Syro-Malankara Catholic Church

Transcription

1 Syro-Malankara Catholic Church Diocesan Bulletin Mar Ivanios Bhavan J-Block 61-62, Paryavaran Complex IGNOU Road, Neb Sarai New Delhi

2 Patron H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas The Bishop Circulation Bishops, Priests, Pastoral Council Members Editors Fr. Visakh Scariah Fr. Jinto John Cover Design Elizabeth Bobby Layout Jose Paul Support Reny Mathew, Shinu James Printed at: Bosco Society for Printing & Graphic Training Okhla Road, New Delhi Ph: , boscopress@gmail.com Published by the Chancellor Diocese of St. John Chrysostom, Gurgaon J 61/62, Paryavaran Complex, IGNOU Road, Neb Sarai New Delhi Copyright Diocese of St. John Chrysostom, Gurgaon. For private circulation only 2

3 Message of the Shepherd The entire Malankara Church is journeying through the holy pilgrimage of Nombu. The Moonu Nombu (3 Days Nombu) and the Valiya Nombu (50 days Fast) mark a Malankarite s preparation for the Great Feast of Qyomto. These are the days whereby one directs one s thoughts and minds on the salvific plan of the loving Father. The Holy Sleebo becomes the focus of our reflection. During the days of the Fast the Believing Community constantly reflects on the entire tradition of Nombu as found in the Sacred Scriptures, calling it as the Blessed Nombu and prays in humility to Lord Jesus to make His Church worthy of practicing the days of fast, foster reconciliation and tranquility within Her and enlighten the minds of her faithful with Wisdom. The prayers of the Church are a reminder to the faithful that it is their Lord Himself who guides the entire Church throughout the days of the Fast. The 40 times prostration praying Kurielesion, specific to the Malankara tradition, is symbolic of the Church s desire to unite herself with the Passion of Her Savior and seek mercy. Students from our different Parishes, Units and Mission stations are preparing themselves for the coming Central Board Exams of Classes X and XII during these days. The prayerful ambience at our homes during Nombu Season will provide a fruitful opportunity to blend spirituality with academics. The Diocesan Level Annual Convention to be held on 5 to 7 February will provide a good occasion to come together and deepen our Spiritual Orientation and enflame our Mission Spirit. It is not a coincidence but providence that all our priests and Pithavu will be having their annual retreat from 1 February to 5 February. Please keep us in your prayers. Frequent participation and worthy reception of the Holy Qurbono, the Sacrament of Confession and family prayers along with time for reading of the Holy Bible should become a regular feature of our lives especially during the days of Fast. Each and every family of our Diocese will be in my prayers. God bless you all. Yours in Our Lord + Jacob Mar Barnabas 3

4 4

5 5

6 6

7 7

8 YEAR OF MERCY PROGRAM OF THE DIOCESE OF GURGAON (8 December November 2016) 1. Diocesan Level Official Beginning in the Diocese: 13 December Holy Qurbono, Inaugural Address and Liturgical Service etc at the Cathedral. Sending the Prayer for the Year of Mercy to Parishes Sending the Logo of the Year to Parishes/Institutions General Projects: Food for Hungry, Informal Education for Children etc. Special Projects: Walk with a Family and Send a Child to School. Reach the Unreached: Spreading the Joy of the Gospel Conclusion of the Year of Mercy on 20 Nov a) For Clergy and Religious Animation : Jesus Christ - the Face of Father s Mercy Pilgrimage Give Importance to the Sacrament of Reconciliation Monthly Recollection with Eucharistic Adoration b) For Pastoral Council Animation : Jesus Christ - the Face of Father s Mercy Public Acts of Mercy (Practical) c) Commission and Departmental Level Animation/Retreat : Jesus Christ - the Face of Father s Mercy Public Acts of Mercy (Practical) 2. Institutional Level (Religious Houses, Seminary, Schools etc.) Animation/Retreat : Jesus Christ - the Face of Father s Mercy One Pilgrimage Public Acts of Mercy (Practical-Witnessing) 3. Parish Level Opening the Door of Mercy & Placing of the Logo Animation/Convention : Jesus Christ - the Face of Father s Mercy Reciting of Year of Mercy Prayer after Holy Qurbono Pilgrimage 8

9 9 Reaching the Unreached: Spreading the Joy of the Gospel (local level) Public Acts of Mercy (Practical Witnessing) 4. Family Level Ensuring the Sacramental Life of the entire Family members Guaranteeing of Morning and Evening prayers in the family. Reciting Year of Mercy prayer after the Evening Prayer Individual Confession (Once in a Month) Public Acts of Mercy (Practical - witnessing) Reconciliation of Broken Families and shattered family relations. 5. Individual Level (Laity, Seminarians, Religious, Priests and Bishop) Daily Prayers and Sacramental Life Reaching the Unreached: Spreading the Joy of Gospel Individual Spiritual and Corporal Acts of Mercy TIPS FOR CORPORAL AND SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY Biblical Concept: To feed the hungry, Quench the thirsty, Clothe the naked, Welcome the stranger, Heal the sick, Visit the imprisoned and Bury the dead (Mt.25:31-45) (This biblical reference is the basis of all the acts of mercy, hence it should be given due importance.) Social Realm: Sharing with the poor, financial assistance, marriage assistance, educational assistance, housing assistance, employment assistance etc. Mercy towards the weaker sections in the society children, women, widows, aged, disabled, mentally retarded, backward sections of the society etc. Ecological Sphere: Waste management, water management, electricity management, controlling of air pollution, planting trees, cleaning the surroundings and public places etc. Spiritual Acts of Mercy: To counsel the doubtful, forgive offences, instruct the ignorant, admonish sinners, comfort the afflicted, patiently bearing those who do us ill, pray for the living and the dead, avoiding luxury.

10 DEPARTMENT OF CATECHESIS-St. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM DIOCESE of GURGAON MAR IVANIOS BHAVAN, SYRO-MALANKARA CATHOLIC CHURCH Paryavaran Complex, Block J- 61, 62, IGNOU Road, Neb Sarai, Saket catechesisgurgaon.blogspot.in 10 GD/DoC/2016/04 21 January 2016 Dear Rev. Fathers, Sisters, Headmasters, Teachers and loving students of Sunday School, Greetings from the Department of Catechesis, Eparchy of St. John Chrysostom! The time of Nombu is already here inviting all of us to reflect on the Passion of Jesus. The Nineveh Fast and the Valiya Nombu are days of intense prayer and moments of deepening our relation with Lord Jesus. I wish and pray that these days may be moments of grace and blessing for each of you. The Second Semester Session which is already in progress will conclude with the Exams to be held on April 24 th The Syllabus, Question Bank and updates of the Department is posted in the blog catechesisgurgaon.blogspot.in. The HM s are requested to forward the names of those students of previous academic years of Class X who are in need of Certificates or Completion Course Certificates. A request letter mentioning the year of the completion with a recommendation from the Parish Priest is required to issue the same. Please do the needful before January 31 st As mentioned in the previous Circular 03 I am still awaiting the return of filled forms with the details of the students beginning from Class I and the contact details of HM s and all those concerned with the MCCL. The process of Documentation can begin only when the data is made available. Please notify through mail the requirements of Catechism Text Books needed for your Unit so that the Department can make it available in time. Wishing You the Blessings of the Nombu! Thanking You, Fr. Mathew (Jigmy) Koodaparambil Director, Department of Catechesis

11 Indore Mission initiated DIOCESAN NEWS Very Rev. Fr. Sam Pathackal and Rev. Fr. Charles gathered together 18 members of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Rite for the first ever gathering in Indore on 1 December The gathering included Prayer Meeting and discussion regarding the endeavors to expand the Community. YUVA 2015 Birthday Celebrations of the Bishop The annual youth meeting YUVA was conducted at the Bethany College of Nursing, Durg, Bhilai on 2 December The week long fest of Arts, Sports, culture and literature was inaugurated by the Mayor of Durg along with other Muncipal Council Members. The birthday of H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas was celebrated on 7 December A thanksgiving Mass was offered by the bishop at Cathedral, Neb Sarai following which a brief gathering was arranged in the Bishop s house in which Rev. Fathers and Sisters of the Delhi region participated. The Girideepam Minor Seminary family was also present on the occasion. Diocesan Inauguration of the Year of Mercy Following the inauguration of the Year of Mercy by the Holy Father Pope Francis on 8 December 2015, this ecclesiastical year for mercy was inaugurated in the Diocese of Gurgaon by H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas on 13 December This was done through 11

12 a liturgical ceremony which included the opening of the main door of the Cathedral of the Diocese (St. Mary s Malankara Catholic Cathedral, Neb Sarai). The prayers for this liturgical service were prepared by Rev. Fr. Mathew Kalarikalayil. Launching of the Diocesan Website The official website of the Diocese of St. John Chrysostom, Gurgaon was launched by H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas on 13 December The website shall include general information of the Diocese, news updates, etc. Suggestions regarding the website are welcome. (Website: H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas Visit to Sanjoepuram, Faridabad The Bishop visited Sanjoepuram, Faridabad on 13 December He met with the young children, specially abled inmates and the members of different institutions in the campus of Sanjoepuram where he was accorded a warm welcome by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Theckenath. Rev. Sisters, staff and around 120 children were present in this brief meeting in which the Bishop conveyed his Christmas message and greetings. Prachodana Christmas Gathering On 19 December 2015, the Prachodana Social Service Society (social service department of the Diocese of Gurgaon) arranged a Christmas gathering and celebration for the slum-dwelling children at Manasarovar Park, New Delhi. As part of the non-formal education program for these children, this celebration included brief cultural programs performed by the children from this place. Christmas carols were sung by the youth members from St. Mary s Malankara Catholic Cathedral, Neb Sarai. H. E. Jacob Mar Barnabas conveyed his Christmas greetings and shared the Christmas cake to all the children and their family members. Mr. Raymond D souza, a lay leader was the chief guest. Rt. Rev. Msgr. John Kochuthundil also gave the Christmas message. As part of the Christmas celebrations, winter clothes were distributed to the young children. Followed by noon meal for all those gathered. 12

13 Christmas Celebrations with Children, Neb Sarai The Christmas celebration for the Non- Formal Education program under the aegis of Prachodana Social Service Society on 24 December The gathering took pace at the premises of the Bishop s house Residence at Neb Sarai, New Delhi and included approximately 100 children who stay nearby and have no access to proper school education. Some of their parents also participated. The neighbors of the Bishop s house joined the gathering. The program included Christmas cake cutting, Action songs and Dance by the Children and distribution of winter clothes and refreshments. New Charitable Society for the Diocese of Gurgaon The first consultative meeting of the Society; Action Plan Committee on 20th December 2015 at our bishop s, Neb Sarai, at 4.30 pm. The major purpose of establishing a Society is that Missionary and Charitable and Development Activities of the Diocese of Gurgaon for good faithful. The Society shall work for the development of Syro-Malankara Church and Gurgoan Diocese. H.E. Dr. Jacob Mar Barnabas chaired the meeting in which Rt. Rev. Msgr. John Kochuthundil, Very Rev. Fr. Philips Vazhakunnathu, Rev. Fr. Visakh Scariah, Mr. T.G. Thomas, Mr. T. Thomas, Mr. John Cherian. K, and Mr. Johnson Benchamin participated. New Book Release authored by Rt. Rev. Msgr. John Kochuthundil A new book Open the Door of Mercy written by Rt. Rev. Msgr. John Kochuthundil, the Vicar general of Gurgaon Diocese was released by Honorable Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Prof. Shri P. J. Kurien in the presence of His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis on the occasion of the Festal celebrations of the Catholicos on 5 January The book Open the Door of Mercy is an in depth analysis and concise presentation of the basic and important notions and aspects related to the Year of mercy. It also portrays the theological, Biblical and dogmatic dimensions of concept of Divine Mercy. 13

14 Bishop s News Faridabad School Foundation stone Blessing of the New Block The foundation stone of new academic block of the St. Mary s Sr. Sec. School was blessed by H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas on 23 December 2015 Christmas Events Attended by the Bishop December 8, A Christmas dinner was hosted by Sri. Venu Rajamony, the Press Secretary to the President of India. The gathering was arranged at the residence of the Press Secretary and was attended by senior government officials, various MPs and other VIPs. December 10, A Christmas gathering and dinner was arranged at the Apostolic Nunciature, New Delhi. December 12, H. E. Jacob Mar Barnabas participated in GLORIA, an annual Christmas event organized by the Marthoma Church, Delhi Diocese. The chief guest of the event was Smt. Najma Heptulla, the Union Minister for Minority Affairs. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulose, the Marthoma Bishop for Delhi Diocese was also present on the gathering which was conducted in the premises of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. This event included several groups rendering Christmas carols, dramatic presentations and other visual treats with the theme One Nation One Spirit promoting patriotism as well as harmony of religions in the great nation of India. December 13, 2015-H. E. Jacob Mar Barnabas participated as the chief guest in the Christmas gathering arranged at the Dharam Jyoti Vidya Peeth, the seminary of the Marthoma Church, Faridabad. Several priests, seminary students of the Marthoma Church and faithful participated in this Christmas service which was also attended by H. E. Abraham Mar Paulose ( Marthoma Bishop). Alongside this program, two Bishops together blessed the foundation stone of the new block of this institution. 14

15 December 17, The Bishop participated as the guest of honor in a Christmas celebration arranged by the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh(RSS) in the Constitution Club, New Delhi. The gathering was inaugurated by Sri. Indresh Kumar, a senior RSS leader. The Christmas message was delivered by H. E. Jacob Mar Barnabas. Sri. Indresh Kumar, in his speech, mentioned the antiquity of Christianity in India and the inevitable harmony among different religions as the essential character of Indian culture, heritage and history. H. E. Kuriakose Bharanikulangara ( Bishop of Faridabad Diocese, Syro Malabar Church), Bishop Mar Osthathios( Bishop of the Jacobite Church, Delhi) and other high-profile dignitaries participated in this event. December A grand Christmas gathering was arranged by the Catholic Bishop s Conference of India (CBCI) at the premises of CBCI Centre, New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the President of the CBCI. Sri. Rajnath Singh, honorable Home Minister of India was the chief guest of the evening. Sri. P. J. Kurien, several MP s, diplomatic delegates, Bishops, priests, sisters, media persons and other dignitaries participated in this Christmas gathering. December 19 th 2015 H. E. Jacob Mar Barnabas participated in the Christmas gathering and dinner arranged at the Holy Family Hospital, New Delhi. December 20 nd 2015 the Bishop as the chief guest in the the Christmas Carnival programme organized by Smart Dilshad Garden. This event was co-organized by the Kidney federation of India and included an organ donation drive. 25 th December 2015 H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas participated in a Christmas meeting held at the Yusuf Sadan, Golddhak Khana. The chief guest of the meeting was the C.M of Delhi Shri. Arvind Kejriwal. Other prominent church leaders participated in the gathering. 27 th December 2015 H.E.Jacob Mar Barnabas participated in a Christmas gathering held at the Delhi Archbishop s House, Golddhak Khana. In which clerical leaders, religious superiors and lay leaders participated. 15

16 A high level Christmas gathering was hosted by Union Minister Shri Arun Jaitley at his residence on 29 th December H.E Jacob Mar Barnabas along with other Bishops were invited to this gathering. A 10 member group including delegates of the different department of the Diocese of Gurgaon accompanied the Bishop. Smt. Smiriti Irani, Union Minister of Education along with high profile V.I.Ps participated in the gathering. New Year Celebrations at the Russian Embassy - H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas participated in a New Year celebration at the Russian Embassy on 11 January Delhi Region The Christmas service was held in St.Mary s Syro Malankara Cathedral in Neb Sarai. The service began at 7pm on 24 th December H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas led the Christmas celebration and conveyed the Christmas greetings. As a Guest of Honour Swami Shri Mahamandaleshwar Marthandapuri participated throughout the Christmas service and conveyed the Christmas message to the whole gathering.(swamiji a renowned religious leader)spoke that the peace, joy and the love of Christmas should be spread all over the world. He also praised the contribution of the Christian community in India and said that it should be recognized and brought out to the world. The celebration concluded with cake cutting and refreshments. Feast of H.B. Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos The feast of H.B Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos was solemnly celebrated at Major Arch Bishop s House, Trivandram on 2 January Celebrations included a solemn Holy Qurbono at St. Mary s Cathedral, Pattom followed by agape at the Major Arch Bishop s House Trivandram. DMCA Annual Christmas Gathering The Annual Delhi Malankara Catholic Association {DMCA} Christmas was conducted on Sunday 10 th January All the parishes from Delhi 16

17 participated the programme and performed individual presentation for 15 minutes each. This presentation included skit, mime, carol songs etc. The gathering concluded with the solemn meeting which was chaired by H.E. Jacob Mar Barnabas. The chief guest for the day was Jewish Rabbi Ezekiel, Isaac Malekar. The Honourable MLA of the constituency Shri. Kartar Singh also graced the occasion. The Vicar General Rt. Rev. Fr. John Kochuthundil, along with reverend priests, sisters and lay leaders were present for the occasion. Approximately 500 members from the parishes of Delhi gathered for the occasion which concluded with the dinner. Girideepam Minor Seminary Reopened on 15 th January The brothers came back from their Christmas vacation. Regional MCYM, Surat Regional MCYM yearly plan was inaugurated at Surat on 6 Dec 2015 at Surat. Christmas visits School Annual Function Bhopal Region Rt. Rev. Msgr.Daniel Kuzhithadathil Corepiscopo visited Most. Rev. Dr. Leo Cornelio, Archbishop of Bhopal Diocese on 27th December 2015 and conveyed Christmas wishes and greetings. Rt. Rev. Msgr. Daniel Kuzhithadathil Corepiscopo visits Honorable Chief Minister Shri. Shivraj Singh Chouhan at CM House on 27th December 2015 and conveys Christmas wishes and greetings. St. Thomas Convent School, Bhopal celebrated the annual function on 17 December The event was inaugurated by Honorable Home Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shri. Babulal Gaur. The Guest of Honour for the occasion was Rev. Msgr. Mathew Vallatt, Vicar General of Bhopal Diocese. 17

18 Zest of Christmas MCYM, Bhopal unit celebrated the Zest of Christmas in Bhopal. It was a carol singing event by DB Mall, Bhopal before a huge crowd on 23 December MCYM Seminar Raipur Mission A one day seminar was arranged for the youth of Bhopal Parish. Rev. Dr. Jose Vallikkattu MST, Master in Audio Visual Communication from Bangalore took class for MCYM members of Bhopal unit on the topic Role and influence of media on youth and Evangelization on 17 December Odisha Region Christmas celebration in Raipur Mission was conducted in St. Mary s Catholic Church, Tatibanth, Raipur (Latin Parish). Liturgy of Christmas and Holy Qurbono was conducted on 24th Evening 7 10pm. Three Days of Carol services were conducted. Rev. Fr Biju Edayalakudiyil led the services. Odisha Missions Christmas celebration in Odisha was conducted at various mission stations in Odisha. Full liturgical services were conducted in two places. Liturgy of Christmas was conducted in Malayalam and Holy Qurbono was celebrated in Hindi. Holy Qurbono alone was celebrated in other two villages. There were special prayer services in all other villages. Christmas cribs, decorations Christmas meal, Cultural programmes etc enriched the total experience of the celebrations. Rev. Fr. Devasia Kuthirakkalil, Rev. Fr. Jigmi Koodaparambil and Rev. Fr. Johnson Pallipadinjattethil led the services. Efforts of Rev. Sisters are highly appreciable in the arrangement Christmas celebrations in an n orderly manner. Pastors of different villages took all the initiatives for the immediate execution of the celebrations. 18

19 Farewell to Rev. Fr. Jigmy Koodaparampil and Ms. Annie A Christmas get together of Sisters and Priests working in Odisha was arranged on 25th evening in which farewell was said to Rev. Fr. Jigmi Koodaparampil and Ms Annie. Fr. Jigmy were working in Odisha since December 2014 He served in Odisha especially in the fields of Training of pastors, translation of liturgical and other various Texts. With his efforts first draft of few catechism textbooks, Holy Qurbono, daily Evening Prayer, etc in Oriya are prepared and One month training was conducted for our pastors in collaboration with Fiat Mission at Kerala. Besides these he was in-charge of 5 villages in the mission. Ms. Annie, is a youth from Arunachal Pradesh, who dedicated for the evangelical work. She was in Odisha mission for the last one month helping and learning the missionary activities. Now Rev. Fr. Jigmy, Ms. Annie and Mr. Manoranjan from West Bengal sent to Assam to organize new missions in North-East India. Visit by Mr. Sunny Powath Mr. Sunny Powath from Karghar Parish, Mumbai visited Odisha Mission during the first week of December. He stayed four days in Odisha and travelled through different mission centers and discussed various plans for the development of the mission. It is worth mentioning that he visits Odisha mission at least once in three month and regularly follows the mission activities. First Mother Teresa Quiz Competition The First ever Mother Teresa Quiz Competition was held at Odisha on 9 January 2016 including the topics Bible, Church, Liturgy and General knowledge. Rev. Sisters. Margret OSS & Susmitha OSS from Gunpur, Raigada were the Quiz Masters. Mission Units Junaghar, Jatabal and Korshahandi received the 1st 2nd and 3rd positions respectively. 45 members from six units participated in the programme. Trophies were sponsored by MCYM, St. Thomas Church, Bhopal. The Quiz contest was won by Junagargh Church member. The runners up were member from Jatabal Parish and Korshahndy parish came third. 19

20 Year of Mercy Seminar On 9 January 2016 MCYM Members of the Odisha region conducted a seminar on the year of Mercy. Very Rev. Fr, Johnson Palipadinjatethil, proto-presbyter of the Odisha Region gave talks about the year of mercy. 35 youth members participated from different regions of Odisha. Farewell to Rev. Sister Bensita SIC After a commendable and dedicated service of approximately 13 years. Due to ill health, Rev. Sister Bensita SIC moved back to Kerala in the month of January. Rev Sr. Bensita had served in several parishes and other institutions of the Erstwhile ETRI as well as in the present Diocese of Gurgaon where she was active in the food distribution program of the Prachodana Social Service Society. The Diocese of Gurgaon extends to her sincere gratitude and prayers. She is replaced by Rev. Sr. Nirmal SIC. Sr. Bensita SIC is undergoing a treatment in Kerala. Let us remember her in our prayers. Appointments Rev Fr. Joseph Kileekal OIC - Vicar, St. Mary's SMCC, Ludhiana Rev. Fr. George Abhayanand OIC - Vicar, St. Mary's SMCC, Bhilai Thanks to Rev. Fr. Geevarghese George OIC, Former Vicar, Ludhiana Rev. Fr. Christy Karamarathinal OIC, Former Vicar, Bhilai 20

21 February Days to be Remembered 2 Mayaltho 5 Anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Geevarghese Mar Divannasios 7 Kothine Sunday (Miracle of changing water into wine), Catholicos Day 8 Shubkono, Great Fast Begins 9 Episcopal Ordination of H. E. Most Rev. Abraham Mar Julios 10 Establishment of the throne of the Syro Malankara Catholic Major Archiepiscopate 14 Garbo Sunday (Curing the Leper), Bala Sakhya Dinam 19 Anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Joseph Mar Thomas 21 M shario Sunday (Curing the Paralytic) 22 Comm. of H.E. Most Rev. Thomas Mar Dioscorus 24 Finding of the Head of St. John the Baptist 28 Cnanoitho Sunday (Curing the Daughter of Cananite Women) March 2 Middle Day of the Great Fast, Erection of Gogultho 5 Anniversary of the Enthronement of Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos 6 K piphtho Sunday (Curing the Crippled Women) 10 Anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Jacob Mar Barnabas 13 Samio Sunday (Curing the Blind) Anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Vincent Mar Paulos, Bishop Mar Anthonios, Bishop Mar Irenios & Bishop Mar Stephanos 18 Fortieth Day of the Great Fast 19 Saturday, Lazarus was resurrected 20 Palm Sunday, Social Welfare Day 24 Maundy Thursday 25 Annunciation to the Bl. Virgin Mary, Good Friday 26 Holy Saturday 27 Easter, Season of Qyomtho 28 Hevoro Week 21

22 Feast Days March 18 H.G Most Rev. Thomas Mar Koorilos 19 Rev. Fr. Jose Kuntharayil Birthdays February 22 Rev. Fr. Benedict Moozhikkara OIC 22 Rev. Fr. Mathew Kalarikalayil March 8 Rev. Fr. Jinto John Prayerful Rememberance If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord s. (Romans 14:8) H.E. Most Rev. Thomas Mar Dioscorus (Feb. 22) 22

23 Bishop s Diary February February Diocesan Priests Monthly Recollection February Malankara Catholic Annual Convention, Neb Sarai, Delhi, Gurgaon Diocese February North East mission Visit February CBCI Chairmen s Meeting, Delhi February 13 - CRI, Meeting, Delhi February February Holy Synod, Trivandrum Mission Visit, Odisha February 26 - SH Provincialate Synaxis, Delhi March March CBCI Meeting, Bangalore March 20 - Palm Sunday, Delhi March 24 - Holy Thursday, Cathedral, New Delhi March 25 - Good Friday, Cathedral, New Delhi March 27 - Qyomto, Cathedral, New Delhi 23

24 Eparchy of St. Mary, Queen of Peace, USA and Canada Pope Francis erected a new Syro-Malankara eparchy for the United States and Canada. The pope also named H.E. Thomas Mar Eusebius, who served as the apostolic exarch for Syro- Malankaran Catholics in the United States, as its first bishop. The new diocese is called the Eparchy of St. Mary, Queen of Peace, and will be based out of Elmont, New York, in the Latinrite Diocese of Rockville Centre, at St. Vincent de Paul Malankara Catholic Cathedral. In its announcement Jan. 4, the Vatican noted the presence of 11,500 Syro-Malankara Catholics in the United States, particularly in Illinois, Texas, Michigan, Florida, New York and Washington, D.C. The eparchy includes 19 parishes and missions as well as three women s religious institutes situated in 10 convents in the two countries. There are 17 priests assigned within the eparchy, and another 16 Syro-Malankaran priests ministering in Latin-rite dioceses. 4th Bible Convention Diocese of St. John Chrysostom The fourth Bible convention in the Diocese of Gurgaon willl be held from 5-7 February 2016 at St. Mary's Malankara Catholic Cathedral, Neb Sarai, New Delhi. The Convention will be led by Rev. Fr. Mathew Asariparambil, Director of the Mother Home Retreat Centre, Pariyaram. Organised by the DMCA, this Bible Convention shall include sessions for the Elders, Youth and children alongside common prayer sessions. Cordial Welcome to all. 24