SILVER JUBILEE WELCOME SPEECH

God is great. This gathering has a story; a story of a journey of a migrant crowd; a crowd, accorded to the apostolic faith, getting its identity rooted in the soil of Maharashtra. After the journey of 25 years, we see a well-formed worshiping community, a multitude of blooming buds, confident of their identity as the sons and daughters of St. Thomas. And today, with clarity of vision, committed to its mission, the KALYAN FAMILY is ready with its silver wings to fly to its golden goal. God is great, Glory to God in the highest.

1)    On this joyous occasion, we are truly privileged to have Honorable Chief Minister - Mr. Prithviraj Chavan as our Chief Guest. It is with great pleasure that I introduce him this evening. Our Honorable Chief Minister is basically a mechanical engineer-an academician with a Master’s degree from the University of California.  He is a national leader and a great visionary, now at the helm of affairs of Maharashtra, a state with a proud legacy, one of the largest states of India. He is a man of integrity, committed to serve the people in the social, educational and health care fields. Renowned for his spotless career, his views on minority rights, religious freedom and national integration are well appreciated by all. Dear Sir, while offering all the moral support for your leadership for a value based, clean, disciplined Maharashtra, we congratulate you on the eve of your completion of three years as an able and efficient Chief Minister of Maharashtra (On 11^th Nov 2013, he completes 3 years), we heartily welcome you to the silver jubilee celebrations of the Diocese of Kalyan. Rev. Msgr. Jacob Porathur, Proto Syncellus of the Diocese is requested to welcome our Honorable Chief Minister garlanding him.

2)    The eparchy feels extremely joyful that His Beatitude Mar George Cardinal Alencherry, the Major Archbishop of the Syro- Malabar Church is here with us today to join us in our celebrations. Confirming everyone in faith is presented in the New Testament, as the duty of a bishop. The Major Archbishop by his graceful presence and powerful message reconfirms us in deeper faith. Once again, your Beatitude, we welcome you. Rev. Fr. Paul Olickal, Eparchial Finance Officer garlands our Father and Head of our Church and the president of Today’s Public Meeting.

Archbishop Salvarore Pennachio, Apostolic Nuncio to India of the Pope Francis has informed his inability to attend this function, but has sent a message for us: I quote, “I am happy to participate through this Message in the historical occasion of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Diocese of Kalyan. I extend my special greetings and best wishes and blessings to the Bishop and to all the faithful of the Diocese.”

3)    Another eminent personality we have amidst us is Justice Kurian Joseph, a Supreme Court Justice. Honorable Justice Kurian Joseph was elevated to the  status of Supreme Court Justice  on 8^th March 2013, after having served  twice  as the Acting Chief Justice of Kerala and Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh. He is an extremely humble person, with an extraordinary integrity and is the pride of the Indian judiciary.  Moreover, he is an outstanding son of the Syro-Malabar Church and a great friend of our Diocese. Sir we are extremely happy to have you amidst us and a Hearty Welcome to you to the silver jubilee celebrations of this eparchy. Mr. K. P. Francis (Eparchial Finance Council member) garlands Justice Kurian Joseph.

4)    We have with us today Mrs. Janet Lawrence D’ Souza the Vice Chairperson of Maharashtra State Minority Commission. D’Souza is also the Director of Maulana Azad Minorities Development Financial Corporation (Govt. of Maharashtra). She believes that she is given this responsibility predominantly to serve the minority community and is committed to solve the problems faced by them and is keen on giving utmost attention to their welfare. Mrs. D’souza, hearty welcome to you. Rev. Sr. Marykutty Michael (Family Council) does the honors of garlanding Mrs. D’souza.

5)    Another proud son of Syro Malabar church is Mr. Johny Joseph, a person of great integrity. After over three-and-a-half decades of meritorious service in the bureaucracy, including as the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra Government, he continues his service as Upa-Lokayukta. He has many feathers in his cap such as Earthquake Rehabilitation project for Latur earthquake victims through the reconstruction of 40,000 houses under his leadership, introducing the digitized Disaster Management Information System, etc. We whole heartedly welcome you to this august gathering. Mr. Antony Bernard (Former Pastoral Council Sec.) does the honour of greeting him.

6)    We have with us Shri. Jagannath Achanna Shetty, a very hard working MLA of Sion Koliwada and a dedicated social worker. He has been re-elected to the post for a second term.  Sir I welcome you in the name of our eparchy.   Mr. Andrew K. J. (Eparchial Contact Person for the Civil authorities) garlands the MLA.

7)    Our diocese is happy to welcome again Shri. Chandrakant Handore -MLA of Chembur region. He did the honours of inaugurating our old age home at Kalyan in June 2008. At that time, he was social welfare minister of Maharashtra.  Shri Handore, hearty welcome to this function. Mr. Bose Paul (Former Pastoral Council Sec.) greets him.

8)    Mrs. Thanksy F. Thekkekara IAS now serves this State as the Additional Chief Secretary, of the Department of Minorities Development. She has served the state in several positions and being a member of our community, she has assisted the Church on several occasions. We are indebted to you madam and a hearty welcome to our midst. I request Rev. Sr. Rosamma (CRI Secretary) to garland Mrs. Thekkekkara.

I have already introduced the Archbishops and Bishops before the Holy Qurbana. But I would like to officially welcome them to this public meeting, garlanding them.  

9)     Rt. Rev. Dr. Stanislaus Fernandes, S.J. (WRBC Chairman & Archbishop of Gandhinagar). Mr. P. J. Aprain (Karunya Trust Trustee) garlands him.

10)  Mar Andrews Thazhath (KCBC President and Archbishop of Trichur) is garlanded by Dr. Alan Alappatt (Social Security Scheme-Idea).

11)  Rt. Rev. Dr. John Rodrigues, (Auxiliary Bishop of Archdiocese of Bombay) is here with us. His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias has been here on Thursday 7^th November to inaugurate the Jubilee Convention. Bishop Rodrigues represents the Archdiocese of Mumbai. He was ordained a Bishop on 29^th of June this year. Wishing him all the best for his ministry, we welcome him to our midst. He will be garlanded by Mr. M. V. Chacko (One of the Sponsors of Jubilee). 

12)  Mar Jacob Barnabas Chacko Aerath, O.I.C. (Apostolic Visitor, Syro-Malankara Church) will be garlanded by Mr.  K. J. Joseph (One of the Sponsors of Jubilee)

13)  His Grace Geevarghese Mar Coorilose, Mumbai Metropolitan of Orthodox Syrian Church, is well known to the Kerala community in Mumbai and is a close friend of the Diocese of Kalyan. Welcome to you Archbishop to share the warmth of Communion. Mr. Bose Joseph (One of the Sponsors of Jubilee) garlands him.

14)  Our own bishops, the Moses of Kalyan Mar Paul Chittilapilly and the Aaron of Kalyan Mar Thomas Elavanal. I would say, Mar Paul Chittilapilly as the founder of Kalyan and Mar Thomas Elavanal as the Architect of Kalyan. It is the farsightedness, vision and planning of Mar Thomas Elavanal that has led us to reach this day.  Rev. Fr. Anoop Poyyaniyil (Priests Representative) garlands our bishop. Rev. Fr. John Koovakunnel (Priests Representative garlands Mar Paul Chittilapilly.

15)  Mr. P. J. Xavier (Pastoral Council Member) garlands. Abp Abraham Viruthukulangara (Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Nagpur).

16)  Mrs Ommana Aprem (Mathrusangam Former Diocesan President) garlands Abp Raphael Cheenath, S.V.D. (Archbishop Emeritus of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar).

17)  Mrs. Rosamma Joseph (Mathrusangam Former Diocesan President) garlands Bp. Lourdes Daniel (Bishop of the Diocese of Nasik).

18)  Mrs. Lissy Jose (Mathrusangam Former Diocesan President) garlands Mar Joseph Pallickaparambil (Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Palai.

19)  Mrs. Vimala Xavier (Mathrusangam Former Diocesan President) garlands Mar Jacob Manathodath (Bishop of the Eparchy of Palghat).

20)  Mr. Joy Paul (KEY Ex-ICYM Rep) garlands Mar Joseph Arumachadath, MCBS (Bishop of Bhadravathi).

21)  Ms. Christina (a Dexco member) garlands Mar Remigius Inchananiyil (Bishop of the Diocese of Thamarassery).

22)  Mr. Albert Manjaly (National-Best Youth Award winner) garlands Mar Vijay Anand Nedumpuram CMI (Bishop of the Diocese of Chanda).

23)  Bro. Mathews Mundadan garlands Mar Sebastian Vadakkel (Bishop of Ujjain).

24)  Ms. Honey Thomas (who took delivery from railway station, a Vartak Nagar parishioner) garlands Mar Antony Chirayath (Bishop of the Diocese of Sagar).

25)  Mr. Joseph Puthussery (National-Best Youth Award win) garlands Mar Simon Stock Palathara (Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Jagdalpur).

26)  Ms. Rony Baby (who took delivery at Vasai railway station) garlands Mar Joseph Kollamparampil CMI (Bishop of Jagdalpur).

27)  Ms. Siji Vincent (Alert citizen who caught the thief from ATM centre) garlands Mar Jose Chittooparambil CMI (Bishop of the Diocese of Rajkot).

28)  Mr. Sam Scaria (Catechism Department Secretary) garlands Msgr. Jacob Porathur (Proto syncellus of the Diocese of Kalyan).

29)  Bro. Jerine Chittilapilly (Regency Brother) garlands Rev. Fr. Antony Kollannur (Chancellor, Major Archiepiscopal Curia of the Syro-Malabar Church).

30)  Mr. Babu Mathew (Lantern Editorial Team member) garlands Mr. Babu Thomas (MPCC Vice-President).

31)  Bro. Nikhil Xavier (Prefect, Minor Seminary) garlands Fr. George Vadakkethala (a priest who had been giving pastoral care even before the formation of the diocese).

32)  Mr. Roy J. Kottaram (Pastoral Council executive) garlands Fr. Joseph Cheriampanatt MST (Mission Superior and Syncellus of Sangli Mission run by MST fathers).

33)  Dr. C. P. Johnson (KLM Secretary) garlands Fr. Thomas Kannanaikkal CMI (Mission Superior and Syncellus of Chavara Mission run by CMI fathers).

34)  Mr. Thomas – Dapodi (Catechism Head Teacher) garlands Fr. Sajoy Ethackatt VC (Mission Superior and Syncellus of Ahmednagar Mission run by VC fathers)

35)  Mr. George Anchil(Charismatic Movement Ex-Chairman) garlands Fr. Jose Polackal MCBS (Mission Superior and Syncellus of Satara-Solapur Mission run by MST fathers).

36)  Mr. George Paul (Social Action team member) garlands Rev. Fr. Joju Arackal (Presbyterium Secretary).

37)  Mr. Chacko Antony (Vice President, Pithruvedi) garlands Rev. Sr. Alice Kripa CMC (Secretary of CRI).

38)  Bro. Danny Chittilapilly (Regency Brother) garlands Rev. Sr. Blossom CHF (Provincial of Mary Matha Vice Province, Jalgaon).

39)  Mr. Savio George (Secretary, Pithruvedi) garlands Adv. Malayil Joseph Kurian (General Convenor, Diocesan Inauguration Steering Committee).

40)  Ms. Jisha (Secretary of Jesus Nurses Fraternity) garlands Mr. P.J. Mathew (KCA President).

41)  Ms. Alphy (Jesus Youth, Service Team) garlands Prof. Mrs. Rosily Thomas (Secretary of Pastoral Council), the first woman pastoral council secretary the whole of India.

42)  Mr. P.A. Joseph (Charismatic Renewal, Chairman) garlands Mr. Jose Joseph (President of Kalyan Laity Movement)

43)  Ms. Diana Thomas (Dexco member of KEY) garlands Mr. PKX Thomas ( President of Pithruvedi).

44)  Master Vineet Paul (Altar Boys Rep) garlands Mrs. Aleyamma Sebastian (President of Mathrusangam).

45)  Ms. Mary Varghese (Dexco) garlands Ms. Sruthi Sunny (DEXCO Member of KEY)

46)  Ms. Steffy Rose (Dexco) garlands Ms. Adna Peyus (Catechism Student).

I am extremely happy to welcome all the specially invited guests off the dais, Superior Generals and Provincials of various religious congregations, the auditors of the Eparchy, representatives of different banks, sponsors and benefactors, Doctors, media personnel, volunteers of Karunya Trust, representatives of the different churches and seminaries.

Warm welcome to all my dear priests and religious who have shed their sweat and blood, working hard in the infancy stage of this eparchy and all the priests, religious and seminarians who are now part of the spiritual and material development of the Eparchy.

A special welcome to the Pastoral, zonal, parish council members, Pithruvedi, Mathrusangam, youth, catechism, and all other associations, departments, movements.

A Cordial welcome to all the faithful who are the real strength and power of the Eparchy of Kalyan. Silver Jubilee is a mile stone: my dear youth and children, you are to take forward this Eparchy into God’s design. A Hearty welcome to one and all.

Jai Yesu, Hai Hind, Jai Maharashtra

 

Fr. Francis Eluvathingal

Programme Committee Chairman and Chancellor of Eparchy of Kalyan

Pope Francis and Heads of the Catholic Oriental Churches

TO THE HEADS OF THE ORIENTAL CHURCHES: SET AN EXAMPLE OF SOBRIETY

Vatican City, 21 November 2013 (VIS) – At 10 a.m. today, in the Consistory Hall of the Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father received in audience the Patriarchs of the Oriental Catholic Churches, along with the Major Archbishops. It is the first time since the beginning of his pontificate that the Bishop of Rome has held such a long meeting with the Heads of the Oriental Churches and he therefore took the opportunity to “renew the great esteem for the spiritual heritage of the Christian East, and to recall Benedict XVI's description of a Church leader in his post-Synodal exhortation “Ecclesia in Medio Oriente”. “You are, he said 'watchful guardians of communion and servants of ecclesial unity'”.

“In order for our testimony to be credible”, he continued, “we must always seek justice, piety, faith, love, patience and clemency, adopting a sober manner of life in imitation of Christ, who embraced poverty so that we might be enriched; with tireless zeal and with the charity, both fraternal and paternal, that the bishops, priests and faithful, especially those who are alone or marginalised, expect of us”.

Francis spoke of the good example that the heads of the Churches should give, especially to priests who expect “transparency in the management of goods, and concern for every weakness or need”. He concluded by emphasising that this must all be achieved through “the committed application of that authentic synodal practice distinctive of the Oriental Churches”.

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WE MUST NOT RESIGN OURSELVES TO IMAGINING A MIDDLE EAST WITHOUT CHRISTIANS

Vatican City, 21 November 2013 (VIS) - “The memorable Vatican Council II also had the merit of explicitly mentioning that in the ancient liturgies of the Oriental Churches, in their theology, spirituality and canonical discipline 'there remains conspicuous the tradition that has been handed down from the Apostles through the Fathers and that forms part of the divinely revealed and undivided heritage of the universal Church'”, said Pope Francis this morning, as he received in audience the patriarchs and major archbishops of the Oriental Churches, along with the cardinals, metropolitan archbishops and bishops of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches. The Congregation, whose prefect is Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, is holding its plenary assembly in these days, on the theme of the magisterium of Vatican Council II with regard to the Christian East.

“From an evaluation of the path taken so far, guidelines will emerge intended to support the mission entrusted by the Council to our brothers and sisters in the East: that of 'promoting the unity of all Christians, especially Eastern Christians'. The Holy Spirit has guided them in this task on paths through history that have not always been easy, nurturing their faith in Christ, in the universal Church and in Peter's Successor, even at great cost, not infrequently unto martyrdom. The entire Church is truly grateful to you for this!” exclaimed the Pope. Then, following the example of his predecessors, he reaffirmed that “within the ecclesiastical community, there exist legitimate particular Churches, with their own traditions, which however fully retain the primacy of the Chair of Peter, which presides over the universal communion of charity, protects the legitimate differences between them and ensures that the particularity of these Churches not only does not damage the unity of the whole, but instead serves it; the Council tells us that this variety is necessary for unity”.

Pope Francis commented that the patriarchs and major archbishops had spoken to him this morning about the situation faced by the various Oriental Churches, in particular “the renewed vitality of those long oppressed under communist regimes, the missionary dynamism of those who refer to the preachings of the apostle Thomas, and the perseverance of those who live in the Middle East, not infrequently as a 'little flock' in environments riven by hostility and conflict, as well as hidden persecutions”. A further problem is that of the diaspora, one of the key points of the plenary assembly, and which is growing in every continent. The Holy Father reiterated the importance of doing everything possible to facilitate “pastoral care both in the original territories and where the oriental communities are long established, favouring at the same time communion and brotherhood with communities of the Latin rite. To this effect, it would be useful to promote renewed vitality in existing entities of consultation between the single Churches and the Holy See”.

“My thoughts turn especially to the blessed land where Christ lived, died and rose again … and where the light of faith has not been extinguished, but instead burns brightly. It is the 'light of the East' that 'has illumined that universal Church, from the moment when a rising sun appeared above us: Jesus Christ, our Lord'. As a consequence, each Catholic has a debt of gratitude towards the Churches that live in the region. From these we may learn, among other things, the patience and perseverance of the daily exercise, at times wearisome, of the ecumenical spirit and interreligious dialogue. The geographical, historical and cultural context in which they have lived for centuries has indeed made them natural interlocutors with numerous other Christian confessions and with other religions”.

“Considerable worry is caused by the conditions of life faced by Christians who in many parts of the Middle East suffer gravely as a consequence of current tensions and conflicts. Tears often still flow in Syria, Iraq, Egypt and other areas in the Holy Land. The Bishop of Rome will not rest while there are still men and women, of any religion, whose dignity is undermined, who are deprived of the basic requirements for survival, robbed of their future, or forced to live as fugitives or refugees”.

“Today, along with the pastors of the Oriental Churches, we make an appeal for the respect of the right to a dignified life and to freely profess one's own faith. We must not resign ourselves to thinking of a Middle East without Christians, who for two thousand years have proclaimed Christ's name, integrated as citizens to all effects in the social, cultural and religious life of the nations to which they belong. The suffering of the youngest and the weakest, with the silence of victims, poses the insistent question, 'What is left of the night?' … I therefore turn to the entire Church to exhort her support in prayer, that may obtain reconciliation and peace from the merciful heart of God. Prayer disarms ignorance and generates dialogue where there is open conflict. If it is sincere and persistent, it will make our voice humble and firm, capable of being heard by the leaders of nations”.

The Pope concluded by speaking about Jerusalem, “our spiritual birthplace. I hope for every consolation, so that it may truly be a prophesy of that definitive convocation, from east to west, promised by God”.