By: Smitha George
Kochi: The second session of the 25th Synod of bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church began on Aug 21 at the Church headquarters at Mount St Thomas in Kakkanad, Kochi.
49 bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church are participating in the Synod, which is presided by head of Syro Malabar Catholic Church, Cardinal George Alencherry.
The Synod was officially inaugurated with the lamp lighting ceremony by Cardinal Alencherry. Bishop Anthony of Sagar Diocese led the inaugural retreat in the morning.
Cardinal Alencherry called on the prelates to prepare themselves with a prayerful mind to face the social, cultural and spiritual challenges of the modern world. Along with a meaningful spiritual life, he said that the Church had a responsibility to have a social commitment and an active involvement in matters of public interest.
The Synod paid tribute to Kuriakose Kunnassery first Syro Malabar archbishop of the Kottayam Archdiocese who passed away on June 21. Cardinal Alencherry said that by his demise the Church had lost a true hero. Tributes were also paid to Joseph Manniparambil, long-term president of the Catholic Congress who passed away recently.
Bishop Jacob Manathodath of Palghat diocese and Bishop Simon Stock Palathara of Jagdalpur diocese who are celebrating their silver jubilee of Episcopal ordination were felicitated on the inaugural day of the Synod.
A reception will be given to Philipose Mar Chrysostom , Metropolitan Bishop of Mar Thoma Syrian Church who is celebrating his birth centenary.
The prelates will also attend the inaugural ceremony of the Canon Law faculty at Vadavathur seminary in Kottayam on Aug 27.
The Synod will discuss matters of the Church and related social issues. The attending bishops will also meet superiors of different Catholic religious congregations to discuss different aspects of religious life.
The Synod will end on September 1.