritual ambiance of the State as well as of India has to be enhanced and more people have to be brought into the mainstream of the Church. Kerala is seething with violence. Many people get killed and a great number of people have committed suicide. Despair is taking hold of the lives of people.  Despite much material progress, we find more  happenings of criminal acts and murders. Gang-led attacks, domestic violence, and the insecurity that develops from unemployment are destroying the moral fiber of the country. Also, many who are suffering from serious sicknesses  need help, care, and compassion. Surrounding the cities and towns, we find people without shelter, drinking water, and waste disposal. The sides of the streets and roads are kept unclean with collections of waste that are thrown randomly by miscreants. The stray dogs and wild animals straying from the forests into the homesteads of people are creating problems for people. The Church has to intervene to help the people to attain a sense of peace and stability. If the new Major Archbishop has a vision, he can change the nature of society through his inspiring presence and guidance.