tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7496814659866150302024-03-05T12:20:09.425+05:30DOING HIS WILLGLOBAL MISSION: SYRO-MALABAR CHURCH
*********************************************************************************
Fr. Francis EluvathingalEluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-29985105805510974482023-11-12T10:32:00.000+05:302023-11-12T10:32:10.552+05:30<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Welcome Speech 23.04.2022<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We are in Jubilee Meet: it is a twin Jubilee celebration. 1950<sup>th</sup>
Anniversary of the Martyrdom of St. Thomas the Apostle and Silver Jubilee of
the Episcopal Ordination of Mar Thomas Elavanal.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">In
Christianity, the Great Commission of the resurrected Jesus Christ is the
mandate (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mandatum</i>) to His disciples
to spread the gospel to all the nations of the world. With this mandate, Thomas
came to India and toiled till his last breath. <br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was
thought previously that the Apostle landed at Kodungallur in AD 52 and died at
Mylapore in AD 72. However, as per recent research, St. Thomas first
evangelized North India and then the South on two separate visits to India -
the first between AD 42 to 50, and the second journey to South India in AD 52. <br />
<br />
Different historical documents state that we have had Christians in Maharashtra
especially in Kalyan, Thane and Nalasopara in the early centuries. <br />
<br />
I am sure that Mar Thomas Elavanal will enlighten more on the historical
elements during his speech. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In this St. Thomas
Cathedral Church where venerate the relic of St. Thomas, we can take a solemn
commitment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We praise Jesus Christ for showing the way and the truth and
giving this mandate of<span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">
preaching of the Gospel to the ends of the earth as part of our very being as
Christians. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We remember God, our Father, full of gratitude for enabling
this unique coming together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
Jubilee and gathering in unity <span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">remind ourselves about the need of recommitting ourselves in the </span>evangelizing
mission by our Churches with added vigour. <br />
<br />
<span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">Christ’s Church grows by
attraction. Let our walking, praying, working together; listening to each other
and the fragrance of our love attract many more to follow Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We are not only proud to have Thomas as the founder of
Christianity in India but also ready to courageously proclaim <span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">our faith at the cost of our lives</span>.
The statement of Thomas <span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">“Let
us also go, that we may die with him” moves us to decisions and actions. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Apostle Thomas was the first Christian migrant to come to
India. Most of us are migrants in this metropolitan city of Mumbai. This
meeting can open a new horizon and vast vision.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We are not just migrants for a better life here
but rather we are missionaries of Christ, to take the word of God to all the
people of Maharashtra especially in Mumbai. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;"><br />
We are called to be a people that experiences and shares the joy of the Gospel,
praises the Lord and serves our brethren with burning hearts. <br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Today, on
the Eve of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Puthunjayar,</i> i.e.
Sunday of Neophytes and declaration of faith “Mar Valah” - “My Lord and My God”
by Apostle Thomas, we p</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">roclaim
the same faith on our Indian soil, which was made wet by the blood of the
apostle, who accepted martyrdom 1950 years ago. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The present crisis of war between Russia and Ukraine cannot
be justified. For that matter there has not taken place any war that could be
justified. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In this context, ‘Fraternity, and Social Friendship’,
proposed by Pope Francis is very significant. Respecting the dignity of others,
fostering justice, love, and cooperation, let us partake in the process of
peace and harmony of the world family. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Our Lord reminds us, "Blessed are those who make peace,
for they shall inherit the Kingdom of God".<span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-highlight: white;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">His Eminence Oswald
Cardinal Gracias<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">And now, may I be
permitted to welcome the Chief Guest of the day. It is our joy to have His
Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias in our midst. <br />
<br />
He is presently the President of CBCI and member of the Council of Cardinal
Advisors, established by Pope Francis. He was former president of CCBI and
FABC. <br />
<br />
Ever since the inception, the Cardinal had been a close collaborator and mentor
of our Eparchy in the capacities of Chancellor, Auxiliary Bishop and now as
Archbishop of Bombay. <br />
<br />
I have heard the Cardinal several times exclaiming about the beautiful and
harmonious relation between the Latin and Syro-malabar Churches in Maharashtra.
<br />
<br />
His readiness to find time for this meeting shows his love for the Eparchy of
Kalyan, for Bishop Thomas Elavanal and for all of us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">A very cordial and warm
welcome to your Eminence to be the Chief Guest of this meeting. <br />
<br />
(</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Rev. Fr.
Shibu Pulikkal, the Rector of the Cathedral and the Forane Vicar of Kalyan
Forane does the honours to the Chief guest).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-highlight: white;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span></b>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">Mar Thomas Elavanal</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">The cause of coming
together is sweetened and perfected by our Silver Jubilarian, the second Thomas
in our midst, Mar Thomas Elavanal who too came to Mumbai after a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mandatum</i> began in 1997, 25 years ago. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">We can clearly see the
divine providence and plan of God when we see the following connections. Bishop
Thomas was born in 1950 and this year we celebrate the 1950<sup>th</sup>
anniversary of St. Thomas. Apostle Thomas was martyred in AD 72 and this year
Bishop is completing his 72 years. In this Jubilee year of St. Thomas, we also
celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Thomas. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">Let all these deepen our
faith and make us more committed to the divine call. He is the maker of the
Eparchy into this beautiful and graceful shape that we all enjoy and cherish in
our daily life. In short, the past 25 years he was with us or we were with him,
and they were 25 glorious years!!!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I quote some of the reactions of
Bishops after seeing the invitation. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Bp Thomas Elavanal is really a great
bishop, a sound spiritual leader, an outstanding liturgist and a great
humanist. We always enjoy his wits and humours. He has a leading role in the
synod. It is mainly to his credit that we have in use the current Malayalam
Holy Qurbana text implemented in November 2021. Being a liturgist-bishop, he is
always vigilant to preserve the proper liturgical traditions of the church. </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Kalyan Diocese has its complexities being
comprised of modern, urban, semi-urban and rural areas. The Bishop has organized
several programs, manifesting his enthusiasm and spirit of initiative and
dynamism. His has been a fruitful Episcopal ministry.</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> He
is “vir ecclesiasticus” means ecclesiastical man.”<span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">By now we have placed him
in the centre of our life, and he is the president of our Meeting today. He
need not be welcomed but be honoured on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee. We
wish you healthy, cheerful, and peaceful life in our midst for many more years
to come dear loving Bishop Thomas Elavanal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">(</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While <span style="color: black;">Adv. Samji
Joseph, the Joint Secretary of the Pastoral council honours him with a
shawl and Mrs. Joffy Anil, the secretary of the Pastoral Council with a
bouquet, I request you all to extend him a standing ovation). </span><span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">His Grace
Geevarghese Mar Coorilos</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"> is the Metropolitan of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian
Church, Mumbai Diocese. <br />
<br />
He was ordained a Bishop in 1991 and since then, he has been in Mumbai. <br />
<br />
In the recent past, he caught the media attention as “papabile” of the Catholic
understanding in the Orthodox Church. <br />
<br />
His Grace has held many positions in the church. He is the senior-most reigning
Bishop in Mumbai and a great friend of the Eparchy of Kalyan and of Bishop
Thomas Elavanal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
We extend a very warm and hearty welcome to Your Grace Mar Coorilos.<span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;"> <br />
<br />
(</span>Mr. James Abraham, the first Trustee of the
Cathedral Church does the honours to the Bishop).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span></b>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Bishop Thomas Mar
Anthonios Valiyavilayil</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">, OIC is the Bishop of Eparchy of Khadki in Pune of
the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, which was established in 2015, which extends
over the entire southern part of India namely, the entire states of
Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, together with parts of Karnataka
and Tamil Nadu. <br />
<br />
He served also as the Curia Bishop of the Syro-Malankara Church. <br />
<br />
I have a personal connection to him: though he is an oriental canonist, he
directed my thesis in Syro-Malabar liturgy during my Theology studies in Papal
Seminary, Pune. <br />
<br />
Hearty welcome to such an enthusiastic and zealous migrant missionary Bishop to
this Jubilee Meet. <br />
<br />
<span style="background: white; mso-highlight: white;">(</span>Mrs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maria Tony, the Mathrusangam president of the
Cathedral Church does the honours to the Bishop).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></span><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span></b>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Rt. Rev. Dr.
Bishop Allwyn D’Silva</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">, (Auxiliary Bishop of Archdiocese of Bombay), a
winner of several awards, a bishop from January 2017, is now the Chairperson of
Prison Ministry of India, Chairperson of CCBI Commission of Ecology, Member of
the CBCI Executive Committee of Justice and Peace Commission. He is truly
socially committed. Ecology is close to his heart. </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Burning hearts is
a post Easter experience. Our hearts were burning while you spoke during the
Ecumenical prayer meeting. On 20<sup>th</sup> April he just celebrated his
birthday. We welcome your lordship to our midst. (Sr. Moly DSHJ, Superior
of Kalyan West convent does the honours to him)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<b><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span></b>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">His Grace Thomas
Mor Alexandrios</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">, Bishop of Mumbai Diocese of Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church had
consented to be present for today’s meeting but could not be here due to some
inconveniences. </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><br />
Representing him, we are extremely happy to have <b>Very Rev. Wilson Philip Cor
Episcopa</b>, Diocesan secretary of Mumbai Jacobite Syrian Church with us. <br />
<br />
While appreciating his readiness to make it in the last moment, we would like
to welcome Rev. Wilson Cor Episcopa to this Ecumenical meeting. <br />
<br />
(Mr. Ajay Thomas Pithruvedi president of the Cathedral does the honours)</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Our meeting adds
its richness with the presence of the Ecumenical representatives who have come
here. <br />
<br />
I am sure that we have representatives of the Latin Church, Syro-Malankara
Church, Orthodox Church, Jacobite Church and Marthoma Church. </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">We extend a
hearty welcome to all the Priests and other lay representatives of these
Churches. </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; tab-stops: 8.0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Representing all the four Missions of the
Eparchy of Kalyan including 10 districts of Maharashtra, Rev. Fr. Jerry
Vallomkunnel MCBS Superior and Syncellus of the MCBS </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">are present<span style="color: black;"> on the stage. (Mrs.
Sajitha Joseph, a Pastoral council executive member does the honors).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; tab-stops: 8.0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Representing all the priests ministering
in the Eparchy of Kalyan, Rev. Fr. Davis Tharakan, secretary </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">to the presbyterium<span style="color: black;"> is on
the dais. (Mr. Pius VM, trustee of Ambernath does the honors). <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Representing
all the men and women religious in the Eparchy of Kalyan, Rev. Sr. Shimi Joseph
MSMI the </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">vice-president<span style="color: black;"> of Catholic Religious of India of Kalyan </span>unit also<span style="color: black;"> with us. (Mr. Joju CK Trustee from Badalpur does the
honours).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Representing
all the lay persons and various councils of the Eparchy of Kalyan, Mrs. Joffy
Anil, the Eparchial Pastoral council secretary is present here. (Mr. Jose,
Trustee from Ulhas Nagar does the honors).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Representing
all the associations in the Eparchy of Kalyan, we have Mr. Rajeev,</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> <span style="color: black;">President of Kalyan Laity
Movement and president of Pithruvedi is among us, (Mr. Joy, Trustee from Bhiwandi
does the honors)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Representing
all the mothers of our </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Eparchy<span style="color: black;">, Mrs Joyce</span>e<span style="color: black;"> Thomas,
President of Mathrusangam is present here. (</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mrs. Lini Bijoy from Mathrusangam Kalyan unit does the
honors</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Representing
all the youth of Kalyan Eparchy Youth, we have Mr Nelson Wilson</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <span lang="EN-US">(Mr. Frinto
from Mumbra does the honors)</span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Representing
all the nurses we have Ms. Geethu Sunny, the President of JNF here. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mr. M S Baby from from </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Nasik Forance does the</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> does the honors)</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">I am extremely happy to welcome all the
specially invited guests off the dais. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Warm welcome to all my dear priests and
religious who have shed their sweat and blood, working hard in the past 33
years in this eparchy and all the priests, religious and seminarians who are
now part of the spiritual and material development of the Eparchy, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Former Superior General of Holy Family
Rev. Sr. Udaya, Rev. Sr. Maris Stella, provincial of Holy Family, regional
superiors, volunteers of our Social wing: Karunya Trust, representatives of the
different churches and seminaries.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">A special welcome to the members of Pastoral,
Forane, parish councils, Pithruvedi, Mathrusangam, youth, catechism, JNF and
all other associations, departments, movements, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">A Cordial welcome to all the faithful who
are the real strength and power of the Eparchy of Kalyan. </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">We are very grateful to you all for accepting our
invitation,<span style="color: #222222;"> having come together</span> in
pilgrimage to this <span style="color: #222222;">Cathedral seeking intercession
from the Apostle Thomas and to jubilate with Bishop Thomas.</span><span style="color: black;"> A Hearty welcome to one and all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Easter is behind us, the Pentecost is
ahead of us. Pentecost is not an event ended but it is a never-ending reality.
May the Holy Spirit guide the Christians in Mumbai and Maharashtra. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jai
Yesu, </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">J<span style="color: black;">ai Hind, Jai Maharashtra</span></span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Fr. Francis
Eluvathingal</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Proto-Syncellus,
Eparchy of Kalyan</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-36104163627056227232020-06-27T11:03:00.000+05:302020-06-27T11:03:01.837+05:30
<br />
<div align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Thomas the Apostle</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Name</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thomas,
</span><span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Masculine</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> gender, Te’oma (in
Aramaic)</span><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> also
called Didymus (in Greek) </span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">mean “Twin”. Early church traditions state that he
had a twin sister Lydia, which is how he received his name. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
in Syriac tradition he is called Judas Thomas as the twin brother of </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08374c.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Jesus</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.
</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">He is called
Judas Thomas (<em><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">i.e.,</span></em> Judas the Twin) by the Syrians. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Some have gone to great lengths to determine who
his twin was. Because his name is paired with that of Matthew, there are those
who suggest that they may have been twins. It is best to say that we don't know
who Thomas' twin was.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Birth and Childhood of Thomas</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Sacred
Scripture has not passed down any information concerning the origin, parents,
or early life of Thomas. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Thomas probably was
born in </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://atheism.about.com/od/bibleplacescities/p/Galilee.htm"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Galilee</span></a></span><span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">,</span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> city of Pansada. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Scripture,
nonetheless, suggests that he was a fisherman, not a full-fledged owner of a
business, as were Peter and Andrew and the sons of Zebedee, but a helper. This
supposition coincides with other statements that Thomas came from a poor family
of the tribe of Juda or Issachar.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">The Acts of Thomas suggests that Thomas was a carpenter and a
member of Jesus' immediate family. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Legend places that Thomas was an
architect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the thirteenth century,
artists have associated the carpenter's square with this apostle, who has been
made the patron of builders. <span style="color: black;">In any case, h</span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">earing the good tidings of </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://orthodoxwiki.org/Jesus_Christ" title="Jesus Christ"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Jesus</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">, he left all and followed him. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Thomas, as one of the 12 Apostles</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">He was
the first one of the Twelve to enter the Gospels practically unnoticed. The
first seven apostles had been mentioned before their calling, but Thomas' name
appears for the first time in the lists of the apostles. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The Synoptic Gospels (Mathew, Mark and Luke) give
the list of the 12 Apostles. In all the three, we can find the name of Thomas. In
the Gospel of Matthew 10:3, Thomas is in the seventh place between </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Bartholomew
and Matthew whereas</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> in Mark 3:18 and Luke 6:15,
Thomas is in 8<sup>th</sup> place between</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"> Matthew and James</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">. Thomas plays a distinctive part in the gospel of
St. John, though it does not give the list of 12 apostles. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">John
identifies him as “Thomas called Didymus (11:16).”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> In Acts 1:13, there is again a list of Apostles who witnessed Christ’s
ascension and was gathered in the upper room. Thomas was there with the other
Apostles. Here he is placed in the 6<sup>th</sup> between Philip and </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Bartholomew.
</span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=410"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">St. Thomas</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> is also mentioned as
being present at another Resurrection appearance of </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.catholic.org/clife/jesus"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Jesus</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> - at Lake </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.catholic.org/encyclopedia/view.php?id=11553"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Tiberias</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> when a </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.catholic.org/encyclopedia/view.php?id=8016"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">miraculous</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> catch of fish
occurred (Jn: 21: 2). This is all that we know about </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=410"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">St. Thomas</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> from the New
Testament. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">In
the Canon of the Mass and in the Litany of the Saints, and also in the Acts of
the Apostles, he is portrayed as an especially important witness of the
Resurrection; he is placed before Philip and Bartholomew and Matthew, not after
them, as he was in the Gospels. In Leonardo Da Vinci's "Last Supper"
St. Thomas-the second on the left of Christ-was portrayed fervently assuring
the Lord of his faithfulness.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Thomas in the Gospel of John</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">St.
John recorded a few very significant words about Thomas in three passages.
Despite their brevity these words reveal the whole nature of this man. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">First,
when </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08374c.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Jesus</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> announced His intention of returning
to </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08544a.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Judea</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
to visit Lazarus, "Thomas" who is called Didymus, said to his fellow
disciples: "Let us also go, that we may die with him" (</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/bible/joh011.htm#vrs16"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Jn 11:16</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">).
Again it was St. Thomas who during the discourse before the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14341a.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Last Supper</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
raised an objection: Thomas said to him: </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">"Lord, we do
not know where you are going; how can we know the way?" And Jesus answered
Thomas: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/bible/joh014.htm#vrs5"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Jn 14:5</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">).</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">But
more especially St. Thomas is remembered for his doubt when the other Apostles
announced </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12789a.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Christ's Resurrection</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"> to him: "Unless
I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of
the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe." <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(<a href="http://www.newadvent.org/bible/joh020.htm#vrs25"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Jn 20:25</span></a>). </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">A week later Jesus appeared to the disciples and
this time Thomas was with them. Jesus said to Thomas “Put your finger here; see
my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Stop doubting and believe.” </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Thomas makes that
historical confession as, "My Lord and my God!" (<a href="http://www.newadvent.org/bible/joh020.htm#vrs29"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Jn 20:27-2</span></a>8).</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">His sudden realization of truth made Thomas the first
person to explicitly acknowledge Jesus’ divinity.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thomas and His Early
Ministry</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Tradition
strongly favors the East, the land of the rising sun, as the place of his
apostolic labors. In Syrian and Armenian legends he appears as the leading
apostle in the Orient. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The apostle
Thomas, after our Lord’s ascension, continued to preach the gospel in various
parts of Judaea; till at length, being interrupted by the dispersion of the
Christian church in Jerusalem, he repaired into Parthia, the province assigned
him for his ministry. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Origen (d. 253) holds this view. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">He afterward preached the gospel to the Medes,
Persians, Carmans, </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Hyrcanians,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> and the
neighboring nations. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Today this comprises the districts of Iran,
Iraq, Afghanistan, and Baluchistan. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">During
his preaching in Persia, he is said to have met with the magi or wise men that
he baptized, and took with him, as his companions and assistants in propagating
the gospel. Leaving Persia, he traveled into Ethiopia, preaching the glad
tidings of the gospel, healing the sick, and working other miracles, to prove
he had his commission from on high. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0823.htm"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">"Acta Thomae"</span></i></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">,
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Acts of St.
Thomas</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Acts of Judas
Thomas (Full name)</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"> is an </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01601a.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">apocryphal</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> literature with
certain historical data. It has a value as the first and the earliest of the
written document about the apostolate and martyrdom of St. Thomas in India</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was written in Syriac between </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">180-</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
230 AD hence it is not written by Apostle Thomas.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The place of its origin is probably </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05282a.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Edessa</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.
</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This document has some variations both
in Greek and in Syriac.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
story itself runs briefly as follows: At the division of the Apostles, </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07722a.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">India</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
fell to the lot of Thomas, but he declared his inability to go, whereupon his
Master </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08374c.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Jesus</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> appeared in a </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14336b.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">supernatural</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> way to Habban, the
envoy of Gundafor, an Indian king, and sold Thomas to him to be his slave and
serve Gundafor as a carpenter. Then Abban and Thomas sailed away until they
came to Andrapolis, where they landed and attended the marriage feast of the
ruler's daughter. Strange occurrences followed and </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08374c.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Christ</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> under the appearance of Thomas
exhorted the bride to remain a Virgin. Coming to </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07722a.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">India</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Thomas undertook to build a palace for
Gundafor, but spend the money entrusted to him on the poor. Gundafor </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12430a.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">imprisoned</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
him; but the Apostle escaped </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10338a.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">miraculously</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and Gundafor was
converted. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After a long residence in the
court at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxila" title="Taxila"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Taxila</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> he ordained leaders for the Church, and left in
a chariot for the kingdom of Mazdei. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Going about the country to preach,
Thomas met with strange adventures from dragons and wild asses. Then he came to
the city of King <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Misdai</i> (Syriac <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mazdai</i>). </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The king</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Misdeus</i> <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">was infuriated when St. Thomas converted the</span> Queen <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tertia</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">, son</span> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Juzanes</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">, sister-in-law princess </span></span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mygdonia" title="Mygdonia"><i><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Mygdonia</span></i></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (a province of </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia" title="Mesopotamia"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Mesopotamia</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) and her friend</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Markia</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">. </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After this he was condemned to death, led out of city to a
hill, and pierced through with spears by four soldiers. He was </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03071a.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">buried</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
in the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14773b.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">tomb</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> of the ancient kings.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Syphorus</span></i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">was elected the
first presbyter by the brethren after the death of St. Thomas while <i>Juzanes</i>
the prince became the deacon. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These are generally rejected by various Christian
religions as either apocryphal or heretical. <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Let none read the gospel according to Thomas, for it is the work, not
of one of the twelve apostles, but of one of </span></span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mani_(prophet)" title="Mani (prophet)"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Mani's</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> three wicked disciples.” </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyril_of_Jerusalem" title="Cyril of Jerusalem"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Cyril of Jerusalem</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Other
Books</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Besides the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acts_of_Thomas" title="Acts of Thomas"><i><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Acts of Thomas</span></i></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> there was a widely circulated </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infancy_Gospel_of_Thomas" title="Infancy Gospel of Thomas"><i><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Infancy Gospel of Thomas</span></i></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> probably written in the later 2nd century and probably also in </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria" title="Syria"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Syria</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, which relates the miraculous events and prodigies of Jesus' boyhood.
Because of the complexities of the manuscript tradition, however, there is no
certainty as to when the stories of the Infancy Gospel of Thomas began to be
written down."</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The best known in modern times of these documents is the
"sayings" document that is being called the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Thomas" title="Gospel of Thomas"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Gospel of Thomas</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, a non-canonical work whose date is disputed. The opening line claims it
is the work of "Didymos Judas Thomas" – whose identity is unknown.
This work was discovered in a </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coptic_language" title="Coptic language"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Coptic</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> translation in 1945 at the Egyptian village of </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nag_Hammadi" title="Nag Hammadi"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Nag Hammadi</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, near the site of the monastery of Chenoboskion. Once the Coptic text was
published, scholars recognized that an earlier Greek translation had been
published from fragments of </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papyrus" title="Papyrus"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">papyrus</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> found at </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxyrhynchus" title="Oxyrhynchus"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Oxyrhynchus</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> in the 1890s.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0cm; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Thomas,
A Reluctant Missionary to India</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">According to one of the legends in the <i>Acts</i>, </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">the apostles divided up the world for their
missionary labors, and India fell to Thomas. However, Thomas claimed that he
was not healthy enough and that a Hebrew could not teach Indians. T</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">he Lord appeared to him in a night vision and said, “Fear not, Thomas. Go
away to India and proclaim the Word, for my grace shall be with you.” But the
Apostle still demurred, so the Lord overruled the stubborn disciple by ordering
circumstances so compelling that he was forced to accompany an Indian merchant,
Abbanes, to his native place in northwest India.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0cm; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">First
Missionary Journey of St. Thomas</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">According
to the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts of Judas Thomas</b>, the
Apostle Thomas came from Jerusalem with Habban, the merchant of King Gundaphor
to Alexandria, Aden and Sokotra and from there to Barygaza </span><span lang="IT" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: IT;">(Bharukaccha)</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">, Gujarat, India in 44 - 48 AD. Emperor Gundaphor ruled
from AD 20 to 51 the Indo-Parthian Empire which comprised Persia, Afghanistan,
Pakistan, Punjab Sind, Northwest parts of India. The Capital was Taxila. It is
possible that St. Thomas touched Madhyapradesh. As there were Christians in
Thane, Nallasopara, Kalyana it is possible St. Thomas had connections with
Maharashtra. St. Thomas must have returned to Jerusalem for Council AD 50 (Acts
15: 1 ff).</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">This
we know both from the discovery of coins, some of the Parthian type with Greek
legends, others of the Indian types with the legends in an Indian dialect in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kharoshthi</i> characters. We have the
evidence of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Takht-i-Bahi</i>
inscription, which is dated and which the best specialists accept as
establishing the King <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gunduphara</i>
probably began to reign about A.D. 20 and was still reigning in 46. Again there
are excellent reasons for believing that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Misdai</i>
or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mazdai</i> may well be transformation
of a Hindu name made on the Iranian soil. In this case it will probably
represent a certain King <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Vasudeva</i> of
Mathura, a successor of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kanishka</i>.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0cm; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Second
Missionary Journey of St. Thomas</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">After
the Jerusalem council Thomas decides to come back to India for continuing his
missionary works. But in 51 AD the Parthian King Gundaphoras died; and the
Kushans attacked his Kingdom. So St. Thomas took the sea route through </span><span lang="IT" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: IT;">Alexandria, Aden, Sokotra to Muziris (Kodungallur) and i</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">n the
year 52 AD St. Thomas arrived in Muziris (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kodungalloor</i>)
which was then called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Maliankara</i>. He
must have come to the South India</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> as the Jewish
diaspora present in Kerala at that time. The ancient port of </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muziris" title="Muziris"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Muziris</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> was destroyed in 1341 AD due to a massive flood which realigned the
coasts. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -18.0pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Evangelization in India</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thomas has preached the gospel throughout India
especially the Malabar coast, though the various churches he founded were
located mainly on the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Periyar_River" title="Periyar River"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Periyar River</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and its tributaries and along the coast, where there were Jewish colonies.
He reputedly preached to all classes of people and had about seventeen thousand
converts, including members of the four principal castes. Later, stone crosses
were erected at the places where churches were founded, and they became
pilgrimage centres. In accordance with apostolic custom, Thomas ordained
teachers and leaders or elders, who were reported to be the earliest ministry
of the Malabar church.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Route Map of St. Thomas’
Journeys</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-no-proof: yes;"><img alt="Description: silkroad.png" border="0" height="489" src="file:///C:/Users/pc/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/03/clip_image002.png" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_4" width="687" /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">7 ½<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Communities or Churches in India</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From Kodungalloor Thomas then went to </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palayoor" title="Palayoor"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Palayoor</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (near present-day </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guruvayoor" title="Guruvayoor"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Guruvayoor</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">), which was a Hindu priestly community at that time. He left </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palayoor" title="Palayoor"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Palayoor</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> in AD 52 for the southern part of what is now </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerala" title="Kerala"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Kerala</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> State, where he established the <i>Ezharappallikal</i>, or "Seven and
Half Churches". These churches are at Crangganore/</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kodungallur" title="Kodungallur"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Kodungallur</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">/Maliankara, Quilon/</span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kollam" title="Kollam"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Kollam</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niranam" title="Niranam"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Niranam</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, Nilackal/</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chayal" title="Chayal"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Chayal</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kokkamangalam" title="Kokkamangalam"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Kokkamangalam</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, Kottakkayal/</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Paravur" title="North Paravur"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Paravoor</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">/Parur, Palur/</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palayoor" title="Palayoor"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Palayoor</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiruvithancode" title="Thiruvithancode"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Thiruvithancode</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (arappally – the half church).</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Kodungallur</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">At Kodungallur the Apostle is said to have made converts from Jews who
were living there as well from natives of the place. The local king also became
a Christian and was given the name of Andrew and his newphe Keppa was ordained
a priest. Keppa was a constant companion of Thomas in his further travels.
Later the apostle appointed this Keppa as his successor and entrusted him the
folk of believers prior to his departure.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Palayur</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In the case of Palayur, the conversion of Brahmins
was preceded by a spectacular miracle. According to the folklore, at
Thaliakulam, the Apostle sprinkled water upwards and made the drops remain
suspended in mid-air challenging the Brahmins changing Vedic incantations and
splashing water upwards by their palm. The story goes that most of the Brahmins
accepted Christ as their savior. This traditional story seems to be supported
by historical facts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Niranam</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">St. Thomas could have come to Niranam because of its accessibility to
the river-port. Anyway, local tradition is very strong that he preached to the
Brahmins and that a formidable number of them became Christians. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Nilackal</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">After the missionary activity at Nilackal, the Apostle crossed over the
Western Ghat to Tamilnadu finally reaching Madras. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Kokkamangalam</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">St.
Thomas sailed to </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kokkamangalam" title="Kokkamangalam"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Kokkamangalam</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"> where
he preached the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel" title="Gospel"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">gospel</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"> for
about a year. 1600 people converted to Christianity through him according to
the narration in "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rampan_Pattu&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Rampan Pattu (page does not exist)">Rampan Pattu</a>", an ancient
form of </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Christian_folk-song&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Christian folk-song (page does not exist)"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Christian folk-song</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">
prevalent in Kerala. He formed a Christian community there and enshrined a Cross
for the faithful. This cross was later cut off by saboteurs, and thrown into
the Lake Vembanad, through which it floated up to </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pallippuram,_Alappuzha" title="Pallippuram, Alappuzha"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Pallippuram</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">, where
it is enshrined.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Kollam </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">According to
tradition, St. Thomas the Apostle established a Church along the southern part
of west coast of India at Quilon, pronounced Koy-lon and now known as Kollam.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Paravur</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">As regards Paravur, the traditional story is that St. Thomas reached
Paravur on a festival day of the local temple and he began preaching the Gospel
of Christ.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Fathers of the Church on Apostle Thomas</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Clement of Alexandria, a Greek Theologian of 3rd century
(c. 235) makes a passing reference to St. Thomas’ Apostolate in Parthia. This
agrees with the testimony which </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eusebius" title="Eusebius"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Eusebius</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> records about </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantaenus" title="Pantaenus"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Pantaenus</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">' visit to </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India" title="India"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">India</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. In the Doctrine of the Apostles of 3rd century, there are several
references on the apostleship of St. Thomas in India.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Origen in 3rd century (185–254?) taught with great
acclaim in Alexandria and then in Caesarea. He is the first known writer to
record the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleromancy" title="Cleromancy"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">casting of lots</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by the Apostles. </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origen" title="Origen"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Origen</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> original work has been lost; but his statement about Parthia falling to
Thomas has been preserved by </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eusebius" title="Eusebius"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Eusebius</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. “Origen, in the third chapter of his Commentary on Genesis, says that,
according to tradition, Thomas’s allotted field of labour was Parthia”. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">St.
</span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephrem_the_Syrian" title="Ephrem the Syrian"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Ephrem</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> of 4th century
bear witness to the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edessa,_Mesopotamia" title="Edessa, Mesopotamia"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Edessan</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Church’s strong
conviction concerning St. Thomas’s Indian Apostolate. <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">"It was to a land of dark people he was sent, to clothe them by
Baptism in white robes. His grateful dawn dispelled India's painful darkness.
It was his mission to espouse India to the One-Begotten. The merchant is
blessed for having so great a treasure. </span></span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edessa,_Mesopotamia" title="Edessa, Mesopotamia"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Edessa</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> thus became the blessed city by possessing the
greatest pearl India could yield. Thomas works miracles in </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India" title="India"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">India</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, and at Edessa Thomas is destined to baptize peoples perverse and
steeped in darkness, and that in the land of India."</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> – Hymns of St. Ephraem, edited by Lamy.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_of_Nazianzus" title="Gregory of Nazianzus"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Gregory of Nazianzus</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> of 4th century (died 389) states that “… Peter indeed may have belonged to
Judea; but what had Paul in common with the gentiles, Luke with Achaia, Andrew
with Epirus, John with Ephesus, Thomas with India, Mark with Italy?” </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ambrose of Milan of 4th century had a good deal of
information on India and Indians. “… Even those Kingdoms which were shut out by
rugged mountains became accessible to them, as India to Thomas, Persia to
Matthew…” </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">St. Jerome (342- 420) testifies “He (Christ) dwelt in all
places: with Thomas in India, Peter at Rome, ….” </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">St. Gaudentius, Bishop of Brescia (5<sup>th</sup> Century
AD) In a sermon speaks about the relics of his Church viz. those of St. Thomas,
John the Baptist, Andrew and Luke and says: “We possess here the relics ….
Thomas among the Indians…”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">St. Paulinus of Nola (5<sup>th</sup> Centuary) writes:
“So God bestowing his holy gifts on all lands, sent his aposltes to the great
cities of the world… Parthia receives Mathew, India receives Thomas….”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">St. Gregory of Tours (died 594) testifies “Thomas the
Apostle, according to the narrative of his martyrdom is stated to have suffered
in India. His holy remains (corpus), after a long interval of time, were
removed to the city of Edessa in Syria and there interred.”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">St. Isidore of Seville in Spain (d. c. 630 states “This
Thomas preached the Gospel of Christ to the Parthians, the Medes, the Persians,
the Hyrcanians and the Bactrians, and to the Indians of the Oriental region and
penetrating the innermost regions and sealing his preaching by his passion he
died transfixed with a lance at Calamina (present </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mylapore" title="Mylapore"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Mylapore</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">),a city of </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India" title="India"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">India</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, and there was buried with honour”.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">St. Bede the Venerable (c. 673–735) states “Peter
receives </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome" title="Rome"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Rome</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, Andrew Achaia; James Spain; Thomas </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India" title="India"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">India</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">; John Asia"</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Other Written and Oral Traditions</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A number of early Christian writings written during
centuries immediately following the first Ecumenical Council of 325 mention
Thomas' mission.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A Syrian ecclesiastical calendar of an early date
confirms that "3 July, St. Thomas who was pierced with a lance in India. …
A great festival." There is also a legend that Thomas had met the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_Magi" title="Biblical Magi"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Biblical
Magi</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> on his way to India.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didascalia" title="Didascalia"><i><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Didascalia</span></i></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (dating from the end of the 3rd century) states, “India and all countries
considering it, even to the farthest seas... received the apostolic ordinances
from Judas Thomas, who was a guide and ruler in the church which he built. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bar-Daisan (154–223) reports that in his time there were
Christian tribes in North India which claimed to have been converted by Thomas
and to have books and relics to prove it. But at least by the year of the
establishment of the Second Persian Empire (226), there were bishops of the
Church of the East in northwest India, Afghanistan and </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balochistan_(region)" title="Balochistan (region)"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Baluchistan</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, with laymen and clergy alike engaging in missionary activity.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Historian </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincent_A._Smith" title="Vincent A. Smith"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Vincent A. Smith</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> says, “<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">It must be admitted that a
personal visit of the Apostle Thomas to South India was easily feasible in the
traditional belief that he came by way of </span></span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socotra" title="Socotra"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Socotra</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, where an ancient Christian settlement undoubtedly existed. I am now
satisfied that the Christian church of South India is extremely ancient...</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> ”. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another
document attributed to the third century writer, Hippolytus, also talks of
Thomas preaching in Iran and India.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Eusebius, a Christian historian says that Thomas
traveled all the way to India preaching the Gospel of Jesus and lived there
preaching until he was martyred.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When
the Portuguese arrived in southern India in the 16th century, they found a
flourishing Christian community who maintained that their church had been
founded by St Thomas in the 1st century AD. In 1533 the Portuguese monarch
directed all his missionaries to record the oral history of this community and
it was soon discovered that there was a substantial body of tradition about
Thomas in India. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
ancient Syriac document, the Doctrines of the Apostles recounts that “India and
all its own countries and those bordering even to the farthest sea, received
the Apostles' hand of priesthood from Judas Thomas, who was guide and ruler in
the Church which he built there and ministered there.” </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">St </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://orthodoxwiki.org/John_Chrysostom" title="John Chrysostom"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">John Chrysostom</span></a></span><span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> says, Thomas</span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> "toiled through
the grace of God more bravely, more zealously and tirelessly than them all, so
that he went preaching over nearly all the earth, not fearing to proclaim the
Word of God to savage nations."</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In AD 522, </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmas_Indicopleustes" title="Cosmas Indicopleustes"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Cosmas Indicopleustes</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (called the Alexandrian) visited the Malabar Coast. He is the first
traveller who mentions Syrian Christians in Malabar, in his book <i>Christian
Topography.</i> He mentions that in the town of "Kalliana", there is
a bishop consecrated in Persia. Metropolitan Mar Aprem writes, "Most
church historians, who doubt the tradition of the doubting Thomas in India,
will admit there was a church in India in the middle of the sixth century when
Cosmas Indicopleustes visited India." </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There is a copper plate grant given to Iravi Korttan, a
Christian of Kodungallur (Cranganore), by King Vira Raghava. The date is
estimated to be around AD 744. In AD 822, two </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nestorianism" title="Nestorianism"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Nestorian</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Persian Bishops Mar Sapor and Mar Peroz came to Malabar, to occupy their
seats in Kollam and Kodungallur, to look after the local Syrian Christians.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Polo" title="Marco Polo"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Marco Polo</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, the Venetian traveller and author of <i>Description of the World,</i>
popularly known as <i>Il Milione,</i> is reputed to have visited South India in
1288 and 1292. He is believed to have stopped in </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceylon" title="Ceylon"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Ceylon</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Sri Lanka) where he documented the tomb of </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam" title="Adam"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Adam</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, and Quilon (</span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kollam" title="Kollam"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Kollam</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) on the western Malabar coast of India, where he met Syrian Christians and
recorded their tradition of St. Thomas and his tomb on the eastern Coromandel
coast of the country. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Near </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chennai" title="Chennai"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Chennai</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (</span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madras" title="Madras"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Madras</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) stands a small hillock called </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Thomas_Mount" title="St. Thomas Mount"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">St. Thomas Mount</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, where the Apostle is said to have been killed in AD 72. Also to be found
in Chennai is the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dioceses_of_Saint_Thomas_of_Mylapore" title="Dioceses of Saint Thomas of Mylapore"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Dioceses of Saint Thomas of Mylapore</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to which his mortal remains were supposedly transferred.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">South Indian legends indicate that Thomas arrived on the Malabar
coast around AD49 and in the Rabban Song, which has been handed down orally by
Indian Christians over the generations, we learn more details about Thomas'
work in India. The song indicates that, after arriving in South India, he went
to preach in China (probably Burma and Malaysia) and on his return in AD52 he
began to build churches and convert the local population.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From AD59 onward he began to travel through South India and
conduct missionary tours founding Christian colonies in cities throughout the
region. Between AD62-69 the Rabban Song records him baptizing over 17,000
Hindus, including king Choran of Lola and 700 of his subjects. The song also
talks of the miracles he performed including the healing of lepers and
restoring the sight of blind men. It is said that even the Hindus considered
him a holy man. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 14.0pt; margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">16.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Martyrdom of St. Thomas</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">A
Christian martyr is regarded as one who is put to death for his Christian faith
or convictions. Saint Thomas became a martyr in 72 AD. There are different
traditions regarding his death. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Thomas died a martyr
for his faith when an Indian king, <span style="color: #333333;">whose wife had
become a Christian,</span> angry that he couldn't get Thomas to worship an
idol, ordered his high priest to stab Thomas with a spear. Another tradition
states that </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">after Thomas had performed several miracles, Sagamo,
prince of the country and great numbers of his friends and subjects embraced
the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.christianity.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Christian
faith</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">. This remarkable success
alarmed the Brahmins, who perceived that their religion would be soon
extirpated unless some method could be found of putting a stop to the progress
of </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.christianity.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Christianity</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">; they resolved to put the apostle to death. At a
small distance from the city was a tomb, where St. Thomas often retired for private
devotion,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">
t</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">he Brahmins and their armed followers pursued him;
and while he was at prayer they first threw at him a shower of darts, after
which one of the priests ran him through with a lance. His corpse was taken up
by his disciples, and buried in the church he had erected.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">
According to an account noted by Marco Polo, Thomas prayed before his death,
"Lord, I thank Thee for all Thy mercies. Into Thy hands I commend my
spirit," and entered into rest.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">17.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Tomb and Relic of St. Thomas</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The traditions of Malabar, </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coromandel_Coast" title="Coromandel Coast"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Coromandel</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_Church" title="Persian Church"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Persian Church</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> held that Thomas the Apostle died near the ancient town of </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mylapore" title="Mylapore"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Mylapore</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. In A.D. 232 the greater part of relics of the Apostle Thomas are brought
from India to the city of </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edessa,_Mesopotamia" title="Edessa, Mesopotamia"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Edessa, Mesopotamia</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. When the relics were taken to Edessa, few relics were kept in church at
Mylapore. A Syrian ecclesiastical calendar of an early date confirms that his
body is at Urhai (Edessa) having been brought there by the merchant Khabin. They
were kept in a shrine just outside the city, but in August 394, they were
transferred in the city, inside the church dedicated to the saint. In 441, the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anatolius_(consul_440)" title="Anatolius (consul 440)"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Anatolius</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> donated to the church a silver coffin to host the relics. In 1144 the city
was conquered by the Zengids and the shrine destroyed. But in 1141, the relics
were taken to Chios, a Greek island, and on 1258, the relics were transported
to the West</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">
by crusaders</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, and now rest in </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ortona" title="Ortona"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Ortona</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, Italy.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">In
the year 2002 AD our bishop Mar Thomas Elavanal was privileged to receive a
particle of the bones of St. Thomas for the Diocese of Kalyan which was
solemnly installed at the then Cathedral Church in Kalyan West by the then
Major Archbishop Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil. In the context of the Silver
Jubilee celebration and the Year of St. Thomas, the relic was taken for
veneration to all the parishes and mission centres of the diocese and solemnly
re-installed at the St. Thomas Cathedral Church at Kalyan West on 1<sup>st</sup>
May 2013 by Mar Thomas Elavanal. In 1953, particles from the relics were brought
from Orthona by Cardinal Eugene Tissarant Kerala and portions of the same were
installed in Pala Cathedral, Kodungallur and Mylapore. In the same way, later
in <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kokkamangalam (November 1999) to
Palayoor (16th April 2000) Changanassery (<span>Jun 27, 2005)</span>.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">18.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Saint Thomas Cross</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the sixteenth century work <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Jornada</span>, Antonio Gouvea writes of decorative cross “known as
Saint Thomas Cross or Mar Thoma Sliba". This cross dates from the 6th
century and is found in a number of churches in Kerala, Mylapore and Goa. The
original term used is “Cruz de San Thome” which literally translates as Cross
of St. Thomas. Gouvea also writes about the veneration of the Cross at
Cranganore, referring to the cross as "Cross of Christians”. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This miraculous cross, located
on the spot of martyrdom of Thomas is a stone engraved with a cross that was
seen to ooze blood on December 18, 1558, and to have continued on that day each
year with various interruptions until the year 1704. This phenomenon first took
place during the offering of Holy Mass and lasted four hours. Diocesan
officials certified that at the end of the bleedings the stone turned a
glistening white before returning to its original black.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">According
to the traditions of the "St Thomas Christians" of Malabar:
"Thomas forbade any sort of pictures or images, but decorated his houses
of worship with the symbol of the cross. This is interesting in light of the
fact that the cross did not emerge as a religious symbol in the Roman Empire
until the fourth century, after the Emperor Constantine abolished it as a means
of execution."</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0cm; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">19.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Feast
Day of Saint Thomas</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">The
feast days first arose from the very early Christian custom of the annual
commemoration of martyrs on the dates of their deaths at the same time
celebrating their birth into heaven. Now, </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">feast day of St. Thomas in Roman and Syrian
Catholic churches is on 3<sup>rd</sup> July. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">When the feast of Saint Thomas was inserted in the Roman calendar in the
9th century, it was assigned to 21 December, although the Martyrology of St.
Jerome had a mention of the Apostle on 3 July, the date to which the Roman
celebration was transferred in 1969, so that it would no longer interfere with
the major ferial days of </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent" title="Advent"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Advent</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">. But many </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglicans" title="Anglicans"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Anglicans</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> including members of the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Episcopal_Church_(United_States)" title="Episcopal Church (United States)"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Episcopal Church</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> as well as members of the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_England" title="Church of England"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Church of
England</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> still celebrate his feast day on
21 December. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: -18.0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodox" title="Eastern Orthodox"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Eastern Orthodox</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> and </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine_Catholic" title="Byzantine Catholic"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Byzantine Catholic</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> churches celebrate his </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feast_day" title="Feast day"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">feast day</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> on October 6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition the next
Sunday of the Easter (Pascha) is celebrated as Sunday of Thomas, in
commemoration of Thomas' question to Jesus which led him to proclaim, ‘My Lord
and My God’ and the day in Kerala is known as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Puthunjayar</i>. Thomas is also commemorated in common with all of the
other apostles on June 30, in a feast called the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synaxis" title="Synaxis"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Synaxis</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> of the Holy Apostles. </span><span lang="EN-US"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0cm; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">20.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Saint Thomas represented
in Christian Art</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
artistic representations reflect the life or death of saints, or an aspect of
life with which the person is most closely associated. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>St. Thomas is portrayed in paintings, stained
glass windows, illuminated manuscripts, architecture and other forms of
Christian art. He is represented in Christian Art with a builder's square.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">21.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Civil World accepting
Thomas</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">The
Indian Post Department issued a special postage stamp in commemoration of Saint
Thomas, on the 2nd December 1964, which coincided with the arrival of Pope Paul
VI in India. The stamp was issued in the denomination of 15 Paise and carries a
picture of his silver bust which is in the Ortona Cathedral in Italy. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-language: ML; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN; mso-no-proof: yes;"><img alt="Description: C:\Users\Chancery\Desktop\St. thomas Stamp.jpg" border="0" height="97" src="file:///C:/Users/pc/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/03/clip_image004.jpg" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_3" width="73" /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stamp of St.
Thomas by India Post </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(</span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.indianpost.com/viewstamp.php/Alpha/ST.%20THOMAS"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">http://www.indianpost.com/viewstamp.php/Alpha/ST.%20THOMAS</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">22.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Patronage </span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thomas is considered to be the patron saint for</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">people against doubt, against blindness, architects,
builders, carpenters, construction workers, geometricians, masons, stone
masons, stone cutters, surveyors, theologians; and places such as Certaldo,
Italy, India, </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://geography.about.com/library/cia/blcindonesia.htm"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Indonesia</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">, </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://geography.about.com/od/pakistanmaps/Pakistan_Maps.htm"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Pakistan</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">, East Indies, Ceylon and </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://geography.about.com/library/cia/blcsrilanka.htm"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Sri Lanka</span></a></span><span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">. </span></span><span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: 0cm;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">23.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Names of Christian Community after St. Thomas</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The existence of a Christian community in the
south India in the name of the Apostle from the very first century itself
designated St. Thomas Christians … is almost incontrovertible proof of the
Apostolate of St. Thomas in South India. The names were ‘Christians of St.
Thomas’ or ‘Thoma christians’ or ‘St. Thomas Christians’ or
‘Marthomaschristianikal’ could turn out to be significant as recognition of the
historical truth of Christian origins in India from the Apostle Thomas. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 3; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: 0cm;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">24.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thomas and the Assumption of Mary</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">According to <i>The Passing of Mary</i>, a text attributed to </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_of_Arimathaea" title="Joseph of Arimathaea"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Joseph of Arimathaea</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, Thomas was the only witness of the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assumption_of_Mary" title="Assumption of Mary"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Assumption of Mary</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> into heaven. The other apostles were miraculously transported to Jerusalem
to witness her death. Thomas was left in India, but after her first burial he
was transported to her tomb, where he witnessed her bodily assumption into
heaven, from which she dropped her </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girdle" title="Girdle"><span lang="EN" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">girdle</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. In an inversion of the story of Thomas' doubts, the other apostles are
skeptical of Thomas' story until they see the empty tomb and the girdle.</span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle#cite_note-ccel-11"></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: -18.0pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">25.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Courageous Thomas and not Doubting Thomas</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Unfortunately
Thomas is known with the nickname “Doubting Thomas”. In fact, among the
disciples, Thomas was not the first one to have doubt. Remember </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.biblebios.com/peter/peter.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Peter</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> sinking into the water after
walking upon it toward Jesus when he doubted. Nathanael doubted that the
Messiah could ever come from such an insignificant town as Nazareth. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">From
another perspective, for strengthening of all who believe, whether they see or
not, Thomas was called to be an apostle-he who believed only because he had
seen. It was the Divine Providence, not mere chance, that this one apostle was
not present with the others on that first Easter evening. He persisted in his
unhappy doubt so that we might be happy in our grace of belief. So we are
obliged to thank the unbelieving Thomas.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If at all
a fair nickname was to be given to Thomas, it should have been “Courageous
Thomas” for his <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">“Let us go with him, so
that we may die with him” statement.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">He
was not only courageous but also sincere, open, <span>strait
forward, loyal follower and true man.</span><span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: -18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Fr.
Francis Eluvathingal</span></span><span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"></span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-50672910375026338542020-06-27T10:59:00.002+05:302020-06-27T10:59:40.906+05:30
<br />
<div align="center" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 11.4pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">COVID -19 and Envisioning a New Faith
Life</span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 11.4pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Published in Lantern, Magazine of Kalyan, June 2020)</span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 11.4pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 11.4pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Five
days after <span style="color: #222222;">Easter this year, during homily Pope
Francis stressed: “The ideal of the Church is always to have the
Sacraments and the people of God together, and that thinking otherwise is
dangerous.” He said it in the context of lockdown due to the COVID 19, as the
Holy Week celebrations were done without the presence of the faithful, but were
watched via live streaming. Probably the first lesson this pandemic teaches us is
that the church is not a building. Most of us have noticed the statement, ‘the
Church does not close; only the building; as the people being the Church, are
everywhere’. This awareness about the Church, however, needs to
be properly understood.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 11.4pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Understanding about the Eucharist and the Questions to
be Resolved</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 11.4pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Liturgical celebration has the central position </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">in<span style="color: #7030a0;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;">Christian life. The
Eucharist is "the source and summit” of the Christian life, for in Christ
is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church (CCC: 1324). We shall not
live eternally unless we eat his Body and drink his Blood (Jn. 6: 53). Covid 19
has adversely affected this sum and </span>substance<span style="color: #7030a0;">
</span><span style="color: #222222;">of our faith. The Eucharist as receiving the
Body and Blood into the life of the faithful is hindered world-wide due to this
pandemic. The questions to be resolved here are: What is the position of the
Church regarding the online services? Can the online liturgical services be
justified in any circumstances? Can the online services substitute the real Eucharistic
celebration? </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 11.4pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Use of Media and Online Services</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 11.4pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Church often has declared her conviction about the internet
and media. The Second Vatican Council says it as, “marvellous technical
inventions” that already do much to meet human needs. For Church, the
media is a ‘gift of God' which, in his providential design, unite men in
brotherhood enabling them to cooperate with his plan for their salvation. Pope Paul
VI said the Church “would feel guilty before the Lord” if it failed to use
the media for evangelization. Pope John Paul II has clarified
that the Church has to integrate the message into the ‘new culture' by modern
communications”. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 11.4pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The internet has a remarkable capacity to overcome distance and
isolation. The Church can perform an important service to all by the
selection and transmission of useful data through this medium. It also provides
the Church with a means for communicating with particular groups—young people
and young adults, the elderly and homebound, persons living in remote areas,
the members of other religious bodies—who otherwise may be difficult to reach
besides using it for new evangelization. A growing number of parishes,
dioceses, religious congregations, and church-related institutions and
organizations now make effective use of the internet. Church-related groups
that have not yet taken steps to enter cyberspace are encouraged to seek the
possibility of doing so at the earliest. The Church, keeping in view its
special character as a direct, immediate, interactive, and participatory medium,
needs to use internet as a tool for internal communication. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 11.4pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sacramental Reality and Online Services</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 11.4pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the same time, the virtual reality of cyberspace has some
worrisome implications for religious life. Virtual reality is no substitute for
the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, the sacramental reality of the
other sacraments, and shared worship in a flesh-and-blood human community.
There are no sacraments on the Internet; and even the religious experiences
possible there by the grace of God are insufficient apart from real-world
interaction with other persons of faith.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 11.4pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">During the above said homily, Pope Francis emphasizes: “Be
careful not to virtualize the Church, to virtualize the Sacraments, to
virtualize the People of God. The Church, the Sacraments, the People of God are
concrete. The Apostles grew in familiarity with the Lord as they were with
Jesus in community, not isolated. That is why “a familiarity without
the community, without Bread, without the Church, without the people, without
the Sacraments is dangerous.”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 11.4pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As we go ahead with the
Pandemic</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 11.4pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">May be the virtual liturgies have already risked a
new kind of centralization and de-localization of the Catholic Church. As there
are many online liturgies available, some might have got settled with the most liked
or attractive ones and do not want to move away from that. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As we look to
reopen the church<span style="color: #222222;"> </span>with new precautions
and continued uncertainty, <span style="color: #222222;">clear communication is
necessary to ensure the gradual and consistent changes that need to be understood
by all. The Leaders (Priests and all others in leadership) and the
congregation are to have a new method of communication in order to be effective
.The following are some of the suggestions for further reflections.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 11.4pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(1) Communicate through online consistently and
proactively ahead of time about safety measures to be taken. (2) Avail
online platforms that provide opportunities for the community to meet or lead
small groups. (3) Decide what online strategies will benefit the congregation.
(4) Publish weekly newsletters to bridge the communication gap.
(5) Acknowledge the new ways church services will operate. (6) Assess
what practices are successful and which to drop. (7) Begin training
processes for the documentation of online systems and programs that will be
used in future. (8) Conduct games and contests online that are
designed to foster community sense. (9) Encourage leaders to engage dialoguing
with the community by listening, responding to comments and
questions. (10) Set aside specific times to host study or prayer
times online. (11) Ensure that each community has an account in the
communicative </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">apps
like Whatsapp, Facebook and Instagram<span style="color: #222222;"> so your
media and message can stand out. Try using interactive methods if you have a
younger audience. (12) Organize a group of rescue
workers if somebody is in difficulty. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 11.4pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The experience of COVID-19 has heightened the consciousness and
reawakened the conscience of the church to the fragile, incarnate reality of
human life. The church, like the whole world, has also been reminded by our
experience of social distancing that human life can only be fully human when
lived in solidarity and community with others. There is no Christian faith
lived without the real presence Jesus and received his body and blood. This
dark tunnel till end and the light that waits of us is certainly brighter.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-15220697765032246702017-06-07T15:26:00.000+05:302017-06-08T09:38:39.331+05:30IDENTITY OF THE ST. THOMAS CATHOLIC MIGRANTSIDENTITY OF THE<br />
ST. THOMAS CATHOLIC MIGRANTS<br />
<br />
Mar Thomas Elavanal<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Introduction</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is with immense joy and gratitude to the Lord that I</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">stand before this august audience gathered together at this</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">ARC in Panvel, to address a few words on this occasion of the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Silver Jubilee Symposium of the Eparchy of Kalyan. Just as</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">when a ship sails through the vast ocean, making ripples and</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">waves to float along through the sea far and wide, the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eparchy of Kalyan, though small in population having around</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">one lakh faithful only, yet wide in its territory, comprising of</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">15 districts of Maharashtra, has sailed along for 25 years,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">making its divine, spiritual, and social impact over the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">humankind, having its effects far and wide. 25 years is not a</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">short span of existence nor can we call it a long period of time</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">of performance as regards the existence of the Church. Yet by</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the Grace of God, we have gone far ahead, and farther than</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">our own expectation. May I call it a 25 years of Glorious</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Existence!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. Aim of the Silver Jubilee Symposium</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Adhering faithfully to its Vision Statement, “An Ideal</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Syro-Malabar Catholic Community with holistic pastoral</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">care, committed to effective evangelization and integral</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">development of the people of Maharashtra,” the Eparchy of</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kalyan is convinced and committed to the all-round wellbeing</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">of the Syro-Malabar catholic migrants who have moved</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">out from Kerala to the various parts of Maharashtra. It is our</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">earnest desire to contribute, from our experience, our share</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">to those who are committed to gathering the folks which are</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">still in the Diasporas both inside and outside India.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In this symposium we want to discuss about the ‘Identity</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">of the St. Thomas Catholic Migrants’, and to emphasize how</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">important it is to keep up the ecclesial identity of the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">migrants of any sui juris Church. We have to think also about</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the ways and means of keeping up this identity. We begin our</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">study and discussion with a search for the origin of</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Christianity in India.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. St. Thomas Catholics</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The origin of Christianity in India is traced back to the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Apostle St. Thomas. There is a living tradition and strong</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">faith that St. Thomas came to south India and established</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">seven churches and Christian communities. Recent scholarly</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">study makes it clear that St. Thomas on his first missionary</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">journey came to different parts of North India too. The</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Apostle might have journeyed through Western Maharashtra</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">and the Konkan region and have established communities in</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the first century itself, of which the prominent one was that</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">of Kalyan, where St. Bartholomew also is believed to have</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">preached. Here we need to look into the origin, growth,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">extinction, migration and reestablishment of the St. Thomas</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Christians in the various parts of the country. We have to</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">make also a concerted effort to rediscover the lost Christian</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">heritage of Maharashtra.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. The Syro-Malabar Liturgy</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">By the title ‘St. Thomas Catholic migrants’ we mean</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">primarily the members of the Syro-Malabar Church. But it</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">implies a question whether the name of the Church ‘Syro</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Malabar’ is to be preserved everywhere even outside India as</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">integral part of the identity of the Church. Whether the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">identity of this Church, and the community of faithful is</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">identical with this name. There was a proposal that the name</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">of the Church be Indo-Chaldean or Chaldeo-Indian. What is</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">intimately related to its identity is that its liturgy has been</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">East Syrian or Chaldean from the early centuries. Though</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">there are four constituent elements for any particular</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 Mar Thomas Elavanal Chapter 1</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Church, its theology, liturgy, spirituality and canonical</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">discipline, a Church is usually named after its liturgy like</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Latin Church, Syro-Malabar Church, Syro Malankara Church</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">et al. But when we talk about identity we have to take these</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">elements in its integrity.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. Migration</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">First of all it is necessary, to have a clear idea about</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">migration. Migration in simple terms means a temporary or</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">permanent transfer of residence. In this sense migration</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">seems to be a universal phenomenon of all ages and today</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">migration on an unprecedented scale is taking place all over</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the world. Indian cities too have witnessed increasing</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">presence of migrant Christians. Besides, many people</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">migrate to the metropolitan cities of the world in search of</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">job opportunities. There has been a continuous process of</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">migration of Syro-Malabar faithful too out of the traditional</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">hub of Christianity, i.e. Kerala to the various cities, the world</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">over.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Migration has many implications due to demographic,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">religious, political, cultural and economic changes. Usually</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the life of the migrant Christians is exposed to many</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">problems and difficulties in the new socio-cultural</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">atmosphere because of the inadequate living conditions and</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">due to the lack of pastoral care. This calls for the urgency of</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">rendering adequate and immediate attention including the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">proper pastoral care for these migrant Christians.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. Care of the Migrants</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The first generations of the migrant families are</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">reluctant, sometimes, to go to the local parish community</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">except perhaps for an occasional Mass and liturgical services</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">in Lent or Christmas season. They may not have much</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">contact with the local parish either. Language and culture are</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">big barriers for these migrants. Even the reception of</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">sacraments becomes difficult because many are not able to</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Chapter 1 Key Note Address 3</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">make their confessions and recite prayers in English or in the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">local language. Hence these migrants have always faced</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">difficulties in their Christian life and spiritual practices.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are several thousands of students belonging to</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Syro Malabar Church pursuing various courses in</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">institutions run by Catholic as well as non-Catholic agencies</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">in the big cities. The number of employed bachelors also is</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">big. Since they have come for studies or for temporary work,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">and will go back after a few years, they do not take interest in</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">learning the language of the place nor do they get integrated</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">into the local community. Most of them will like to be</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">anonymous and would not live their faith unless they get</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">proper attention in their own language and tradition. This is</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the case in all the metro cities of India, and of the cities</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">abroad.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So far the Syro Malabar Church could not make a</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">scientific survey of our migrant faithful outside the proper</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">territory in India and abroad because of the lack of</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">permission from the concerned authorities. Still the Synodal</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Commission for Evangelization and Pastoral Care of the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Migrants made a study to get the number of our migrant</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">faithful both in India and abroad. It is given in the directory of</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Syro Malabar Migrants published in 2013. The study shows</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">that there are more than 8, 00,000 Syro-Malabar Catholic</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">migrants living outside the jurisdiction of the Syro-Malabar</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eparchies. Almost half of them are in Gulf countries. Only a</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">well-founded statistics will help us to formulate and</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">understand how this migration process takes place and what</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">its spiritual, religious and theological implications are. It is</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">also necessary that the Church involves itself in forming an</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">appropriate theology of migration.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We want to discuss in this symposium also about the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">various steps taken by the Holy See for the pastoral care of</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the migrants. The Eparchy of Kalyan, Chicago and Faridabad</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">are prominent examples. In this context I would like to</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">gratefully remember and acknowledge the meaningful steps</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">already taken by both the Latin and Syro-Malabar hierarchy</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">for pastoral care in India. Here the initiatives taken by the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">former bishop of Pune Rt. Rev. Valerian D’Souza is worth</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">mentioning. He established separate parishes for the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">pastoral care of the members of Syro-Malabar Church</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">already in 1984 and requested the Syro-Malabar Bishop’s</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Conference to send priests to be appointed parish priests in</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">charge of Syro-Malabar faithful. Accordingly MST fathers</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">were entrusted with the responsibility of pastoral care in</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">these areas.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">6. Urgency of Action</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is needless to say that Churches have the duty to give</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">due pastoral care to their faithful wherever they are. Hence,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">there is urgency in taking adequate measures for the pastoral</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">care of the Syro-Malabar migrants both in India and abroad.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is urgent because the slower the pace of action the more</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the time required to bring them back to the consciousness of</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the identity as belonging to an Oriental Church. One of the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">results of migration is that a community becomes uprooted</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">from the soil of its cultural background and context. The first</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">generation of migrants who are uprooted are usually</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">estranged in the local situation. They often become</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">anonymous in the large majority of the faithful of other</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Churches and peoples of other religions. It may lead them to an</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">indifference to the practice of religion and even to the loss of</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">faith. Some, on the other hand may join non-Catholic</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">communitiesbecausetheyareverymuchinfluencedbythem.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The second generation of these migrants may not even</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">have the awareness that they belong to another sui juris</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Church. It has become the need of today, to hand over</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">faithfully the ecclesial tradition and spirituality of the St.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thomas Christians to the next generation. At the same time it</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">is also necessary that, keeping up the identity of the Church,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the migrants try to be inculturated especially in their</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">language, practices and customs. Thus the Church is called to</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">take creative initiatives to preserve its ecclesial identity in a</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">multicultural-linguistic and religious context, living it</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">faithfully and imparting it meticulously.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The reality that the faith dies out if proper care is not</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">given for the nourishment of faith life of the migrants in their</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">unfamiliar situations has motivated the Church to be actively</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">involved in pastoral care of her children. The lack of proper</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">pastoral care for the migrants has several consequences such</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">as: the loss of sense of oneness with the Mother Church, lack</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">of proper liturgical life, lack of proper religious instruction, a</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">feeling of isolation from the rest of the community and steep</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">decline of priestly and religious vocations. Hence the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">pastoral care within the same country or abroad has been</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">one of the growing concerns of the different churches both</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Catholic and Non-catholic, in the modern times.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">7. Theological Basis</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The reason for separate pastoral care is more theological</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">and practical. In Canon 11 of the CCEO the basic dignity and</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">equality of all Christian faithful is enshrined. This</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">fundamental right to spiritual care has been given legal</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">protection in Canon 16 and 17.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is the belongingness to a particular sui juris Church in</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the Catholic communion that entails special pastoral care.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The right of the faithful to worship in one’s own liturgical</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">tradition and to live as a Christian in accordance with one’s</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">ecclesial heritage is rooted in baptism by which a person is</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">incorporated as a member in a specific sui juris Church.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Parallel to the right to worship in one’s own sui juris</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Church, there is also an obligation of the Christian faithful to</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">know, retain and promote their rites (CCEO, cc. 39-41). This</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">juridical norm is underlined again in Erga Migrantes Caritas</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Chrisiti No. 52. The members of each sui juris Church are</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">bound to foster the knowledge and esteem of the rite of their</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Church and to observe them everywhere.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">6 Mar Thomas Elavanal Chapter 1</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">India is a country where the faithful of the three different</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">sui juris Churches namely Latin, Syro-Malabar and Syro-</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Malankara live in the same geographical area. They may have</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the same language and the same cultural traits, but they have</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">different rites as far as their Church belongingness is</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">concerned. Therefore it is essential that the migrants from</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">each of these Churches get pastoral care consonant to their</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">ecclesial traditions. It is in this context that we have to think</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">about the need of pastoral care in view of the ecclesial</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">identity of the Syro-Malabar migrants. Sometimes this</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">question is asked: Why should there be special parishes and</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">chaplains for the Syro-Malabar faithful? Is it not sufficient</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">that one of the Latin priests be deputed to celebrate liturgy in</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">their language? Here ecclesial difference is forgotten and</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">seen merely as difference in language.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">8. Eparchy of Kalyan</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Eparchy of Kalyan is the first one erected for the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Syro-Malabar migrants. Even before the establishment of the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eparchy, the faithful of the Syro-Malabar Church were</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">particular to keep up their ecclesial traditions. They availed</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">themselves of the spiritual services of the priests and</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">chaplains from Syro-Malabar Church. They were more</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">concerned about having liturgy in their language and to have</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">celebrations of feast according to their tradition. But, when</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">this Eparchy was erected even some of these faithful</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">questioned about the need and relevance of a new Eparchy</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">where there is already Latin diocese and parishes, because,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">they identified Sui Juris Church with language groups. I think</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the same persons who have become the members of the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eparchy are now in a position to give the answer to these</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">questions. Here we place on record the zealous and</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">committed efforts put in by the first bishop of the Eparchy</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mar Paul Chittlapilly and the pioneers who collaborated with</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">him. They have sailed us along all the thick and thin of its</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">growth and existence. They laid the strong foundation for the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eparchy. The Eparchy of Kalyan will ever be greatly indebted</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">to them.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">9. Double Jurisdiction</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There were apprehensions whether the question of</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">double jurisdiction of Latin and Syro-Malabar Churches in</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the same territory will cause confusion or tension among the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eparchies. But the experience of the past 25 years is a strong</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">witness not only of the peaceful co-existence but of</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">collaboration and mutual enrichment.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Eparchy of Kalyan gets involved in the organization</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">of the pastoral care, evangelization and integral</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">development in 15 districts of Maharashtra, being coexistence</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">with five Latin Dioceses. I would proudly acclaim</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the collaboration and the unified action of the Syro-Malabar</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">and Latin Dioceses in this regard. Both together have</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">contributed much to the social and religious development of</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">its members and the Society and the proclamation of the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gospel.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">10. Fruits of Pastoral Care</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Due importance has been always given to the proper</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">faith formation of the children and the youth. One of the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">visible fruits of the pastoral care in the proper ecclesial</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">tradition is the increase in the number of vocations to</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">priesthood and religious life. From among the children who</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">got pastoral care and faith formation after the establishment</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">of the Eparchy, we have 35 vocations to priesthood and 28 to</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">religious life.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Besides all the youth remain always dynamically</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">involved in the various activities of the Church. We made a</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">study among the youth of our Eparchy. The study is very</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">revealing. The youth who got ecclesial formation after the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">establishment of our Eparchy are very much attached to the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Church. From among them almost 95% are very active and</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">are in the main stream of the activities of the Church,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">whereas from among those who were grown up as youth</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">before the establishment of the Eparchy, almost 60 % only</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">nominally or rarely get involved in the activities of our</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">parish. Some of them do not even prefer to be considered as</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the members of the Syro-Malabar Church. Now they have</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">become young couples in the Eparchy. Here I want to</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">emphasize the importance of proper ecclesial formation to</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">children and youth so that they may know and love their</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mother Church.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our Family Unit System has lead to better relations and</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">understanding among the families and better collaboration</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">with the activities of the Church both in spiritual and social</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">fields. As a result the grown up members of the parishes are</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">also equally active. Our experience teaches us that only</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">proper pastoral care for the migrant community will keep</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">them attached to the Church. I think that, all will agree when I</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">say that, the Eparchy of Kalyan may be taken as a model for</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the successful pastoral care of the migrants. Following the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">model of the Eparchy of Kalyan, other ecclesial units are also</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">awaiting their actualization into an Eparchy. At present they</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">render pastoral help to the faithful through parishes and</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">pastors appointed by the local hierarchs.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">11. Vision Statement of the Eparchy</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The mission of the Eparchy is envisaged to have three</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">dimensions. Our vision statement clearly delineates them:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Holistic pastoral care, effective evangelization and integral</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">development of the people of Maharashtra.” The Eparchy is</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">not concerned exclusively about the pastoral care of</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">migrants but contributes equally towards the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">evangelization.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Eparchy has a vast area of 10 districts as mission</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">fields entrusted to four religious congregations. There are</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">almost 95 Priests and 180 Sisters working in these four</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">mission territories where there are only very few Catholics.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As a result of the intense missionary activity of the priests</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">and religious in the missions a few centres of new Marathi</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Christian communities could also be established.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our Eparchy could contribute towards the integral</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">development of the people and the society. Through the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Department of Social Action of the Eparchy including the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">four missions, the Eparchy of Kalyan is rendering</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">commendable social service especially in the fields of rural</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">development, empowerment of women, education for the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">marginalized, support for the HIV infected and affected</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">people, orphans, and the physically and mentally challenged.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">12. Vision for the Next Generation</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of the central themes of Lumen Gentium of II Vatican</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Council is that the Catholic Church is the communion of</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">different individual Churches. Hence all the faithful should</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">have the basic knowledge about the existence of different</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Rites in the Church and that diversity of Rites is not against</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the unity in the Church. Everyone must understand that</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">one’s membership in the Catholic Church is only through the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">membership in a Sui Juris Church. Hence one should know</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">one’s Church, love and be proud of being the member of that</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sui Juris Church. In our Catechism Anthem children are</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">taught to sing “We are proud of being a community of love .....</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">in the Eparchy of Kalyan, as children of one God.” The</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">ecclesial tradition and the spiritual patrimony of our Church</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">should be well explained to them and they should be initiated</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">to the Christian life in accordance with the spirituality of our</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Church. Pope Francis in his encyclical letter Lumen Fidei</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">teaches us that ‘The Church, like every family passes on to her</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">children the store of her patrimony. It is through her</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">sacraments celebrated in the Church’s liturgy that this</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">patrimony is handed over to the children’ (No. 40).</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, Catechism should help the children to understand</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">and to participate meaningfully and actively in the Liturgy</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">and to live meaningfully the ecclesial life. The role of the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">parents and especially the grandparents is important in the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">faith formation of the children. Their example through life</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">and prayer is the decisive factor in the formation of the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">children. Here we are reminded of the context of Kerala</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">where the grandparents took special interest in the faith</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">formation and religious instruction of their grandchildren</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">which may be lacking among the migrant families.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">13. The Futuristic Vision</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The symposium shall be aimed at creating a futuristic</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">vision on the migrants too. In the present global scenario, at</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the ecumenical and inter-religious fields, unity of action</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">becomes imperative for the faith transmission, pastoral life</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">and evangelization. The roles of the migrants are not</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">forgotten in these aspects too. The migrant Church has a</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">great contribution to make to the society, especially in the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">spiritual, social-charitable, cultural and political fields. We</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">also try to discover and distinguish the contribution which</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the migrant community has made towards peace, harmony</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">and development of India. We have to learn more about the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">major issues and challenges that the migrants face especially</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the moral values and principles practised among the</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">migrants, decrease in birth rate, unstable family bonds,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">social insecurity, anonymity, loneliness and such other</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">issues.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Having the vision statement clear in our minds, we wish</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">to push ahead our dreams with greater fervour and</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">faithfulness, following the example of St. Thomas the father</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">of our faith. May this Silver Jubilee Symposium be fruitful and</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">enriching for all of us.</span></span></div>
<br />Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-43338898878935130602017-06-07T14:38:00.000+05:302017-06-08T11:11:32.564+05:30CHALLENGES OF THE MIGRANT FAMILIES IN MEGA CITIES<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-IN</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>ML</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-ansi-language:EN-IN;
mso-bidi-language:AR-SA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;">CHALLENGES</span></b><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> OF THE MIGRANT FAMILIES IN MEGA CITIES</span></b></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;">Fr. (Dr.) Francis Eluvathingal</span></b></span></div>
<h1 style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc369936843"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc2783939"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc2836054"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc2844581"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc3535036"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc3537186"></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _Toc369936843;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Toc369936843;">Issues
Related to Migration:</span></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.55pt;">
<span style="font-size: large; mso-bookmark: _Toc369936843;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The entire history of humankind has
been a history of migration. People are always on the move. Generally the
reasons for migration are d</span></span><span style="font-size: large; mso-bookmark: _Toc369936843;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">esire</span></span><span style="font-size: large; mso-bookmark: _Toc369936843;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> for improvement of one's own life situation, a search for new goals, an
attempt for survival, quest for a new meaning and fulfilment in the transitory
existence on earth etc. Migration is one of the characteristics and integral
part of the modern world. </span><span lang="EN-IN">The adventurous mind of the
people</span></span><span style="font-size: large; mso-bookmark: _Toc369936843;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">, looking for greener pastures, was always
encouraged by own family and the Church. The contribution of the educational
institutions in Kerala equipped them to go far and wide across the globe.</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"> The migrants, having settled in
different places across the globe, are grown to the second and further
generations and have become the children of the soil. </span></span></div>
<h1 style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large; mso-bookmark: _Toc369936843;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Adaptation
of First Generation and Integration of their Children: </span></h1>
<h2 style="margin: 0in; text-indent: 21.55pt;">
<span style="font-size: large; mso-bookmark: _Toc369936843;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">A migrant is transplanted into another culture, language and environment.
He loses his friends and relatives. But this sense of loss is substituted by
the inner urge for economic success. The first generation migrant works hard
and is ready to bear hardships so that he can get settled in the new situation.
Often his psychological and religious needs are not satisfied. In this stage,
normally one tends to lose or willingly lose his former cultural identity which
he thinks would be a hindrance to his future progress. And yet, his is
nostalgic of the past and cherishes his previous identity. He is adapted and
not integrated. The second and further generations of the migrants learn in the
new mother tongue and possibly speaking parents’ language at home, could be
living in two worlds. They are forced to grow with two allegiances. Often
parents speak of their old tradition and customs with great pride and instruct
the children of the ‘lost values’. At this level, integration is most difficult
and the children face a cultural dilemma. In this situation, the children themselves
learn to take a balanced level of adjusting to the newer demands of the present
environment, still retain a core experience from their parents’ identity.
Neither losing their parents’ identity fully nor merging to the new culture
totally would be ideal. Even though the second generation goes through this
problem severely, for the third and further generations, integration would be
easier. </span></span></h2>
<h1 style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large; mso-bookmark: _Toc369936843;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span>Difficulties
the Families Face: </span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.55pt;">
<span style="font-size: large; mso-bookmark: _Toc369936843;"><span lang="EN-IN">Migrant families have suffered tremendous difficulties to live their
faith as per the mind of the Church. Ignorance or negligence of living their
patrimony caused them to lose the original traditions, rituals and spirituality
of their mother church. The parents continue to toil hard to transmit the faith
and tradition to the new generation through living the family value system,
cultural traditions and ritual practices. </span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; font-size: large;">By upholding sanctity of marriage, fidelity in
marriage, maintaining family ties and reputation they carried forward this
legacy even in the multi-cultural situations of the migrant areas. The
onslaught of globalization, consumerism, nuclear family culture, imitation of
the western culture, development of technology and the resultant misuse of it,
workaholism, wreaked havoc in the faith life have shaken the family roots among
the migrants in the mega cities. </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">Mixed marriages and
disparity of cult marriages are on the increase among the catholic migrants.
Our traditional arranged marriages, where parties could reflect about the
qualities of the other persons for a successful married life are reduced to
60-70%, and the love marriages are glorified as individual freedom in making
the choice about the partner. The youngsters grow in school and colleges where
girl-boy friends system is depicted as sign of manhood/womanhood. The dangers
involved in these marriages and failure of family life among the migrant young
couples cannot be neglected. Not finding a suitable partner from own community,
not getting married even in forties, not having a proper vision for life,
luxuries and frequent weekend vacations, serious lack of human and family
values, egoistic and self-centred life are some other dangers that have badly
affected the migrant younger generation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<h1 style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Family Relations among Migrants:</span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20.15pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">Present migrant situations carry with it new problems in the family
relations. Most of the migrant families are very small. They suffer from lack
of family bond and hence lack of strength. The children are provided with
everything. They are not given the training to take up hardships. They are unaware
of the pain and hard work even the value of money. The life time hard work of
the parents is lavishly spoiled by some irresponsible children. Once the
children grow up, the parents totally depend on them as they do not have other
relatives in the migrant places. This situation affects the growth of their
wedded children. The strain and stress of the job situations, increased
financial burdens and loans, lack of other family members for offering a
helping hand, etc. contribute tremendously to the pressure of the young
families and they are not able to cope with the rigorous schedule of family
life. These situations force them to neglect their prayer life and Sunday
obligations etc. For the growth in faith, the small children need models and
witnesses. The grand-parents who were also god-parents used to take initiatives
for handing over the faith to their grand-children. </span></div>
<h1 style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Youth and the Young Families:</span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20.15pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">Youth and young families are the highest in the number of migrants.
Modern communication systems, lifestyle, entertainments etc. influence them
very fast. There is anonymity in the cities and the Churches are not able to
identify the migrants in their respective areas, due to the lack of
information, infrastructure, systems etc. The young men and women lack
initiatives to reach out their parishes as their priority is their work,
financial stability and social living status. Among the migrant families, also
because of lack of space in small flats or houses, most of the young families
live separately from their parents and no much chance to hand over the faith
their newly born grand-children. The young parents with their hopes and dreams
for their children’s future reserve little space for their spirituality. Spreading
secularized mentality deviate the younger minds to have only secular values.
The children are not trained to share the time, talents and gifts with the less
privileged brethren. Family prayer, family meal, family sharing and family
entertainments, family pilgrimages and picnics become more and more absent.</span></div>
<h1 style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Modern Marriages:</span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.55pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">In this changed times, one may be surprised to see
different types of marriages among the migrants such as arranged marriages,
love marriages, civil marriage between two free persons, civil marriage between
one divorcee and the other free, marriage between two divorcees, marriages
between one/both living separately without obtaining civil divorce or
ecclesiastical nullity, marriage into other religion, marriage of convenience,
living together of free or divorced, etc. On observing deeply the marriages
contracted in the Churches, one will come across different categories of
marriages which may sound incredible. They are the marriages between two</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: large; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"> staunch Catholics, one
practising and another non-practising catholic, two non-practising Catholics, one
practising Catholic and another practising non-Catholic, one practising
Catholic and another non-practising Non-Catholic, one non-practising Catholic
and another non-practising Non-Catholic, one Catholic and another Oriental
non-Catholic, one Catholic and another non-oriental non-Catholic, one Catholic
and another from Christian sects, One Catholic and a non-Christian with a
Religion, one Catholic and an atheist so on and so forth.</span></div>
<h1 style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Tribunal
Experiences: </span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 21.55pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Falling in love is on the rise nowadays. The
parents insist that a Catholic should get married only to another Catholic
especially when they come to know about the religiosity of the other party.
This situation often forces the Catholic party to heed the plea of the parents
and finally give consent to marry a Catholic, at the same time; they secretly
continue the relationship with the person in love. This obviously leads to the
break of marriage and they approach the tribunal for the declaration of the
marriage null and void. Some love marriages between Catholics and
non-christians are contracted with the provision of the disparity of cult. But
when they start living together, the faith matters a lot for each one. But the
disparity leads to conflicts especially when there are children. Undue
interference of the parents in the family life and decision making of the
children leads to the break of marriage. Over possessiveness is found to be
another reason. The Church insists that a person must have sufficient
development of their faculties of intellect and will, to be able to judge and
to will a truly human act. As marriage involves a decision, discretion of
judgment refers to the capacity of intellect and will to specifically evaluate,
decide and freely enter marriage. Intellectual maturity is the most basic level
expected in the adults who make a commitment for whole life. But unfortunately
in some adults this reasoning is overpowered by only emotions. Still worse
situations occur when this reasoning is done by some other minds like parents,
or other kith and kin other than the contracting parties.</span></div>
<h1 style="margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Some Solutions:</span></h1>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 17.85pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Living family traditions will help the
effective preservation and transmission of faith among the migrants. They are
to identify these traditions and should take efforts to follow them faithfully.
The spirituality of daily Family prayer should be brought back at a fixed time
by all the members of the family. Bible reading, dedication prayers, prayer of
the faithful, etc. are to be also made part of this prayer. Apart from
attending the Holy Qurbana, the Sunday Observance and other spiritual
nourishment are to be encouraged. Fasting and abstinence are very dear to our
family tradition. The practice of abstinence (<i>nombu</i> for 50, 25, 15, 8
and 3 days and all Fridays) is to be observed besides the days of fasting. The
observance of Friday abstinence is to be promoted intensely. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Theerthadanavum vazhippadum</i> (Pilgrimages
and vows) to religious and holy places are to be promoted and families to be
helped to fulfil this religious practice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 17.85pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">Sunday Catechism is an effective means of transmission of faith
which needs to be effectively conducted for migrant children. As migrants have
left the natives at their 20’s, the lost enthusiasm is to be renewed and
enkindled. The traditional method of catechesis may not be always suitable for
catering to the needs of the migrants and hence we need to broaden the horizons
to effectively carry out this mission to all the migrants. To renew the faith
and spirituality of the elders in the family, adult catechism through some
seminars and sessions should be implemented on priority.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 17.85pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The role and significance of fatherhood
needs to be emphasized and empowered institutionally and individually. The boys
should be groomed and empowered. The newly married should be accompanied by the
elders in the family to make sure their mature growth. They are to be encouraged
to take up the role of responsible parents. The Church needs to take special
pastoral accompaniment for them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 17.85pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">There
should be an insistence that all those who get married in the church should
attend the marriage preparation course and no exemption is given whatsoever. In
fact the marriage preparation course shall not be restricted only to three days
programme just before the marriage but it should be planned in such a way that
in every state they prepare with sufficient information for a successful
married life. Non-Christians attend the course with reluctance, but after the
course, they show satisfaction of having participated and find it an enriching
experience. Apart from sessions on various topics related to family life, this
three-day long marriage preparation course includes opportunity for marriage
counseling, confession, etc. The course is conducted in English. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 17.85pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The
concept of arranged marriages is to be understood with clarity especially about
the decision making on marriage. Decision forced on their children by the
parents is undesirable as per the letter and spirit of the law. At the same
time, many feel insecure for a decision taken by the contracting parties alone
as it lacks perfection. I would say, a perfect decision making on marriage
should be a process where the contracting parties take the final decision with
the constant assistance and involvement of the parents who help them to
evaluate and decide. A decision for marriage made by the parents against the
will of the contracting parties is unjustified.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 17.85pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Marriages
are made in heaven, which we solemnize on earth. Human person is a composite of
body, mind and soul. Solemnization of a marriage is not just a spiritual
ceremony happening in the church where only the soul is involved. But it is
solemn moment of officially exchanging the consent for an already taken
decision where mind and body are involved. A boy and a girl who take a decision
for their whole life need to have basic knowledge about the other person. The
migrant community must uphold the traditional values of entering into marriage
with sanctity of life but at the same time the parents show much openness
towards knowing each other.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 17.85pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Unfortunately
“falling in love” is a trap where many of our youngsters are unable to take
decision with due discretion involving their intellect and will. The youngsters
say that they just fall in love. One is blind to the demerits of the other when
one falls in love. It is dangerous when the youngsters get married only because
they are in love. In such cases, being in love is the only reason or quality
for marriage. They do not consider many other key factors that are very
important for a successful married life. Love need not be the only component
that sustains a whole life together but rather is one of the many components. Rather
than just marrying the one whom one loves, it is necessary to love the one whom
one marries.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 17.85pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">h.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">Nowadays,
one of the major problems in love marriage is having different faiths. If our
youngsters consider disparity of cult marriages as the fashion of the day,
living our faith as one family will be almost impossible and it will result in
the disintegration of the family; thus the stability of the family and community
will be at stake. Conversion of heart only should lead to conversion to another
religion. Sometimes some non-Christians get converted only for the sake of
getting married. In these cases usually there is no living of faith in the
families. The children, even if they are baptized, are not given opportunities
of family prayers, Sunday obligations, nor sent for catechism classes. In some
cases, once the marriage is over, even if they are converted Catholics, they go
back to their original religion and do not care for living their new faith.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 17.85pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">It is
very much opportune to begin some family oriented courses for the parents
before the marriage of their children. One or two children in the family
sometimes prevent the holistic development of the children. They get all they
want and need not share with anyone else. This leads to selfishness and egoism.
It is surprising to see the young families resist in sharing together including
their salaries. These are against the basic concept of family values of giving
and sacrificing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 17.85pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">j.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The
parents want to make sure that their children do not face the same difficulties
that they faced. Many parents do not share their problems with their children
but they suffer in private. And some others do not include their children in
the decision making process. The parents take care of each and every need of
the family and of the children. Hence most of the children lack practical
knowledge and experience even to do small or big house hold activities. When
their children get married and found new families, they do not know to take
decisions, to handle many family situations and do household activities.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 17.85pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">k.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">The
young families undoubtedly need follow up programme after their marriage and
looking at the current development it goes without saying. The strain and
stress of the job situations, increased financial burdens and loans, lack of
other family members for offering a helping hand, etc. contribute tremendously
to the pressure of the young families and they are not able to cope with the
rigorous schedule of family life. These situations force them to neglect their
prayer life and Sunday obligations etc.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 17.85pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">l.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-IN;">For
the growth in faith, the small children need models and witnesses. In the
Catholic tradition, the grand-parents were also god-parents at the time of
baptism of their grand-children and they took initiatives for traditionally
handing over the faith to their grand-children. They were either living
together or close by and it was possible. Now among the migrant families, also
because of lack of space in small flats or houses, most of the young families
live separately from their parents and there is not much chance to hand over
the faith to their newly born grand-children. This will definitely affect the
future practising of the faith of the young families.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: 17.85pt;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">m.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;">There are some traditions of which we
need to imbibe their spirit into our present day. The spirit of modesty in our
traditional and cultural dressings should be followed. Even the food we eat and
time table following in the eating habits are to be seriously noted and
followed as far as we can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-16455343364192390632017-06-07T14:30:00.000+05:302017-06-08T11:12:37.813+05:30FAMILY TRADITIONS AND IDENTITY OF ST. THOMAS CATHOLICS<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>ML</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-ansi-language:EN-IN;
mso-fareast-language:EN-IN;
mso-bidi-language:AR-SA;}
table.MsoTableGrid
{mso-style-name:"Table Grid";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-priority:59;
mso-style-unhide:no;
border:solid black 1.0pt;
mso-border-themecolor:text1;
mso-border-alt:solid black .5pt;
mso-border-themecolor:text1;
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-border-insideh:.5pt solid black;
mso-border-insideh-themecolor:text1;
mso-border-insidev:.5pt solid black;
mso-border-insidev-themecolor:text1;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-ansi-language:EN-IN;
mso-fareast-language:EN-IN;
mso-bidi-language:AR-SA;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">FAMILY TRADITIONS AND IDENTITY OF
ST. THOMAS CATHOLICS</span></b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Paper Prepared for the Eparchial
Assembly, Kalyan</span></b></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dr. Francis Eluvathingal</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; color: #001320; font-size: large;">“Train a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he
will not turn away from it” (</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Prov 22:6)</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; color: #001320; font-size: large;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">General
Information</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The title </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Family Traditions and Identity of St. Thomas Catholics</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is a
complex one. This humble study is delimited to the family<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> the traditions and identity of the family
alone.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">This
is not an exhaustive study and it does not attempt to make comparisons with
other Catholic and Non-Catholic family traditions. It is possible that we notice
same traditions in other churches as well. Hence, these traditions need not be
exclusive for the Thomas Catholic Families alone. A lot more studies are to be
done on this subject like Symposium or Seminars or doctoral thesis. This study
gives only a list of the traditions practiced in the history and those are in
practice even now in most of the places. Due to historical reasons, there are
different traditional practices in different areas. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">The
Eparchy of Kalyan, being the first one to be erected for the Migrants of the
Syro-Malabar Church, happily takes its lead to study our family traditions and identity.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a> This is a crucial subject in
far as the family traditions and identity are concerned for all the migrants across
the globe as the migrants face the predicament of either exist or extinct.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Introduction:</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The identity of a community springs
from its way of life; the stronger it lives its identity, the better the
commitment of the community towards its future. The older one grows, the deeper
one feels nostalgic about one’s past, family traditions and identity. When one
is far from home town, one becomes more aware of one’s identity. The more one
struggles to lead a perfect life the closer one grows in identity. Those
families observe most of their traditions tend to have the strongest ties.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Taking the mission command “go and
preach the Gospel”, the apostles went around the whole world and preached the
Gospel. Though the apostles were from Jewish background, the people who heard
the Gospel received Jesus according to their religious, cultural and linguistic
mind set up. When they began living their faith, they started the rituals,
customs, and many practices for living their faith in their context. This paved
the way to have different traditions and rituals in the world and hence the
formation of different individual Churches. </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">Therefore we are talking about a Christian identity
which got developed in Kerala, in the southern part of India in the first century;
the community founded by Apostle Thomas, who preached in a new soil which had
different religious, cultural and linguistic background. We are talking about a
Syrian Christian identity that depended on the Syrian Church for its liturgical
celebrations from 4<sup>th</sup> to 15<sup>th</sup> Centauries. We are talking
about a Latinized identity imposed by European colonisation from 16<sup>th</sup>
to 19<sup>th</sup> centuries. We are talking about a St. Thomas Catholic Church
that passionately struggles to identify its identity since 1887 AD. We are
talking a migrant Church that is spreading in the world scenario in 20<sup>th</sup>
and 21<sup>st</sup> centuries with a clear vision of preserving its identity
and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">missio ad gentes</i>. As we go ahead with
this topic, let us keep in mind the simplest idiom about the identity of Thomas
Christians: </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Hindu in Culture; Christian in Faith; Oriental in Worship”</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God created things diverse and varied.
The variety and diversity found in creation adds to its beauty & splendour.
“The Variety within the Church in no way harms its unity rather manifests it”.
(II Vat, OE 2). The II Vatican Council and the Sacred Canons insist that the
real search for identity consists in going back to the roots. The rites should
be preserved to its core. The Oriental Law defines what a rite is. “</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: black; font-size: large;">A
rite is the liturgical, theological, spiritual and disciplinary patrimony,
culture and circumstances of history of a distinct people, by which its own
manner of living the faith is manifested in each Church <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sui iuris</i></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">” (CCEO </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: black; font-size: large;">Canon 28 - §1).
Drawing f</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">rom the spirit of this canon, family traditions which are
part of the rituals should be preserved as far as possible. If the changes are
permitted, it should be only for the organic improvement of the community (Ref.
OE. 6).</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In Catholic Theology,
“Sacred Tradition” </span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">refers to the Deposit of
Faith or Revelation shared by Jesus Christ which was handed down through oral
transmission.</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> There was a gap between Jesus’ preaching and the
formation of the Gospels. The apostles proclaimed the Gospel orally or by word
of mouth what they had heard from Jesus.</span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> The liturgies of early
period also were part of the same Sacred or Holy or Apostolic Tradition which
is considered to be THE TRADITION as far as the Catholic Church is concerned.</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">However, traditions which are accumulated
during the centuries need not be part of the Sacred Tradition. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">More
than ever before, the institution of family is under threats of deformation and
destruction in the modern secularized society. The social media-driven society
offers substitutions that facilitate the commercial and utilitarian interests for
traditional family. The decisive and guiding voice of the Church regarding the
formation and of living in the Catholic family is to be audible enough to the
faithful, that they truly experience the joy and fulfilment of the family life
for which it is created. Family is the cradle of life in the society. Just as
strong foundation is the key to the strength and durability of a building,
Christian faith, human values, cultural and ritual catholic practices in family
will prepare ideal members for both the society and the Church through many
well-formed generations; such a family is Christo-centric family.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A German Lady theologian, in a personal
conversation suggested: Europe has experimented the society without a value
system, without cultural and ritual practices. The result of it is only chaos
and confusion. Why should you repeat the same mistakes we have experimented and
committed. Is it not better to learn from our mistakes?</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">On 07<sup>th</sup> October 2015, during the Synod
on Family, Pope Francis’ worded that the lives of today’s family shows that
they need an “injection of family spirit.” In today’s world, support for
the family has been diminished and that the virtues of family life have not
been incorporated in modern society. The family introduces to this need the
bonds of fidelity, sincerity, trust, cooperation, respect; it encourages to
project a habitable world and to believe in relations of trust, even in
difficult conditions; it teaches to honor the word given, respect of individual
persons, the sharing of personal and other limitations.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
would like to divide the Family traditions and identity of St. Thomas
Christians to three categories.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cultural
Identity and Family Traditions</span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Equality, Dignity and Roles in the
Family</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Gender
equality, human dignity and different roles for each member of the family were
considered as the plan of God regarding the family. Therefore the male and
female respected the human dignity giving them equal rights and obligations. Hence
generally no one claimed superiority over the other and no one felt inferior
too. They understood that for the healthy living, God has designed the family
in such a way that they share different roles, which are complementary.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Head of the Family</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">St.
Thomas Christians having followed the patriarchal system of the family, enjoyed
the system of having a male person as the head of the family. Being head of the
family was a role of responsibility than a privilege. The father was the head
of the family. If the grandfather was present then he was the head. If both the
father and the grandfather were absent, then the eldest son who has reached the
age of maturity was considered to be the head of the family. This role was to
be fulfilled with the cooperation and complementarily with the other male and
female members of the family. Headship was understood of having the
characteristics of spirituality and morality, well-mannered dealings,
sufficient earnings for family, sharing the responsibility of bringing up the
children and the ability to make correct decisions in consultation with others,
in one word, to be the role model. Being head of the family was related to the
juridical status as well as social status. The chair of the head of the family
was considered to be seat of authority and generally no elders occupied that
chair of the head.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Numerous Children as the Symbol of
Prosperity</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Having
more children was considered to be a matter of pride, God’s blessing and sign
of prosperity. Financial or material stability of the family were not
considered to be the crucial point for having more children. Botheration about sustainability
of the children purely depended on the providence of God. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Joint Family System</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">St. Thomas
Christians lived in joint families. Giving and taking, sharing and correcting
in the joint families have definitely contributed for the mature growth and
development of the persons. As there were many children, the younger children
received the dress, books and other usable things from the elder ones. The
elder members took the responsibility for the growth of the younger members and
were ready to sacrifice their future for the younger ones. Possessions owned by
the individuals were not encouraged and everything and everyone belonged to the
family. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Patriarchal System of the Family</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Since
St. Thomas Christians opted to follow patriarchal (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">makkathayam</i>) system, the sons inherited the property of the father.
The female children were given <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sthridhanam</i>
(dowry) at the time of marriage which was a fair consideration in money or gold
but not an equal division among all children.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span></span></span></a>
The house of the parents would be inherited by the youngest son in the family
and other sons would get fair portions of land or other properties. For the
children, it was a sacred duty to help their aged parents. Therefore the
parents lived in their ancestral house and they were to be taken care of by the
married youngest son till their death. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.6.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Actual
Name and Family Name (surname) </span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">The use of
biblical names for the new-born and the naming-ceremony of children are popular
among St. Thomas Christian Community. The first male and female children
respectively were given the names of the paternal grandfather and grandmother;
the second pair those of the maternal grandfather and grandmother. The family
is traditionally having a family name which is also considered as surname.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.7.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dress
Code: </span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nobility, decency and modesty were visible
in the dress of the Thomas Christian which indeed helped them to have a high
moral stand in their life and practice.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[9]</span></span></span></span></a> Men
and women used white coloured dresses both for the Church and other occasions
including at home. When the women went to the Church or went to meet the
priests, they covered their head. The women were very modest in work and
behaviour and were satisfied with their household work and the simple
surroundings.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.8.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ornaments</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The males and the females used ornaments.
Most of the males beyond sixty grow their beard, become devout, spending their
days in fasting and prayers. The females used to grow their hair as lengthy as
possible. The widows did not use ornaments. The males and females did not use
shoes or sandals.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[10]</span></span></span></span></a> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.9.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eating
Habits</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Apart from some famous curries or
dishes, including “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pidiyum Kozhiyum</i>”
those edibles made up of rice and coconut oil were the most favourite edibles (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">palaharam</i>) among the St. Thomas
Christians. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Achappam</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kuzhalappam</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">unniyappam</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">vatteppam</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">palappam</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kozhukatta</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">neyyappam</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ayani</i> etc. were some of them either
fried in coconut oil or prepared in steam. Ordinary food was rice and
vegetarian curry. Meat and fish was used only on special occasion like Sundays
and feast days.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[11]</span></span></span></span></a>
Consuming alcohol was considered to be degradation for the family status. On
special occasions, the food was served in banana leafs and the people sat on
the floor squatting. People ate food with fingers. Supper was served after the
family prayers. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.10.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Language</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The liturgy was celebrated in Syriac
and the other prayers were taught in the mother tongue. It seems that though
St. Thomas Catholic attended liturgical services in Syriac, only Malayalam was
known to them as language. In the middle of 20<sup>th</sup> century, it was
permitted to use vernacular for the liturgical services. The Bible, the
prayers, its meanings are to be understood properly by the faithful and hence
the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">megisterium</i> says that instead of
divinizing the language, Bible, liturgy, prayers should be in the language that
is understood by the people. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Value
System as Identity and Family Traditions</span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The parents, teachers, spiritual and
political leaders and elders were highly respected. Showing respect to others
is so common that they are particular not to sit in the presence of their
parents, seniors, elder brothers and superiors of any kind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All the relatives of the grandparents,
parents, close relatives, neighbours and friends were invited to be part of any
family celebrations. It was customary to invite all paternal and maternal
relatives for parish feasts, marriages and commemoration of the dead and other
functions. Any time of the day the relatives were welcome. No previous appointments
were needed for such visits. During the unexpected visits also whatever food or
drink available would be shared with them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All were very courteous towards
strangers and foreigners. Guests of any kind were welcome in the families even
for overnight stay.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Discipline was the most important part
of life. A perfect time table was followed for the daily chores. The time table
insisted the system of early to bed and early to Church/work. Timings for
prayer, food, drinks, bath, etc were also strictly followed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For doing anything apart from the daily
chores, explicit permission is to be sort from the head of the family. Without
proper information, nothing was to be done. Even going out for any purpose and
time of returning etc. were to be clearly communicated. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.6.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prayer and Dining were considered to be
occasions of coming together. Dining was also the occasion for sharing. Sharing
of different issues related to the family and community in general were the
occasion of great learning for younger members of the family. Anything and
everything related to the children and grandchildren were brought to this
session which was used as the time of corrections.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.7.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The head of the family was responsible
for the discipline and decisions of the house where the females were free to
express their opinion and be part of the decision making process.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.8.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When there were many members, the male
members had food first then the females. The male members were respected and
always enjoyed the priority. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.9.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Honesty, sincerity, openness,
accountability, transparency were considered to be great values in the family.
Enjoyments, entertainments and vacations were unimportant or uncommon. Values
such as, family bond, spirituality, alms giving, helping the poorer family
members, bringing up the numerous children with lots of sacrifices, etc were
placed as of primary importance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.10.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Moral life was placed in high esteem. It
was the responsibility of the parents and the uncles and aunties to find a
proper partner for their children. They got marriage already at the age of
puberty. This was to make sure that the person is free from any kind of
deviation. The virginity was placed in great importance. Love marriages were
not tolerated. If at all love marriages happen, they were not accepted in the
family. Masturbation, Pre-marital sex, adultery, etc. were considered as most
serious sins. Mixed marriages or divorce was unheard.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Practices
of Rituals as Identity and Family Traditions </span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are many
ritual practices observed in the St. Thomas Catholic families. A lot of these
traditions have been handed down from generation to generation right from the
ancient times. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Family
Prayers and Customs</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.1.1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Observance of Sunday and Days of
Obligation </span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday
obligation and the observance of the days of obligation, being very important
for the Thomas Christians, all the family activities of the day planned in such
a way that all the members of the family attend Holy Qurbana that day. During
those days, they were particular to abstain from any manual labour. The
children are to attend faith formation classes in the Church either before or
after the Holy Qurbana. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.1.2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Daily
Family Prayer </span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hearing the
Church bells chiming, thrice a day, the angelus prayer was recited in the
family. The people used to stop their daily chores and recite the angelus and
then continue to do their daily chores. After the evening church bell, the
family with all the members together recited the angelus and then the children continued
with the prayers and part of catechism which was followed by the Rosary. In
some families, liturgy of the hours (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">yamaprarthanakal</i>)
was recited. The family prayer also included the dedication of the family
prayer (Dedication to Sacred Heart (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kudumba
pradhista</i>), reading a chapter of passage from the Bible, prayer of the
faithful, prayer for the priests, and other prayers given by the Church to
recite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.1.3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Customary
Greeting (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Eeshomishihakku
sthudhiaairikkatte, Umma</i>) </span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">St. Thomas
Christians while meeting fellow Christians especially priests and the
religious, praised God saying “Praise be to Jesus Christ” or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Eesho mishihakku sthudhiaairikkatte</i>.
Soon after the family Prayer, all the members greet the almighty God facing the
family altar. And then the younger ones greet the eldest family member to the
youngest with this prayerful greeting. This greeting prayer unites the family
members in love and communion. This greeting prayer has two parts: the first
part of the greeting is “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Eeshomishihakku
sthudhiaairikkatte</i>” the response to the first part is “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ippozhum eppozhum sthudhiaairikkatte</i>” which means “let him be
praised now and forever”. After the family prayer the children greeted the
elders attached with an umma (kiss). This greeting is often said to the priests
and nuns.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.1.4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prayer
Room / Family Altar </span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From early
times people have been making special places for prayer. In some families a room
was set apart for prayers or at least a part of the main room was modelled as
family Altar for prayers. The Pictures were placed such that the people turn to
the East. Pictures of the Sacred Heart, Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, Holy
Family, relics of saints and sacred objects received from sacred places were
placed at the altar together with candles, lights and flowers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.1.5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dedication
of the Bible</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the centre
of the family Altar, a Bible is placed with due respect. It was kept in such a
way that the small kids will not be able to take it but the elders can read it
at any time. Nothing else usually placed on the Bible. It is naturally wrong to
keep the household papers inside the Bible.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.1.6.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Holy
Water</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After the
blessings of the Holy Saturday, the families bring the Holy Water home and
place it near the entrance which can be used for making the sign of the cross
when somebody enters and exits the house. Holy water is also preserved near the
family altar which is used for blessing any object before using it in the
family context.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Family
Centered Catechetical Formation</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The family is
the cradle of catechesis by which faith is handed down from generation to
generation. The grand children are initiated in faith and formed in good
character by the grandparents. The basic catechism and prayers were taught by
the grandparents or parents or elder children of the family. It was a practice
in the families that the children recite all the important prayers and
principles of Catholic faith daily (33 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">koottam
namascarangal</i>). Hence all the children know all the prayers from the family
itself and hence it was never difficult for the youngsters to recite the
prayers before the marriage (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">namascarm
cholli kelpikkal</i>). </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Fasting and Abstinence </span></b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">St. Thomas
Catholics have a rigorous discipline with regard to fasts and abstinence. The
early foreign missionaries called the early St. Thomas Christians as “the
Church of those who Fast” (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">upavasikalude
sabha</i>). For any important feast celebration, the faithful prepared
themselves with disciplined abstinence, fasting and prayer. The days popularly
observed are all days of Lent from Ash Monday to Easter (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ambathu nombu</i>), period of Annunciation (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">irupathanchu nombu</i>), preparation for<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pathinanjunombu nombu</i>), preparation for
the feast of Nativity of Mother Mary (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ettu
nombu</i>), the experience of Jonah inside the fish (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Moonu nombu</i>). The faithful abstained from Meat, fish, Egg, Milk,
Milk Products, chewing of Betel, smoking, Alcohol, conjugal relationship etc. Such
abstinence was also observed on all Fridays and some of them also on Wednesdays.
Respecting the solemnity of the season, the Fridays between Christmas and Denha
and the first Friday after Easter are exempted from the abstinence.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">All Family
Members who have completed the age of fourteen and those who enjoy normal
health are obliged to observe fast and abstinence. Fasting is obligatory on the
first day of lent (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Vibuthi</i>-Ash
Monday) and Good Friday. On days of fasting only one full meal is taken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lent
Period and Holy week Celebrations</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.4.1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Pethratha</span></u></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Pethratha</span></i><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> is the day before starting the lent. On
this day, special preparation of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pidiyum
Kozhiyum</i> is a speciality of the St. Thomas Catholic families. Another food
rooted in the biblical tradition of manna (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pidi</i>)
and quail (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kozhi</i>) provided to the
Israel in the Sinai desert (Ex. 16: 13-14; Num: 11, 7-9). <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pidiyum Kozhiyum</i> resembles the manna (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pidi</i>) and quail (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kozhi</i>)
and reminds that lent offers the same desert experience for 40 years
experienced by the Israelites. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.4.2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Ambathu
nombu</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">In the Oriental Churches like the Syro-Malabar Church
the lent begins on the seventh Monday before Easter. We do not skip Sundays
when the length for Lent is calculated. It is a matter of tradition and good
faith that most St. Thomas Christians eat only vegetarian meals for 50 full
days abstaining from meat, fish and alcohol throughout Lent voluntarily even
though the Church laws do not stipulate on all days of Lent, especially on
Sundays. It is one of the finest spiritual offerings. The practice is the same
for other Christian groups that claim St. Thomas´ patrimony, such as Orthodox
Christians. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.4.3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Paadinombu </span></u></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In some
parts of Kerala, 25<sup>th</sup> day of the lent is remembered as the day of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pathinombu</i> and on that they prepare <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">inriappam</i>. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.4.4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Nalpathamvelli
(40<sup>th</sup> Friday)</span></u></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Friday
before the Hosanna Sunday used to be a reminder for the last ten days of lent.
The families started rigorous lent. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.4.5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Kozhukatta
Perunnal</span></u></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Saturday
between the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nalpathamveli</i> and Hosanna
is specially celebrated as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kozhukatta
Perunnal</i>. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kozhukatta</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Peechampidy</i> are prepared in round and
rectangle size. The gospel reading of that day indicates that these edibles
have direct biblical symbolism in it (John 12: 1-8). It is naturally a reminder
of the hospitality of Martha and Mariam in the house of Lazures. Mary anointed
Jesus feet with the perfume of pure nard from the expensive alabaster jar. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kozhukatta</i> resembles the alabaster jar
of Mary and when it is steamed hot, it would be broken and fills the home with
a sweet perfume of rice flour, jaggery and coconut and other spices. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Peechampidy</i> does not taste much and
resembles the silver coin purse of Judas who argued for selling the perfume to
filling his purse. These edibles are prepared only that day of the year and
shared with the neighbours in order to foster unity and brotherhood.
Interpreting these edibles to stones which the people picked up to throw at
Jesus is incorrect.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.4.6.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Hosanna
Sunday </span></u></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On Hosanna
Sunday, Palm leaves are brought Home from the Church by each and every member
of the house and kept in his or her room, a symbol of protection from evil.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.4.7.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Maundy
Thursday (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pesaha Vyazham</i>)</span></u></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On Maundy
Thursday, as a part of the family celebration of the Passover feast, special
unleavened bread (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pesahappam</i>) was
prepared. It was patterned in the Jewish mode of celebration of the Passover in
the family which was continued in the St. Thomas tradition taking the spirit of
Exodus 12:14-27. Tender coconut leaves blessed on Hosanna Sunday is used to
make small cross on the top of the bread which was also called as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kurisappam</i> which represented the bread
used by Jesus in the last Supper. In the evening all the members of the family,
including the extended family used to gather in the ancestral house. The eldest
male member of the family would lead the prayer and would read the biblical
passage, after removing the palm leaf cross, broke the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kurisappam</i> with hands and would distribute it with other members of
the family from the eldest member to the youngest. The bread is received with
respect in the palm with both the hands akin to receiving the Holy Communion. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Bread called
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">inriappam</i> is also prepared along with
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kurisappam</i>. INRI appam reminds us of
the crucifixion of Jesus on the following day (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Iesus Nazraene Rex Iudeorum</i>) and hence is also very much biblical.
The preparation is almost the same as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kuriasappam</i>
but is prepared in banana leaves and steamed and does not the palm leaf cross
in it. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Together
with this a special drink was also prepared with rice flour, coconut milk and jaggery
which represented the wine at the Last Supper. The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kuriasappam</i> and pal (milk) is not given to non-Christians nor is it
kept for the next day whereas <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">inriappam</i>
can be distributed among the non-Christians. During the breaking of the bread, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Puthenpana</i> is read out. When the elder
in the family dies, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pesahaappam</i>
is not prepared for a year in the ancestral house. It was the responsibility of
the neighbouring family to prepare it for them. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kurisappam</i> seems have its origin during the Chaldean period where
as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">inriappam</i> may be of Portuguese
period which has a Latin origin.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In the
method of preparation of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">appam</i>
and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pal</i>, it varies from region to
region.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.4.8.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Good Friday
(Holy Friday)</span></u></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On Good
Friday, the Syro-Malabar Church celebrates the Passion of the Christ by holding
commemorative ‘Stations of the Cross”, reading related passages from the Bible
etc. On Good Friday, a bitter drink (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kaipuneer</i>)
from bitter gourd was prepared and drunk by the family/Church members. It was a
strong tradition to read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">puthenpana</i>
during the day by somebody and others listened to it.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.4.9.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On Holy
Saturday (Valiya Shani) </span></u></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In the
middle ages, beginning roughly in the eighth century, the ceremonies of the
Easter Vigil, especially the blessing of new fire and the lighting of the
Easter candle, began to be performed earlier. Eventually, these ceremonies were
performed on Holy Saturday morning. The Syro-Malabar Church follows this
tradition very piously. The whole of Holy Saturday, originally a day of
mourning for the crucified Christ and of expectation of His Resurrection, now
became little more than an anticipation of the Easter Vigil. Strict fasting and
abstinence continued to be practiced on the morning of Holy Saturday, thus
reminding the faithful of the sorrowful nature of the day and preparing them for
the joy of Easter feast. While fasting and abstinence are no longer required on
Holy Saturday morning, practicing these Lenten disciplines is still a good way
to observe this sacred day before the Easter Vigil Services start closer to
midnight in anticipation and celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus
Christ. After the blessing of the Holy water in the church, now there is a
practice of bringing a portion of the water at home and used for blessing the
house or things.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">House
Building and Blessing Rituals: </span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">St. Thomas
Christians considered the construction of houses to be a holy ceremony. In the
villages the houses are constructed facing towards the East or the north with a
cowshed, well, garden and vegetable farm nearby. Some of the non-Christian
practices were adopted by St. Thomas Christians such as finding the position
for the house, for the well, for a stable by seeking opinion of traditionally
accepted experts “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Asharis</i>” in the
field.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Boiling
the milk (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pal Kachal</i>) or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Grihapravesh</i> is again an important
ritual as once the construction is over, it was a practice to dedicate the
house to the Lord, blessing of the house is done by the Parish Priest. During
the preparation for the blessing, near the family altar, a traditional ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Para</i>’ and ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nilavalakku</i>’ are kept on the floor. The family members and extended
family members fill the Para with a handful of paddy. Towards the end the Head
of the family fills the Para above its brim. Before the rituals begin, the
people gather in the courtyard and witness the parish priest giving the key of
the house to the Head of the family who will then open the main door and invite
everyone to enter into the house for prayer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Most
families also boil a pot of milk and allow it to overflow on boiling to
symbolize the overflow of prosperity to the new House and its members.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.6.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Special
Celebrations</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.6.1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christmas</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
a preparation for Christmas, 25 days of abstinence was practised by St. Thomas
Christians. In the recent times, Christmas cribs are prepared in the garden in
order to give the message of Christmas to all the people. Special edibles like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">vatteppam</i> was the special for Christmas
which is also shared with the neighbouring Hindu families.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.6.2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Epiphany or Denha </span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
festival of Epiphany marks the baptism of Jesus and was known in various names
such as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rakkuli, pindikuthi</i> etc in
different places. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rakkuli</i> (night
Bath) was a ceremonial bath in the pond or river near to the houses remembering
the baptism of Jesus, which was a symbol of personal purification. In North
Kerala it was called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pindikuthi perunnal</i>
when feast torches were lighted on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pindi</i>
(Plantain trunk) in the night in front of every house and it was a
communitarian proclamation of Jesus as the light of the world, calling out ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">el-paiya</i>’ (God is Light) in Syriac.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.6.3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Feast of St. Thomas (Dukrana and
Puthunjayar) </span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Feast of St. Thomas on 3<sup>rd</sup> July has always been called Dukrana (In
Syriac), means remembrance or commemoration. It was celebrated as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sradham</i> or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chattam</i>, the death anniversary of St. Thomas. The other feast was on
the octave of Easter, which was called the new Sunday (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">puthunjayar</i>), celebrated solemnly in the Honour of St. Thomas who was
invited to place the hands in the wound of Christ when Thomas confessed with
Conviction “My lord, My God”. After long days of abstinence and fasting, pilgrimage
to Malayatoor where St. Thomas is believed to have prayed, is made by many
Christians on this occasion. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.7.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Special
Devotions</span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.7.1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Veneration of the Mar Sliba (Holy
Cross)</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cross (Marthoma
Kurishu) was venerated as religious symbol in the house and used as the sign of
protection in the body. Everything related to life was begun with a sign of the
cross. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.7.2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Devotion to Mother Mary and St. Joseph </span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">According to
age-old oriental tradition, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ettunombu</i>
(from 1<sup>st</sup> Sept) was observed in preparation for the Nativity of
Mother of God on 8<sup>th</sup> September and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pathinanjunombu</i> (14 days from 1<sup>st</sup> August) was observed
in preparation of the Dormition (Assumption – 15th August) of the Holy Mary
Mother of God. In recent origins, the month of October is especially dedicated
for praying the Rosary and the month of May is observed for special devotion (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">vanankamasam</i>) in honour of Mother Mary.
In the month of March <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">vanankamasam</i> is
conducted in honour of St. Joseph and in June in honour of Sacred Heart of
Jesus.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.8.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vow of
Food (Nercha Baskhanam)</span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All
different vows related to food, taken by St. Thomas Christians, have reference
to Jesus who was concerned to feed the hungry. Food, both physical and
spiritual, is a great symbol in the life of Jesus. In the end, Jesus gave
himself as food for many so that they may live eternally. Most of these nerchas
have imbibed this spirit and were prepared in the families. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.8.1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oottu
nercha</span></u></i><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nercha</span></i><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is
part of a vow which a person decides to do in order to receive a favour or a
gesture of thanksgiving to the Lord. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oottu
nercha</i> or muthiyuttu is a meal served as an act of charity commonly
performed by the families especially on the feast of St. Joseph – on 19<sup>th</sup>
March. A poor family is invited representing the Holy Family and they are given
a sumptuous meal. This poor family is respectfully seated as honourable guests
and served solemn meal. They will be given also clothes. This <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nercha</i> is a great sign of spirituality
and humility.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.8.2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pachor</span></u></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pachor</span></i><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is
a meal or edible offering as part of a vow, mostly as gratitude for the grace
received or to receive a favour for a prayer intention. This is brought to the
church in a vessel. The priest blesses it and the pieces of it are distributed
among the people. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.8.3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Perunnal Nercha</span></u></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Feasts of the
parish or chapels are celebrated with special <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nercha</i> prepared in the families. After the blessing, it is given either
after the liturgical ceremonies or near the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">roopakoodu</i>
where the statues of the saints, exposed in a decorated frame. These traditions
seem to be mere imitation of the hindu <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">prasatha</i>
from the temples. The housewives took pride in preparing this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nercha</i> which is also as a thanksgiving
to the plentiful harvest or for the intentions of the agriculture.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.8.4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Slihanmarude Nercha</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The concept of
it is similar to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">oottunercha</i> but this
vow is to invite 12 men representing 12 apostles. On this occasion also <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pidiyum kozhiyum</i> are served.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.8.5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Puzhukku and Thamukku Nerchas</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These nercha is
attcched some places and unique to them only. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Puzhukku nercha</i> is prepared with different vegetables, which is
given by Ramapuram church. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Thamukku
nercha</i> is tasty and sweet rice preparation, a nercha given at Alangad, Kuravilangad,
etc. in the churches named after the Infant Jesus. Now-a-days these are
prepared in big quantity and hence the cooking itself is done in the Churches
itself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.8.6.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Pashni
Kanji </u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rich Catholics
were concerned about the poor and Pashni Kanji was a meal to feed many poor
people of the locality. At the lunch time, many poor people would gather to
have this meal. They would be seated at the courtyard and Kanji and vegetables
would be given to them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.9.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pilgrimages</span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.9.1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vow (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Vazhipadu</i>) </span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pilgrimage was
part of a Vow. In order to seek some special blessings and favours, the
faithful with devotion made this vow to God that they would make a rigorous
sacrifice by going on pilgrimage preparing themselves with abstinence and
fasting. It seems that this vow (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">vazhipadu)
</i>in the form of pilgrimage was meticulously fulfilled by St. Thomas
Christians. This vow was not just to make a pilgrimage trip but to prepare with
fasting and abstinence (Nombu) and mostly done by walking with barefoot.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.9.2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pilgrim Places of St. Thomas</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the early
centuries, the faithful used to go to Mylapore either in groups or
individually, to pray at the tomb of St. Thomas. This pilgrimage (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">therthadanam</i>) reminds us about the first
visit of St. Thomas Christians along with Keppa (supposed to be the first
Bishop of St. Thomas Christians ordained by the Apostle Thomas) at Mylapore as
soon as they heard about the martyrdom of Apostle Thomas. Apart from Mylapore
pilgrimage, the Christians started the visit to Malayatoor, Kodungaloor,
Paalayoor and other places related to St. Thomas. During the pilgrimage, they
used to sing the songs traditionally sung and make it a prayerful experience.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.9.3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Other Pilgrim Places</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Places like
Kurivilangad, Alangad, Athirampuzha, Edapally, Bharananganam, Mannanam, Ollur,
Ramapuram, Kuzhikattussery and many other places are the old and new pilgrim
centres where a massive number of Christians visit during the year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.9.4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kanikka</span></u></i><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and
Nercha (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Prasadam)</i>:</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kanikka</span></i><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is
the love offering placed in the box kept at the pilgrim centre. This <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kanikka</i> was given as money or kind by
way of sacrifice of the person, which was used only for spiritual purposes. And
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nercha</i> (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Prasadam)</i> is an edible given to the devotees at the pilgrim centre.
When only one person from a family made the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">therthadanam
</i>(pilgrimage), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nercha</i> (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">prasadam)</i> given from the centre was
brought to the family as a holy object and shared among the family members and
they believed that the merits of the pilgrimage is gained by the other family
members as well.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.10.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pious
Customs related to Birth and Sacraments of Initiation</span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are
customs and practices from the very beginning of pregnancy and at the time of
the birth and growth of the child. The birth of the first two children, pre-natal
and post-natal care were considered to be the responsibility of the parents of
the would-be mother. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.10.1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7<sup>th</sup> Month Ceremony of taking
for Delivery</span></u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
gathering of close relatives is arranged at the would-be father’s place and the
pregnant mother to be is taken officially by the her parents to her maternal
home and special care is given not only till the child is born but till the new
born child is taken to the child’s father place. It was considered to be a
celebration of the family with relatives and neighbours distributing homemade
sweets, for the gift of fertility. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.10.2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After Delivery Rituals</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">Soon after a child was born,
priest or male member of the family would whisper in the child’s ear <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Maron Yesu Mishiha</i> (Jesus Christ is
Lord) and the child would be given with three drops of honey in which a little
gold had been rubbed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.10.3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">28<sup>th</sup> day Thread ceremony</span></u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On
the 28<sup>th</sup> day, a black thread is tied to the waist of the new born
child which was known as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">irupathettukettu</i>.
This black thread was often ornamented with toe-nails of the tiger (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pulinakham</i>) or mongoose teeth (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">keripallu</i>).</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.10.4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Permission to enter the Church for the
new Mother</span></u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
new mother is permitted to enter the church only after 40 days if the child is
a boy or 80 (56?) days if the child is a girl. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.10.5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Baptism of the child</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Baptism of the Child was earlier done within 8 days, and in more recent times
after the 40th day. Grandparents or paternal / maternal uncles and aunties or
very close relatives were given the status of God Parents. The child is also
given names of the Grand Parents or Biblical names particularly for the first
and second child.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.10.6.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Choruttal</span></u></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One
the day of completing 11 months, the child was given <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pachoru</i>, prepared with rice. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.10.7.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ezhuthiniruthu</span></u></i><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At
the age of 4 the child is symbolically taken for initiation into alphabets to a
teacher (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">aashan</i>) or to a priest for
the first writing of the child.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.11.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Practices
related to Marriage</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: </span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When the children
become matured, the parents took initiative to get them married and settled in
life. Giving children in marriage was very ceremonial. Related to marriage, St.
Thomas Christians have taken many important aspects from the Indian cultural.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.11.1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Arranged Marriages:</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
arranged marriages, the meeting of prospective spouses is arranged by family
members, relatives or friends, the spouses have to express free will to marry.
Arranged marriages were common all round the world till the18th Century, more
so in Syro-Malabar tradition it continues till today in most families.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.11.2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fixing Ceremony</span></u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Urappickal</span></i><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> was
traditionally done by the elders of the family along with the parish Priest in
the girl’s residence, nowadays increasingly it is done at the boy’s residence.
Fixing the share of the Father’s property to be given to the daughter is also
fixed at this time.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.11.3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Engagement Ceremony</span></u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
engagement ceremony is celebrated almost equal to a marriage celebration
although the legal implications are not the same. The engagement is celebrated
in the Church by exchange of rings in presence of witnesses.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.11.4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Going to the Church for Wedding</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Before going to
the Church for wedding even for engagement, the whole family came together to
pray before the family altar. The prayer at the house of the bride was very
intense as she steps down from her home to be part of another home. After the
prayer by the priest or elder, the candidates greet their parents and other
close relatives saying <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">eesho misihahkku
sthuthiyayirikkatte</i>. The parents wish them back all God’s blessings.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.11.5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wedding Processions</span></u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wedding
Processions were considered to be very important part of the marriage ceremony.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[12]</span></span></span></span></a>
But this tradition is not practiced now even though there exists one or other
tradition in order to add the solemnity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.11.6.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wedding Dress, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tali</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mantrakoti</i></span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
most important rites found exclusively in the marriage celebration of Thomas Christians
are the tying of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tali</i> and
offering of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mantrakoti</i>. These two
are found among the customs of the Hindus and indeed remain strong examples of
inculturation by the Christians in India. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.11.6.1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wedding Dress</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
bride comes to the Church adorned in a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">saree</i>
which has got similarities with the traditional <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">saree</i> of Kerala Tradition (either white or a cream coloured like
the set <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">saree</i> used for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">onam</i>). The groom comes to the wedding
wearing traditional <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mundu</i> or shirt or
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kurta</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">paijama</i>. The recent tendency of adapting the western wedding gowns
and suits seem to be a blind adaptation of western style even though some of
them claim that they are cuter in the albums. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.11.6.2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tali</span></u></i><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tali</span></i><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
having the shape of a leaf of the Bunyan tree (alila), is made up of gold and
worn by the bride throughout her married life around her neck. The Christian <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tali</i> or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">minnu</i> is made in Gold and there is a cross on it. And this Cross is
made of 21 tiny balls embossed; it seems the 21 balls are calculated to be 3x7=21.
Number 3 is easily understood as three persons of the Holy Trinity. In the
biblical understanding 7 is a perfect number as stated in the book of
Revelation, 7 angles and trumpets, etc. In the Church there are 7 sacraments. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are many interesting ceremonies related to the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tali</i>, on eve of the marriage the twine
with which the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tali</i> is tied is
prepared in the house of the bridegroom, usually from the threads taken from
the wedding garment, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mantrakoti</i>. Three
threads are twisted into one composite thread and then out of seven such
composite threads the final chord is prepared. The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tali</i> proclaims the bride as a married woman. When she dies, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tali</i> is deposited in the treasury box of
the parish Church.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.11.6.3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mantrakoti</span></u></i><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mantrakoti</i> is the nuptial vestment
for the bride presented in the church by the Bridegroom which is very biblical.
Jesus in his parables insisted on the wedding dress for entering in God’s
kingdom. St. Paul reiterates on several occasions that Christ is the groom and
the Church is its bride. The husband is to protect the wife as Christ protects
the Church. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>East Syrian tradition has
the rite of blessing of nuptial vestment indicating that the bride is adorned
with her bridal robes of grace and blessing. St. Thomas Christian tradition also
seems to have adapted the Hindu custom of “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pudavakodukkal</i>”
(Conferring of Nuptial vestment).</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.11.7.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Intercession for a Successful Married
Life</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once the
wedding is over, the first act the couple together does is to pray together in
front of the patron saint of the parish church. This is also followed by
placing an offering in the box (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nerch petty</i>)
placed near the statue. This intercessory prayer is also done in the parish
church of the other partner when they go there on the following days for “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">marupally kumbidil</i>.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.11.8.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Madhuram
Vekkal</span></u></i><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Traditionally <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Madhuram vekkal</i> was practiced twice,
once on the eve of the wedding in the respective houses of the Groom and the
bride in the presence of the relatives, Neighbours and friends. After the
prayers and blessing by the priest if possible, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">madhuram</i> is given after blessing by the eldest Aunt/Grandmother or
senior relative. The second <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">madhuram
vekkal</i> is done at the reception of the bride and the groom and given by the
eldest person of the family. He asks loudly thrice the permission of the
community gathered if the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">madhuram</i>
can be given or not, the community expresses its joy in doing so and then <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">madhuram</i> is given to both. This ceremony
reminds the Bride and the groom that the life that they begin together should
be as sweet as the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">madhuram</i> they
accept.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.11.9.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wedding Ring, Garlands and Bride’s
Bouquet </span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.11.9.1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wedding Ring </span></u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Vivahamothiram</i>)</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Among
the Syrian Catholics the exchange of rings was only part of the Betrothal ceremony
but not part of the wedding. Now it has become an accepted custom to exchange
rings during the wedding ceremony which both of them are supposed to wear it
throughout their life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.11.9.2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Garlands and Bride’s Bouquet</span></u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
India where Flower Garlands have an important and traditional role in every
festival and especially in wedding. The couple exchange and wear a wedding
Garland during the ceremony. It was considered a symbol of happiness, originally
bridal garlands and bouquets were made of Herbs which had magical and
meaningful properties, later the flowers replaced the herbs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.11.10.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wedding Feast</span></u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
sumptuous feast is served for relatives, well wishers, neighbours and friends
on folded banana leaf which was considered a royal practice and a sign of great
hospitality.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.11.11.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Receiving the bride in the Groom’s
House </span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Receiving the
bride in the Groom’s House is a very meaningful ceremony practiced by families.
The groom’s Mother in traditional Kerala style with a bell metal lamp with a
metalic handle (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kuttuvilaku or
Nilavalikku</i>) and a bushel heaped up with grain welcomes the bride. The
couple stand facing the entrance and they are welcomed by sprinkling water in
which paddy was dipped (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nellum nirum</i>)
which symbolizes light, prosperity and fertility. The bride is received to
groom’s house religiously by the mother-in-law making a sign of the cross on
the bride’s forehead at the front steps of the house and hands a traditional
lamp (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nilavilakku</i>) in her hand.
Groom’s sisters lead the bride into the house. While entering the groom’s
house, the couple especially the bride takes special pride to place the right
foot first which is taken from the Hindu tradition which is considered as an
auspicious sign. There are also other customs followed in different places
differently. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.11.12.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Entrusting the Bride to the Family of
the Bridegroom</span></u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After all the
celebrations before leaving, the parents and relatives of the bride entrust her
to the Groom’s parents.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.12.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rituals
for the Dying and the Commemoration of the Dead</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.12.1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The care of the Dying</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tying
palm leaves with biblical verse written on it to the body of the sick, giving
the sick and the dying water mixed with soil taken from the tomb of St. Thomas
at Mylapore are some traditional practices. When the signs of Death appear, the
dying person is laid on a bed facing East according to local custom. Till
the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>moment of death, the relatives and
neighbours<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>chant prayers in the ears of
the dying (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chevittorma</i>), As soon as
person breathes his or her last, the toes and thumbs are tied together with a
piece of cloth. Usually the dead body is kept facing the East at home and the
graveyard also. Crucifix and Lighted candles are kept at the Head of the bed or
Coffin.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.12.2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Preparing the body for burial</span></u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After
a few hours of the death, the body of the dead is washed, dressed with fresh
cloth (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kodithuni</i>), anointed with
perfumed oil and placed before the community to pay last respect.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.12.3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prayers before and during the Burial</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Usually
a period of not less than a day, the dead body would be placed at the house of
the deceased. During this time at home, Puthenpana, thomaparvam and other
prayers are recited by friends, relatives and neighbours. The Rituals of the
burial have three stations. The first station starts from the house of the
deceased. This is the lengthiest station which includes two readings from the
Bible, sermon and the prayer of the faithful. There are very meaning prayers
and the hymns are very meaningful and touching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.12.4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kacha
idil</span></u></i><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Laying of the Silk Cloth)</span></u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
last station of the burial is at the cemetery. Earlier the dead were buried in
their own premises but now since a few centuries, the burial is always in the
church cemeteries. One of the most important family traditions during the
burial is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kacha idil</i>. This <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kacha</i> (another form of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">soshappa</i> that we use for the Holy
Qurbana) resembles the shroud of cloth which Jesus was wrapped in. In some area
only one <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kacha</i> is put on the face of
the dead by the eldest son or the closest relative. In other area, all the
close relatives place a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kacha</i> on the
dead body. However <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kacha idil</i> shall
not be replaced with floral wreaths. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.12.5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Post Burial Rituals:</span></u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After
the burial service, the members of the family would gather in the house.
Sometimes priest is also present. After the prayer all would come and accept
the peace (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kasturi</i>) from the priest
and take a few seeds of jeera (cumin seed) to eat. The priest or an elder used
to bless a tender coconut (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">karikku</i>)
and drink from it and distribute it among the close relatives. Thus break the
fast after the burial. After the death of the person, no food was prepared in
the house of the deceased. Even if the food is to be given it was prepared by a
neighbour and distributed in that house. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.12.6.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ritual Meal (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pula veedal</i>)</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There
were special observances for the commemoration of the dead on the 7<sup>th</sup>,
11<sup>th</sup>, 16<sup>th</sup>, 28<sup>th</sup> and 41<sup>st</sup> day after
the demise. The relatives and friends of the deceased used to pray and spend
time together at the house of the dead for a week. Like high caste Hindus, St.
Thomas Christians also practiced <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pulakuli</i>
or ritual bath on the 11<sup>th</sup> day after the burial, for the
purification from the defilement due to the death of a family member. This
practice is observed now-a-days as per the convenience of the people on the 3<sup>rd</sup>
or 5<sup>th</sup> or 7<sup>th</sup> or 9<sup>th</sup> day as well. The rituals
of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pula</i> are meant for the remission
of the debts and the sins of the deceased and hence it is observed after the
death of the elders only. One this day, the family members gather in the house
of the deceased after the Holy Qurbana and prayers. The priest conducts a
special prayer for the dead coupled with the sprinkling of the holy water on
the people and the house. This is considered to be purification of the persons
and the house where the deceased was placed. Then everybody comes forward and kisses
the cross on Urara worn by the priest, takes <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">jeera</i> (cumin seed) placed on the table and deposit some offering
(money) in the plate placed on the table. This offering is later used for
celebrating Holy Qurbana in the intentions of the deceased. This has a
reference to the biblical tradition from 2 Meccabeus 12, 43-45 where Judas
Maccabeus making a collection from the people and sends the money to Jerusalem
Temple for sacrifices for the remission of sins of the dead.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then all are given a ritual meal which begins with a
plantain and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">unniappam</i> which is
generally brought from the family of the married daughters if there are any or
of other close relatives. This ritual meal is a simple vegetarian meal mostly
with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">palappam</i> and vegetable stew.
Here <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pazham</i> resembles the sin
originated by Adam eating of the fruit and the unniappam, eating of the bread
which Jesus instituted as Eucharist for the forgiveness of sins. On this
occasion of the ritual meal all those who collaborated on the occasion of the
death are remembered thankfully inviting them to partake in the meal. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.12.7.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ritual Meal (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pulayadiamtharam</i>) </span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Till
the commemoration on the 41<sup>st</sup> day, the family members remained in
fasting and abstinence and only vegetarian meals were served in the house. The
male used to grow the beard and all family members wear black or white dresses
till the 40<sup>th</sup> day. For the purification of the deceased soul, the
relatives observe 40 days of fasting reminding the fasting of Jesus for 40
days. Because Jesus ascended into heaven on 40th day, the Thomas Christians
celebrate the 41<sup>st</sup> day with the firm faith that the soul of the
deceased is also taken to heaven. As this used to be a special occasion of
prayer for the deceased, after Holy Qurbana and prayers in the cemetery, a meal
is given to the relatives and friends. In some parts of Kerala, non-vegetarian
food is also given as it is after 40 days of abstinence. Liturgical prayers,
memorial common meals, alms giving were parts of the celebrations.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.12.8.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sradham or Chatham </span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The death
anniversary of the deceased is called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sradham</i>
or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chattam</i>. Most of the close
relatives like the partner or the children observe for one year long <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">valayma</i> and on the day of anniversary <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sradham</i> is celebrated with a
non-vegetarian meal. It is also customary that they remember the deceased on
the death anniversary for some decades. It is also an occasion for the family
close relatives to come together with their children and grandchildren.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">General
Conclusions</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Syro-Malabar Church is proud of its
rich heritage and family traditions that serve in the foundation for gratified
identity. I firmly believe that this community is ‘chosen people’ by God with a
purpose as in the case of Old Testament ‘Israel’, which has been going through a
desert experience. When we deeply reflect about the treasure that is entrusted
to us in the form of these family traditions, we would ask the Lord about his
plan with humility. In the context of the migration of Thomas Christians across
the globe in 20<sup>th</sup> and 21<sup>st</sup> centuries, if it is God’s will
that we become models and witness of faith transmission through the family
traditions, we should be ready to fulfil the divine will in preserving and
practicing our family traditions, in spite of the sacrifices; even if we have
to pay a higher prize.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">In the
early centuries, even when the liturgical language was Syriac</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
(the liturgical celebrations were made available in vernacular from 1962),</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;"> which the faithful could not follow fully,
our faith-content was intact and Christian faith was handed down through
domestic customary practices and ceremonies related to birth, marriage, death,
etc.</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">Daily family prayer, Bible
reading at home and para-liturgical services on the occasions of feasts, the
periods of annunciation and lent, holy week, fast and abstinence are media of
authentic transmission of faith. </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This gives a clear indication that the
St. Thomas Catholics were blessed to have not only the Church centred Christian
life but also family centred traditions as part of their common identity. It
seems that this community can survive anywhere in the world without getting
diluted if the family identity and the traditions are kept intact. I mean to
say that in those places where Christianity is forbidden or the Syro-Malabar
Church is not officially recognized with proper jurisdiction, if the faithful
are ready to practice their family traditions, they can survive and remain as St.
Thomas Catholics.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Family practices related to rituals are
precious and these customs make families stable and serve as the foundation
stones and pillars of a stable society. Customs that contribute to a family’s
uniqueness can give its members a sense of who they are and where they belong
to. It gives a chance to say “this is the way our family does it”. Thus
traditions serve as a counterbalance to the intense pressure on youth to
conform to their peers instead of their families. I strongly feel that multi
religious, cultural and linguistic background of the cities enrich our youth
without doubt but unfortunately getting exposed to all different varieties have
weakened their sense identity and practicing one set of family traditions
seriously. Meaningful customs build a sense of closeness that endures even long
after children are grown up and gone their own way. Observing special days and
events gives us a chance to pause and reflect on our lives, to think about
what’s most important to us and to share that with our children.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We can be proud of the familial
stability of St. Thomas Christians. The family traditions create and reinforce
a sense of security among the family members. When we do something again and
again over the years and through generations, we tie our past together with our
present. We link year to year, childhood to adulthood, grandparent to child and
to grandchild, with shared experiences, values and memories. Consistent and
meaningful family customs provide regular, familiar patterns in a rhythmic
life. They add an element of predictability to the cycle of family life that’s
both comforting and comfortable.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Faith is more important for a
Christian. It is an interior disposition. If so what sense does it make to
observe the family traditions? This is a question generally asked. The answer
should convince a Christian. Our community itself is a witness to it. We can realistically
say that preserving and practicing these traditions and identity in our families
has been instrumental in deepening our faith, growing in our spirituality, developing
in divine and human values, forming a better religious life, progressing in
social and moral life, etc. We can further affirm that it is important to keep
the traditional form of family intact so that the future generations are
assisted in their life as St. Thomas Catholics. At the same time, the
traditions and customs of St. Thomas Catholic Family is not a part of the Sacred
Tradition which cannot be changed at all as these traditions got accumulated
from the history of 20 centuries such as that of St. Thomas era, Chaldean
period and the Portuguese rule. Instead of struggling to keep all the
traditions intact, it is better to keep all the meaningful, fruitful and effective
traditions in its integrity. If we are able to take some sincere effort, it
will not be very difficult to understand the theology or spirituality of the ritualistic
practices. Knowing the reasons behind those traditions and passionate approach
to practice them will surely enrich the community. But openness is needed to do
away with those outdated rituals. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">The
identity of St. Thomas Christian families was evident in social, moral and
religious realms of the society.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftn13" name="_ftnref13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[13]</span></span></span></span></a> The value system it
followed, the culture it projected and the ritual expressions it practiced were
attractive and acceptable for the local kings, government and the society. The
interwoven living style of Christians with the people of other religion was a
vehicle of trust to the next generation. Hence t</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">he value system
practised by St. Thomas Christians need not be changed as such but we should be
open to accept other higher values and be ready to share our value system with
others. This will make a fusion of values which will enrich the people to lead
a higher value system in the families (Eg. Touching the feet with hand in order
receive the blessing and to show deep respect). </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rituals are part of the culture. Hence
one cannot make a total separation of the ritual and the culture. St. Thomas
Catholics are very much inculturated in the Indian soil so much so that all
most all the family traditions are interlinked with the Indian culture. Hence the
Indian soul would understand and accept our family traditions very easily. One
should notice that the Christians did not just copy the Indian customs but
Christianized them with the signs and symbols and prayers and used them as
Christian customs. Now also, spreading the Gospel in the Indian soil becomes the
most important duty and responsibility of inculturated St. Thomas Catholics. But
when an inculterated community gets transplanted to another culture, a multi
cultural context is created. Here, one needs to be open for inter-cultural
adaptation<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftn14" name="_ftnref14" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn14;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[14]</span></span></span></span></a>
especially in the new context of migration or evangelization. The principle of inter-cultural
adaptability is mainly related to the Kingdom of God: whether the faith is
meaningfully proclaimed and whether it is rightly understood and accepted. T</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">o evangelize supposes “a long and courageous
process of inculturation so that the Gospel may penetrate the soul of living
cultures...<sup>”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftn15" name="_ftnref15" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn15;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[15]</span></span></span></span></a></sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The topics of inculturation and
inter-cultural adaptability raise multi faceted issues: (1) regarding the
identity of the migrants of the first generation (2) regarding the identity of
the second and further generations of migrants (3) regarding the identity of
newly converted through the evangelisation. It is to be noted that all these
three groups have some difference in their religious, linguistic and cultural
background. Hence as far the identity and traditions are concerned all these
groups will have to be handled with sensitivity but without losing the original
identity and traditions. This is not a small title of this theme but a big
theme in itself. We need to engage in a lot more study and discussions on this in
the future. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Among the discussion forums, an
observation is expressed over and again that some of the family traditions are
now-a-days taken away from the families and they reserved and practiced in the
Church level only. Relaying on the principle of subsidiarity, the Church has
the responsibility to give it back to the families and empower the families to
follow those traditions, however, facilitating and making sure that such practices
are correctly done by the families. In this regard, frequently heard common
examples are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Appam murickal</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Onam </i>celebrations.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">On 07<sup>th</sup> October, recalling Jesus’
calling of Peter to be a “fisher of men”, the Pope said that “today, families
are one of the most important nets for the mission of Peter and of the Church.
This is not a net that makes us prisoners. On the contrary, it frees from the
evil waters of abandonment and indifference, which drown many human beings in
the sea of loneliness and indifference. Families know well the dignity, of
feeling themselves children and not slaves or strangers, or just a number of an
identity card”. Following Pope’s words, today the Syro-Malabar church invites
us to take the net in our hands, fish the families, free them from the evil
waters of modernity and relativism, in which many of our youngsters are
disappeared. Let every human person in this world be part of a great family of
identity and traditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Conclusions
Given in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Instrumentum Laboris</i> :
Revisited</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some of family traditions that have
helped the effective preservation and transmission of faith among its members
are to be identified and efforts should be taken to follow them faithfully.
Some of those are listed below:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The spirituality of daily Family prayer
should be brought back at a fixed time by all the members of the family. This
prayer could be reciting the rosary or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">yamaprarthanakal</i>
or some other prayers recognized by the ecclesiastical authority. Bible
reading, dedication prayers, prayer of the faithful, etc. are to be also made
part of this prayer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Apart from attending the Holy Qurbana,
the Sunday Observance, through Catechism and other spiritual nourishment are to
be encouraged. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">c.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fasting and abstinence are very dear to
our family tradition. The practice of abstinence (<i>nombu</i> for 50, 25, 15,
8 and 3 days and all Fridays) is to be observed besides the days of fasting.
The observance of Friday abstinence is to be promoted intensely.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">d.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The domestic practice of making of <i>Pesaha
– Appam</i> and the solemn practice of Head of the family leading the family in
prayer and in cutting and distributing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">appam</i>
in ‘<i>appam murickal</i> ceremony’ and sharing with neighbours are to be
followed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">e.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Giving Christian names especially the
names of grandparents are to be revived. The tradition of family name as
surname is to be reinstated. One should select grandparents and close relatives
as the godparents for baptism. This will strengthen the family ties
significantly and also the faith formation of the children.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">f.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Theerthadanavum
vazhippadum</span></i><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Pilgrimages and vows) to religious and holy places are to
be promoted and families to be helped to fulfil this religious practice. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">g.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The love and respect in remembering and
praying for the dead people of the family in the observance of celebrating Holy
Qurbana, oppise, <i>pulakuli, pulaveedal</i>,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pulayadiyantharam</i>, death
anniversary (<i>shradahm), </i>etc. are to be practiced. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">h.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The practices of fixing marriages
should follow the opinion of the family members after the parties to be married
and there should be many opportunities and time to get to know each other before
Marriage. The girls should be permitted to see the place where they stay, sets
us apart from others in society.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">i.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The respect paid to the elders and the
blessing imparted by them during <i>madhuram vaikkal </i>has to continue in all
marriage ceremony. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">j.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The solemn and prayerful entry of the
bride to the house of the bridegroom shows her importance in the new house.
Therefore, the traditions related to that will help to continue that spirit. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">k.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The practice of <i>manthrakodi</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tali</i> in a marriage are to be sacred symbols
in the marriage. Weddding dresses also should show our culture and values.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">l.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The spirit of Milk Boiling ceremony in
house blessing shows the sacredness of kitchen just important as the prayer
place at home, prosperity and abundance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are some traditions of which we
need to imbibe their spirit into our present day. Some of which are the
following:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The spirit of modesty in our
traditional dressings should be followed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The major challenge to the preservation
of the traditional form of family is the scarcity of the desired and compatible
spouses from within the Syro-Malabar community, especially for girls. For this
reason and for many other, marriages with persons from other religious and
ethnic groups are incidental and common. The solutions to this problem need to
be sought from all available sources and through aforethought measures.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The role and significance of fatherhood
needs to be emphasized and empowered institutionally and individually. The boys
should be formed, the youth should be trained in the skills and the newly
married should be empowered and encouraged to take up the role of responsible
fathers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">These
traditions continue to serve a vehicle of catechesis, transmittal of values and
expression of the identity of St. Thomas Christians, when their spirit and
values are imbibed into our families while practicing and celebrating Christian
faith.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Reference
Books</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">Thazhath
Andrews, The Juridical Sources of the Syro-Malabar Church (A
Historico-Juridical Study), No. 106, OIRSI, Kottayam, 1987. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">Karyil
Thomas CMI, Collected Works of Rev. Fr. Placid J. Podippara CMI, Vol. I-V,
Sanjos Publications of Mannanam, Kerala, 2007.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">Pathikulangara
Varghese, Thomayude Margam, No. 24, Denha Services, Kottayam 1988. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">Menachery
George, Glimpses of Nazraney Heritage, Saras, Thrissur, 2005. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">Manakatt
Mathew and Puthenveettil Jose (Eds.), Syro-Malabar Theology in Context, No.
292, OIRST, Kottayam, 2007. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">Thottakkara
Augustine, East Syrian Spirituality, CIIS, Kerala 1990. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">Koodapuzha
Xavier, The Canonical Sources of the Syro-Malabar Church, No. 104, OIRSI,
Kottayam, 1986. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">Thadikkattu
Geo, Marthoma ChristyanikaludeParambaryangal, No. 113, ORISI, Kottayam, 1988.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">Eranattu
Jacob, Kudumba Liturgy, Mar Louis Book Centre, Cochin 1999. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">Mathoth
Kurian, Marthommachristianikalude Sabha Noottandukalilude, Deepanalam
Publications, Pala 2008. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">Mukkadan
Antony, MarthommaslihayumMalankarayum, Mar Louis Memorial Press, Alwaye 1949. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-synthesis: weight style; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: large;">Eluvathingal
Francis, Family Traditions, website: http://www.smc-el.blogspot.in</span></div>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br clear="all" /></span>
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-IN"> </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Kalyan Lantern Published an Article on the same
topic in June 2014 and later it was discussed in Pastoral Council. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-IN"> By
Late Rev. Fr. Placid Podippara CMI.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-IN"> </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The word
"tradition" is taken from </span><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin" title="Latin"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Latin</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><i><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">trado, tradere</span></i><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">meaning to hand over, to deliver,
or to bequeath. The teachings of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus" title="Jesus"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Jesus</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostle_(Christian)" title="Apostle (Christian)"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">his
Apostles</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">are preserved in writing in the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible" title="Bible"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Bible</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">as well as by word of mouth and
are handed on. This perpetual handing over of the Tradition is called a living
Tradition; it is the transmission of the teachings of the Apostles from one
generation to the next. The term "deposit of faith" refers to the
entirety of Jesus Christ's<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revelation" title="Revelation"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">revelation</span></a></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">, and is passed to successive
generations in two different forms,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_scripture" title="Sacred scripture"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sacred Scripture</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">(the Bible) and Sacred Tradition
(through<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostolic_succession" title="Apostolic succession"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">apostolic
succession</span></a></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">).</span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<h3 style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;"> Pope Francis, Reported by </span><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="http://www.zenit.org/?utm_campaign=dailyhtml&utm_content=%5BZE151007%5D%20The%20world%20seen%20from%20Rome&utm_medium=email&utm_source=dispatch&utm_term=Classic" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">ZENIT.org</span></a></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Daily dispatch - October 07, 2015.</span></span></h3>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-IN"> When God created humankind in His image, He created them male and
female and called them to share equally in His likeness (Gen 1: 27). The
equality shared between man and woman is further adorned by God's original plan
for family through the complementary roles of man and woman as husband and
wife. God reveals this plan in the creation story of Genesis, where He
completed creation of the universe only at the creation of woman from the rib
of man and by uniting them to prosper in the universe (Gen 2: 20-25). Jesus raises
the institution of family into perfection first by being the member of an ideal
family, then by resolving any issues that would come on any family just as at
the miracle of Cana (Jn 2: 1-12) and finally by reinstating the original plan
of God for family (Mt 19: 3-9). The indissolubility of marriage asserted by
Jesus (Mt 19:6), is not a “yoke” imposed upon couples but is the expression of
the stability and mutuality of the “self-gifting” by husband and wife united in
marriage. Hence, through their personal and irrevocable consent in the
marriage, man and woman enter into a covenant for their whole life. This
lifetime covenant is a call to the ‘true love between husband and wife’ (GS 49)
which implies a mutual gift of self and includes and integrates the sexual and
affective aspects, according to the divine plan (GS 48-49). To the fulfilment
of this divine vocation of building up the Body of Christ, the bride and groom
are consecrated through God’s grace; therefore every family is a ‘domestic
church’ (LG 11). This domestic church gives every person initial experience of
ecclesial communion to which one will be fully integrated through various
points of life.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-IN"> St. Paul teaches: “wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the
Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the
church, his body, and is himself its Saviour. As the church is subject to
Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands” (Eph
5:22-24). In the absence of proper understanding of the concepts of Christ-Church
and head-body relationships, one part of the ecclesial community will be
considered as subjects of the other. While “Head” figuratively means the
authority in a given situation or structure, St. Paul often used the head-body
metaphor to describe the unity of Christ and His Church. As parts of a single
physical structure, head and body are dependent on each other for their
survival and fullness. This interdependence is evident in their functions:
“Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify
her . . . that he might present the church to himself in splendour . . . that
she might be holy and without blemish”(Eph 5:26). Christ became the head of His
spouse Church by his selfless sacrifice for her and by making her worthy of eternal
salvation. Husband assumes as the head of wife and the family first by his
sanctifying role in their life, then by his ever emptying self-giving for their
care and protection. This vocation of husband can be fulfilled only with the
dutiful cooperation of wife as St. Paul enumerates his teaching on spousal
relationship by stating that, while wife is to subject herself to husband, the
husband is to love wife, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for
her” (Eph. 5:25-27). “Head” according to Sacred Scripture is neither physical
nor intellectual nor consensual domination, but sensitive and intelligent
leadership, based on loving consultation between the spouses, resulting in the
care for his wife and children. As the Father chose to the head of the Church,
He chose husbands to be the head of family. “The head of every man is Christ,
the head of a woman is her husband, and the head of Christ is God” (1Cor.
11:3). Therefore, husband truly serves his wife and children as head by first
subjecting himself to Jesus Christ, the true head, then by taking up primary
responsibility for the family and finally, by his leadership for discerning and
fulfilling the roles of each member in the family. When the headship of the
family is fulfilled in an atmosphere of prayer, it leads husbands to
sacrificing service.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn7" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-IN"> </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Now
there are the court verdicts ensuring the female children having equal share
from the ancestral property if the will is not written by the father.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn8" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-IN"> It has become a fashion that some people give a name to their house
and write it down in front of the gate. This is not the surname. The family
name is supposed to be surname which is the same for the whole family. In the
modern times, St. Thomas Catholics, because their names are complicated outside
Kerala, give their father’s name as surname. This endangers the future of the
family because each generation will have a new surname if this situation
continues to exist. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn9" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[9]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-IN"> </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The men used to wear an ornamented
piece of cloth called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mundu, </i>tied
round the waist downwards to the knees. Usually they did not cover their chest
side except for solemn occasions where they used a decorated white cloth thrown
over the shoulders. The women wore a white garment seven yards long, and one
and a quarter yard broad. A number of fringes forming a fan like appendage
behind rendered their dress artistically elegant. The upper garment was called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kuppāyam</i>. The women used to hold an
umbrella to avoid being seen by males while they going out.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn10" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[10]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-IN"> </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The males also used ornaments at their
ears, arms and neck. They used to grow their hair fully and tie up and arrange
it in such a manner that it is very beautiful and they fixed a golden cross in
it. Carrying a spear and other instruments in the hands was normal for the
males. The females used ornaments which they wore in hands (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">vala</i> or bracelets), legs(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tala</i> or anklets), ears (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mekkāmotiram</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kammal</i>), and neck (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">patakkamaala</i>)
but never at the nose. Apart from this they used also loin ornaments (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ealas</i>), girdle (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">aranjānam</i>) and rings. The earring was used by the girls from the
age of six. The widows did not use ornaments. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn11" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[11]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-IN"> </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the history it seems that pork and
beef were not used by St. Thomas Christians.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn12" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[12]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-IN"> </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
the past high privileges were used by St.Thomas Christians like using palanquin
(antoolam), elephants to ride on (Ambari), Royal Silk Umbrellas (Muthukuda),
day Lamps (Pakalvilakku), walking Clothes (Pavata), Traditional Drums
(Panjavadyam), Shouts of Joy (Natavli by Men and Kurava by women), Body Guards,
Fore-runners to clear the way, carpets, ornaments, slaves and many Others.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn13" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[13]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Intervention of Apb Andrews Thazhath, on 9th Oct.
2015 during the Synod in Rome.<span style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;"> ‘Family Liturgy’
played a great role in the life and formation of our Syro-Malabar Church. In
order to promote true Christian family life and values, we have to give more
importance to ‘Family Liturgy’ of the ‘Domestic Church’. I propose that
as an outcome of the present Synod, dioceses publish texts / books of family
liturgy and popularize them. </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn14" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn14;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[14]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-IN"> Outside India, in the context of a newly converted community
through evangelization, t</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">hose cultural traditions practiced by the St. Thomas
Catholics in India need not be as such copied by the migrants. The
inter-cultural adaptability opens the doors for the family traditions which can
evolve in a different manner if it is a predominately Christian or Muslim
country. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn15" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=749681465986615030#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn15;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">[15]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-IN"> </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The inculturation of the Gospel in modern societies
will demand a methodical effort of concerted research and action. This effort
will assure on the part of those responsible for evangelization: (1) an
attitude of openness and a critical eye; (2) the capacity to perceive the
spiritual expectations and human aspirations of the new cultures; (3) the
aptitude for cultural analysis, having in mind an effective encounter with the
modern world.<span style="color: #548dd4; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;"> </span><span style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;">Extracts from the Vatican Document
- Faith And Inculturation, International Theological Commission,1988,
nr. 23.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-31000847465514224242016-02-22T23:33:00.002+05:302016-02-22T23:35:04.172+05:30Passport size Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZ3NZ-C-iJZuZ5uDTZrDCaK2WbqhF4XyTO6oRmWl0WPZZy8qIKdS7PaAfG6oJd_XVm8hsbDjrRT-u_6gQWLG7Oxad4bqka4kcv-IZNosvL1rDnzvy5sgXUOunhaJ5_L-qUiEIGh1y1eQ/s1600/IMG_0789++01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZ3NZ-C-iJZuZ5uDTZrDCaK2WbqhF4XyTO6oRmWl0WPZZy8qIKdS7PaAfG6oJd_XVm8hsbDjrRT-u_6gQWLG7Oxad4bqka4kcv-IZNosvL1rDnzvy5sgXUOunhaJ5_L-qUiEIGh1y1eQ/s320/IMG_0789++01.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qEFXHtVjP7jyN8FkhT8k2cKaqWf_X-U45ymo6BbnLHVhM0jYMOxWMfm_moic9Lwk7-K1lXthgW5ZjkCLGA5boHnQYio2-ISK_sSlQx-TA_vmojktq2nmBo1232R_t-xBuiirEoPPeqE/s1600/IMG_0790++01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qEFXHtVjP7jyN8FkhT8k2cKaqWf_X-U45ymo6BbnLHVhM0jYMOxWMfm_moic9Lwk7-K1lXthgW5ZjkCLGA5boHnQYio2-ISK_sSlQx-TA_vmojktq2nmBo1232R_t-xBuiirEoPPeqE/s320/IMG_0790++01.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<br />Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-39518596333784253562015-10-12T10:34:00.005+05:302015-10-12T10:34:55.405+05:30<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<h1 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #093877; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 26px; line-height: 30px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
First Syro-Malabar parishes established in Europe</h1>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church has opened its first personal parishes in England when Major Archbishop Cardinal George Alencherry opened two parishes in the dioceses of Lancaster last week.<br /><br />The Church in Preston is dedicated to St. Alphonsa and the other parish meant for Syro-Malabar Catholic in the rest of the dioceses is dedicated to Saints Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Euphrasia). These personal parishes are the first for the Syro-Malabar Church in Europe.</div>
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
A speical blessing was given on the historic church and presbytery at St Ignatius, Preston which now serves as the worship, social and catechetical centre for the Syro-Malabar Catholics across the city and area.</div>
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
The Major Archbishop also inaugurated the foundation in Preston of the Sisters of the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC) who have only recently arrived from Kerala.</div>
<h1 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #093877; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 26px; line-height: 30px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">This marks the first foundation of a community of Syro-Malabar Religious Sisters in Great Britain.</span></h1>
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Some 1,000 20 clergy from the Syro-Malabar Church and some 20 priests from Lancaster diocese attended the colorful service, which was accompanied by music and drumming.<br /><br />"The rest of the diocese has a smaller but well-established Syro-Malabar presence - connected canonically to the Blackpool St Kentigern's Deanery - and ongoing provision is being made for their needs," Bishop Michael Campbell explained in his blog.<br /><br />"Meanwhile, we are becoming increasingly aware at the present time of the reality of migration and the plight of so many men, women and children seeking a better and more peaceful future. A frequent refrain in the Scriptures is that of 'the stranger in your midst', with the injunction to welcome and respect those who differ from us in any way.<br /><br />"There is no doubt that the presence of the Syro-Malabar communities in the Diocese of Lancaster has brought many blessings to us, and we cannot but be impressed by the fervour of their religious practice and devotion to their faith.<br /><br />"The concern of the Syro-Malabar Church authorities is to ensure that the faith and practice of their overseas communities be safeguarded and strengthened. In some parts of the world, eg the USA and Australia, the Syro-Malabar actually have their own dioceses and bishops.<br /><br />"The Syro-Malabar chaplaincy in the Diocese of Lancaster was founded in 2004 by Bishop Patrick O'Donoghue and has, until this point, relied completely on various Roman Catholic parishes in Preston and further afield, to host their liturgies, social gatherings, meetings and prayer services.<br /><br />"We warmly welcomed the Major Archbishop among us in the conviction that our own Church of Lancaster is strengthened and enriched by the presence of his faithful people among us," he said.</div>
Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-53543132364603394402015-10-12T09:03:00.002+05:302015-10-12T09:04:34.822+05:30<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
Archbishop of Philadelphia, Charles Chaput, says, "We are not here to win anything, we are here to arrive at the truth of the Lord that He has set out for His Church." </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
This afternoon at the <span class="il">Vatican</span> press office, with its director, Father Federico Lombardi, French Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, Monsignor Salvador Pineiro Garcia-Calderon, the American archbishop expressed this when commenting on the Holy Father's advice for prelates to not 'pick sides' and become divided in the Synod hall. The Synod Fathers were giving their thoughts on the third day of the Synod of Bishops, Oct. 4-25, being held on the topic "The vocation and mission of the family in the Church and the contemporary world."</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
The Synod Fathers, each for a different language group, observed that today first full day of the Circle of Minors. They expressed it was a great opportunity for different language groups with diverse ethnic and cultural compositions to start to examine family issues. Within these discussions, the topic of reforming language, in a way which does not in any way compromise, was brought up. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
When ZENIT asked Archbishop Chaput if changing language to seem more welcoming to some could potentially be used by politicians to mean things in ways the Church does not intend, the prelate said, 'Yes,' and that this has come up in their discussions and is being considered. He also added the concern that sometimes translations cause additional misunderstandings.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
"We have to be careful with our language so people don't get hurt, but also we must be faithful to Church doctrine," he said.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
"We need dialogue between the universal and local Church," the archbishop said, noting, "It's not appropriate for single episcopal conferences to make decisions on doctrine." </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
To point out the magnitude of the task ahead of the Synod's bishops, he said, "Who is our audience? Our audience is huge, and we must address that diversity." </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
From this, he mentioned how some in the English-speaking group expressed concerns this morning that Instrumentum Laboris does not reflect the Universal Church, but reflects more the Northern Hemisphere and Europe's concerns perhaps more than other continents and regions.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
The American prelate spoke about the passage from the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia to where we are today, in the Synod discussing the family. He said it was his delight to host the Holy Father, and affirmed that the event had a great impact on him.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
When reflecting on the World Meeting of Families, he said its purpose of celebrating family life was really visible as people came away "strengthened and encouraged about the future." He also praised that "there was a hunger for the reaffirmation of the Church’s teaching on marriage." </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
When asked regarding the renewed language toward homosexuals, the archbishop noted that although mentioned, it was not the dominant point of the conversation. "I am sure the topic of same sex attraction will be in future conversations and I hope we find language that welcomes and doesn't hurt," he said.<br />
<br />
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<em>By Archbishop Charles J. Chaput</em></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
Rome, <u></u>October 07, 2015<u></u> (<a href="http://www.zenit.org/?utm_campaign=dailyhtml&utm_content=%5BZE151007%5D%20The%20world%20seen%20from%20Rome&utm_medium=email&utm_source=dispatch&utm_term=Classic" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">ZENIT.org</a>)</div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<div dir="ltr">
<em>"[The] synod is neither a convention, nor a parlor, nor a parliament or senate, where people make deals and reach compromises. The synod is rather an ecclesial expression, i.e., the Church that journeys together to read reality with the eyes of faith and with the heart of God; it is the Church that interrogates herself with regard to her fidelity to the deposit of faith, which does not represent for the Church a museum to view, nor even something merely to safeguard, but is a living source from which the Church shall drink, to satisfy the thirst of, and illuminate, the deposit of life."</em></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<em>Pope Francis</em></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<em>Remarks to the First Session of the Synod of Bishops on the Family</em></div>
<div dir="ltr">
On Sunday evening, September 27, the Holy Father left Philadelphia for Rome after a hugely successful visit to Cuba and the United States. Four days later - barely time to breathe - I headed to Rome as a delegate to the 2015 Synod of Bishops on the Family.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
It's taken until now for the scope of the World Meeting of Families to begin to sink in. But the truth is this: The Church, the city and the people of Philadelphia achieved something astonishing. In Rome I've been stopped again and again by bishops, journalists and everyday people from around the world. They describe their days in Philadelphia as something close to a miracle; a highpoint of their faith and their lives.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
The credit goes to many people: generous donors, a tireless staff, wonderful volunteers and great cooperation from civic authorities. But above all, the credit goes to the priests, deacons, religious and people of our local Church. Success in Philadelphia had two ingredients: the grace of God and thousands of extraordinary families at the parish level who helped World Meeting of Families be the sign of hope God intended. Looking out on a parkway jammed with nearly 900,000 persons at the closing Mass, Pope Francis saw the face of the Christian family in our country; the very best of Philadelphia and the very best of the United States. The day clearly moved him, as it did all of us. And it set the stage perfectly for the Synod on the Family that began its first session yesterday, October 5.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
A synod - from the Greek word <em>synodos,</em> for meeting or assembly -- is a global gathering of bishops called together by the Holy Father to give him counsel on a topic he chooses. Its role is purely advisory. The Pope can accept its counsel or choose a different path. But Francis has a keen sense of collegiality. He encourages a high degree of candor in discussing sensitive issues. And few subjects are more sensitive or more urgent than renewing the health of today's families, the focus of the current synod. If the first day's interventions were a sign, delegates at this synod will have no trouble being frank. Proceedings are closed to the public, but bishops are free to speak with the media, and many will. So as themes develop over the next three weeks, plenty of <span class="il">information</span> will be available.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
In his opening remarks on the first day of the synod, Francis urged his brother bishops to be guided by three principles in the days of discussion ahead:<em>apostolic courage; evangelical</em><em>humility</em> and <em>trustful prayer.</em></div>
<div dir="ltr">
That's good advice for anyone seeking to live a genuinely Christian life. But it's vital for bishops in their work at the Synod on the Family.</div>
I've come to Rome with the World Meeting of Families alive in my memory and my heart. I saw the hope and joy in those nearly 900,000 faces on Philadelphia's parkway, just as Francis did. That's what God intends for us all. Please pray for me during this synod, that God gives me the ability to share that hope and joy - so vividly alive in so many Christian families at the memorable closing Mass - with my brother bishops.</div>
</div>
Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-87633296243900938972015-10-12T09:00:00.001+05:302015-10-12T09:00:41.157+05:30<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
It is not easy to be a prophet, says Cardinal Alencherry to the Synod</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="il">Vatican</span> City, 6 October 2015 (VIS) – This morning at 9 a.m., with the recitation of the Terce prayer, the third Congregation of the General Ordinary Assembly on the Family opened in the Synod Hall.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
His Beatitude Cardinal George Alencherry, major archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly of the Syro-Malabars, India, and president of the Synod of the Syro-Malabar Church, pronounced a homily in which he underlined, in the light of the Bible readings, the prophetic mission of the Church in our times.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
“The reading from Jeremiah gives us a message very much applicable to the goal of our Synodal deliberations on family”, he began. “Prophet Jeremiah uttered a few oracles to the royal family of Judah cautioning the King against the ruin that may fall upon the Kingdom, if the King does not render Justice and righteousness and save the oppressed from the hand of the oppressor. Josiah and Jehoiakim were the kings of Judah, at that time. We know that both of them were weak kings, and Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, destroyed the Kingdom of Judah and the temple. Owing to the failures of the kings the people were driven to exile and all the sufferings that arose from it. Josiah and Nebuchadnezzar, the kings of Judah, could not render justice and righteousness and save the oppressed from the hand of the oppressor. Justice means the acceptance of the reign of God and righteousness is the grace of God resulting from the acceptance of God’s reign. The kings of Judah failed in their responsibility to give justice and righteousness to the people, and accordingly the people had to suffer the consequences”.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
“The words of the prophet are applicable to rulers and leaders of all the times and also to the people governed by them. In many countries of the world people are denied justice and righteousness as a result of the promotion of individualism, hedonism and oppression by secularist values and lines of action. The question arises as to whether the leaders of the Church have come forward with a prophetic role like that of Jeremiah to support the people with the Word of God and by personal witness”.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
“Jeremiah had to suffer the cost of his prophetic role”, the Cardinal observed. “His life was a symbol of the message he gave. Suffering and ruin he had to take upon himself. He was asked to accept three signs in his life: not to marry, not to attend funerals and not to attend parties”.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
“'Do not take a wife': Jeremiah is not to experience the deep love of a bride, for the bride, Israel, has rejected Yahweh’s love. He must experience loneliness, as Yahweh experiences loneliness. In Christian times, celibacy becomes a sign”.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
“'Do not go into a house where there is mourning': Jeremiah is not to mourn or show compassion to the dead, because Yahweh has lost all feelings for his people. They will die unlamented”.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
“'Do not go into a house where there is a celebration': Jeremiah is not to join any celebration, because there is nothing to celebrate. Jeremiah is called to lead a terrible life, and no wonder he goes into deep depression and bitter lament. It is not easy to be a prophet”.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
“The pastors of the Church in the present times are called to take upon their lives a prophetic role of suffering and kenosis, similar to that of the prophet Jeremiah”, concluded His Beatitude, citing Pope Francis' words in his apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium”:</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
“I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security. I do not want a Church concerned with being at the centre and then ends by being caught up in a web of obsessions and procedures. If something should rightly disturb us and trouble our consciences, it is the fact that so many of our brothers and sisters are living without the strength, light and consolation born of friendship with Jesus Christ, without a community of faith to support them, without meaning and a goal in life. More than by fear of going astray, my hope is that we will be moved by the fear of remaining shut up within structures which give us a false sense of security, within rules which make us harsh judges, within habits which make us feel safe, while at our door people are starving and Jesus does not tire of saying to us: 'Give them something to eat'”.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-66589872965261452352015-06-16T15:32:00.000+05:302015-06-16T15:38:44.373+05:30<span style="font-size: large;">Prot. No. 0137/2015</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">02 June, 2015</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My Dear Loving Archbishops/ Bishops/ Very Rev. Fathers,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Greetings of prayer and best wishes from Bishop Raphael Thattil, Apostolic Visitor for the Syro Malabar
Faithful in India Outside the Proper Territory!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I write this letter to bring to your kind notice a step taken by the office of the Apostolic Visitation
for the Syro-Malabar faithful in India.
During the Synod of Bishops in January 2015, I had mentioned my intention of starting an office
outside Kerala with the purpose of bringing more coordination in the Pastoral Care activities of the
Syro-Malabar Migrant Faithful in India. Now I am happy to inform you that we are starting this
office at Nagpur.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In consultation with the Major Archbishop and after obtaining the permission from the Bishop of
Kalyan, I have appointed Rev. Dr. Francis Eluvathingal, responsible for this office with the title
Co-ordinator General, for a period of 5 years w.e.f. 03rd July 2015.
In this capacity he will coordinate our migrant ministry in India. He will be responsible for visiting
the missions and bringing more coordination, connectivity and continuity in our apostolate for the
migrants. I request you to give him whole hearted support in discharging this most important
mission for the good of our Church.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Fr. Francis is ordained for the Eparchy of Kalyan in 1995. After his doctoral dissertation in the
Oriental Code of Canon Law, he was serving as the Chancellor and then as the Judicial Vicar for
more than 11 years in the Eparchy of Kalyan. As he is very much interested and specialized in the
ministry among the Syro-Malabar migrants, his service will be of great help for the office of the
Apostolic Visitation.
He will start functioning, for the time being, from Pallotti Bhavan, (Provincial House), Seminary
Hills, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440006. He can be contacted by his email eluvathingal@gmail.com
and mobile nr. 09869685140.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">.... While I thank you for all your encouragement and cooperation for the works of migrants of our
Church in India, I request your continued prayer support and solidarity for this cause.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">With prayerful greetings,
Yours in Christ Jesus,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Bishop Raphael Thattil</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Apostolic Visitor of the Syro-Malabar Faithful outside the Proper Territory in India</span>Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-57891666502862778362015-04-09T10:43:00.004+05:302015-04-09T10:43:43.965+05:30<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">MARRIAGES AMONG
CATHOLIC MIGRANTS: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 14pt;">DIFFICULTIES AND CHALLENGES<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 14pt;">Dr. Francis Eluvathingal</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<h3 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6.0pt;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc2783939"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc2836054"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc2844581"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc3535036"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc3537186"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc369936843"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Introduction</span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The scope of this
paper is to evaluate the present day marriages among the Catholic migrants and
to identify the difficulties and challenges this institution faces today. This
evaluation is done as a result of the first-hand experience obtained by working
in the Curia and Tribunal of the Eparchy of the Kalyan which is the first
Syro-Malabar Eparchy erected for the migrant faithful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 20.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">For the scientific
nature of this paper, some definitions will be explained before going to the
practical problems related to the marriage.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc369936844"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt;">1. Catholic Understanding of Marriage</span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 20.15pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As specified in the Canon Law, by marriage a man and a
woman enter into a contract giving their personal consent to live together as
partners for their whole life.<a href="file:///C:/Users/My%20pc/Downloads/5%20marriage%20and%20migrant.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> This contract is for a
life of love, caring, understanding, communion, fellowship, giving, taking,
sacrifice, etc. The model of Christian
marriage as per St. Paul is the way Jesus loved the Church: a total self-giving
even at the cost of sacrificing one’s own life.<a href="file:///C:/Users/My%20pc/Downloads/5%20marriage%20and%20migrant.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc369936845"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt;">2.
Various Possibilities of Marriages in the Catholic Migrant Context</span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 20.15pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In this changed times, one may be surprised to see
different types of marriages among the migrants in mega cities such as arranged
marriages, love marriages, civil marriage between two free persons, civil
marriage between one divorcee and the other free, marriage between two
divorcees, marriages between one/both living separately without obtaining civil
divorce or ecclesiastical nullity, marriage into other religion, marriage of
convenience, living together of free or divorced, etc. On observing deeply the
marriages contracted in the Churches, one will come across different categories
of marriages which may sound incredible. They are the marriages between:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">a.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Two
staunch Catholics - they always prefer to have their wedding in their Catholic
Rite and practise their faith in their Catholic Church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">b.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">One
practising and another non-practising Catholics - most of them are conducted in
the Catholic Church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">c.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Two
non-practising Catholics - most of them are conducted in the Catholic Church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">d.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">One
practising Catholic and another practising non-Catholic - depends on their
decision as to where to conduct the marriage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">e.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">One practising
Catholic and another non-practising Non-Catholic - marriages may take place in Catholic
Church and later on they may be practising the Catholic faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">f.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">One
non-practising Catholic and another non-practising Non-Catholic – In this case,
marriage takes place in Catholic or non-Catholic Churches and later on they may
not practice at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">g.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">One Catholic
and another Oriental non-Catholic -mostly the marriages take place in Catholic Church
though in some cases they go the Oriental Non Catholic Churches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">h.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">One Catholic
and another non-oriental non-Catholic - mostly the marriages take place in SM
Church though in some cases they go to
the Non-oriental Non-Catholic Churches)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">i.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> One Catholic and another from Christian sects
- Mostly the marriages take place in SM Church, the sect member converting to
the Catholic Church though in some cases the marriages are conducted as per the
customs of the sects. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">j.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">One Catholic + a non-Christian with a
Religion -Mostly the marriages take place in SM Church, the non-Christian
member converting to the Catholic Church though in some cases the marriages are
conducted as per the customs of the sects.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">k.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">One Catholic
+ an atheist - Mostly the marriages take place in SM Church, the non-Christian
member converting to the Catholic Church though in some cases the marriages are
conducted as per the customs of the sects.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc369936846"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt;">3.
Statistics</span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 20.15pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Going through the statistics with simple calculations,
from among the total number of marriages more than 70% of them are arranged
marriages between two from the same Church. Some 8% could be love marriages or
arranged marriages between Catholics i.e. inter-ecclesial marriages out of
which 4% take place in the Syro-Malabar Churches and 4% take place in
Syro-Malankara or Latin Churches with proper permission or with the provision
of indult. And other 10% between Catholic and a non-Catholic i.e. mixed
marriages. Inter ecclesial marriages and mixed marriages are on the increase as
either they do not get good choices from the same community or they get better
choices from other communities. In this category of mixed marriage, there are
almost 4% Catholics who get married in the Non-Catholic Churches without
permission from the Catholic Authorities. The last 12% marriages are love
marriages, solemnized in the church between a catholic and a non-Christian, out
of which half of them get converted at the time of the marriage and another
half do not get converted but marry in the church with the provision of the
disparity of cult. In this category a small 2% are love marriages where the
Catholic party defect their Catholic faith and join non-Christian religions and
get married in temples, mosques, etc.</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc369936847"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt;">4.
Marriage Preparation Courses</span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 20.15pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The diocese insists that all those who get married in
the church including those who get married with the provision of the disparity
of cult should attend the marriage preparation course and no exemption is given
whatsoever. Non-Christians come to the course with reluctance, but after the
course, they show satisfaction of having participated and find it an enriching
experience. Apart from sessions on various topics related to family life, this
three-day long marriage preparation course includes opportunity for marriage counseling,
confession, etc. The course is conducted in English. <span style="color: #ee0000;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<h3>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc369936848"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt;">5. Canonical
Issues</span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 20.15pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A Catholic is obliged to have the catholic form<a href="file:///C:/Users/My%20pc/Downloads/5%20marriage%20and%20migrant.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> for his marriage and if
goes against it, the marriage would be invalid. If the Catholics are born and
brought up in one place but approach the parish priests in Kerala or elsewhere,
they cannot conduct it without delegation of the proper parish priest for which
the concept of domicile is to be respected. In such cases, all the process
before the marriage is to be done where the person has the domicile and only
the <i>kettukuri</i> (delegation) is to be
given to the parish priest of the place where the marriage is solemnized. Very
often the young bachelors and spinsters do not register their names in the
migrated place but just before the marriage approach the priests for free-state
certificate. <b> </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc369936850"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt;">6. </span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc369936851">Customs and Traditions
during the Marriage celebrations</a><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 20.15pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> The liturgical
customs are observed fully as per the prescriptions of the liturgical texts. In
some places, bringing the bride and the groom from the entrance of the church
to the main altar as a procession is introduced and found to be a well-received
by the community. Though many of the customs of the Catholics are observed,
unfortunately many western elements have crept in to our culture. Bridal
garment is mostly westernized. Best man,
best woman, wedding march, toasting with wine, dance, etc are nowadays very
common during marriage celebrations. The reception programme goes on till
midnight. The custom of solemn welcome to the bride to the matrimonial home,
entrusting the bride to the family of the groom, <i>marupallikumbidal</i> (visiting the parish church of the husband for
the first time) on the following day, etc are slowly getting extinct. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc369936852"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt;">7.
Tribunal Experiences</span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 20.15pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Falling in love is on the rise nowadays. The parents
insist that a Catholic should get married only to another Catholic especially
when they come to know about the religiosity of the other party. This situation
forces the Catholic party to heed the plea of the parents and finally give
consent to marry a Catholic, at the same time; they secretly continue the
relationship with the person in love. This obviously leads to the break of
marriage and they approach the tribunal for the declaration of the marriage
null and void.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 20.15pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some love marriages between Catholics and
non-christians are contracted with the provision of the disparity of cult. But
when they start living together, the faith matters a lot for each one. But the
disparity leads to conflicts especially when there are children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.15pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Undue interference of the
parents in the family life and decision making of the children leads to the
break of marriage. Over possessiveness is found to be another reason. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc369936854"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt;">8. Marriage
Involves Decision Making</span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 20.15pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The Church insists that a
person must have sufficient development of their faculties of intellect and
will, to be able to judge and to will a truly human act.<a href="file:///C:/Users/My%20pc/Downloads/5%20marriage%20and%20migrant.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>As
marriage involves a decision, discretion of judgment refers to the capacity of
intellect and will to specifically evaluate, decide and freely enter marriage.
Intellectual maturity is the most basic level expected in the adults who make a
commitment for whole life. But unfortunately in some adults this reasoning is
overpowered by only emotions. Still worse situations occur when this reasoning
is done by some other minds like parents, or other kith and kin other than the
contracting parties.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc369936855"><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt;">10. Difficulties and Challenges:</span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
migrants all over the world have enormously benefitted by the recent permission
with regard to the announcement of banns before the engagement. At the same,
there is only very short period between the engagement and marriage and there
is hardly any time to know each other. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">There is
an increase in the number of cancellation of marriages after marriage fixing,
engagement and announcement of banns. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Spending
time together during the marriage preparation course also benefits positively
as they come to know each other in a deeper way. Sometimes they realize their
incompatibility and they decide to cancel the marriage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Parishes
nowadays try to collect all the certificates including that of the marriage for
the official entry in their registers and find the irregularity in the marriage
unions. In the same way at the time of the celebration of other sacraments such
as the Baptism, Solemn Holy Communion such irregularity in the marriage unions
are found.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 14pt;">The concept of arranged marriages is to be
understood with clarity. Who takes the final decision on marriage: the
contracting parties or their parents? Decision forced on their children by the
parents is undesirable as per the letter and spirit of the law. At the same
time, many feel insecure for a decision taken by the contracting parties alone
as it lacks perfection. I would say, a perfect decision making on marriage
should be a process where the contracting parties take the final decision with
the constant assistance and involvement of the parents who help them to
evaluate and decide. A decision for marriage made by the parents against the
will of the contracting parties is unjustified. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 14pt;">Marriages are made in Heaven, which we solemnize
on earth. Human person is a composite of body, mind and soul. Solemnization of
a marriage is not just a spiritual ceremony happening in the church where only
the soul is involved. But it is solemn moment of officially exchanging the
consent for an already taken decision where mind and body are involved. A boy
and a girl who take a decision for their whole life need to have basic
knowledge about the other person. The migrant community must uphold the
traditional values of not </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 14pt;">permitting
relations before marriage</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>but at the same time the parents show much openness towards
this “knowing each other” concept and permit their children to interact
adequately without crossing the </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">limits.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">7.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Unfortunately
“falling in love” is a trap where many of our youngsters are unable to take
decision with due discretion involving their intellect and will. The youngsters
say that they just fall in love. One is blind to the demerits
of the other when one falls in love. It is dangerous when the youngsters get
married only because they are in love. Here, being in love is the only reason
or quality for marriage. They do not consider many other key factors that are
very important for a successful married life. Love need not be the only
component that sustains a whole life together but rather is one of the many
components. What is necessary is that one loves the partner whom one marries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">8.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Nowadays,
one of the major problems in love marriage is having different faiths.
Disparity of cult marriages is on the increase. Disparity of cult marriage is
taking place in traditional catholic families where they practice the faith very
strictly. It seems that our youngsters do not have the conviction that the
person whom they marry should also have the same faith. This is a very
dangerous situation. If our youngsters consider disparity of cult marriages as
the fashion of the day, living our faith as one family will be almost
impossible and it will result in the disintegration of the family; thus the
stability of the community will be at stake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">9.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Though
it is negligible minority, some of our Catholics, abandon their catholic faith
and get married to a non-Catholic or a non-Christian either because there is no
choice from the same catholic faith or because they are in love. The result is
similar as in the above said situation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">10.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Conversion of heart only should lead to
conversion to another religion. I fear sometimes that some non-Christians who
get converted do it only for the sake of getting married. In these cases
usually there is no living of faith in the families. The children, even if they
are baptized, are not given opportunities of family prayers, Sunday
obligations, nor sent for catechism classes. In some cases, once the marriage
is over, even if they are converted Catholics, they just go back to their
original religion and do not care for collaborating for anything further as per
the laws of the church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">11.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Among the migrant families, most of the
families are very small. They suffer from the lack of family bond and hence
lack of strength. Hence the parents totally depend on their children for their
future. Many parents especially mothers suffer from the insecurity feeling and
hence show total dependence on their male children. This leads to undue
interference in their family life. This phenomenon affects the growth of the
newly wedded couple. There are complaints of friction between the mother-in-law
and daughter-in-law which also leads to separated life of the spouses. It is
very much opportune to begin some family oriented courses for the parents
before the marriage of their children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">12.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">One or two children in the family sometimes
prevent the holistic development of the children. They get all they want and
need not share with anyone else. This leads to selfishness and egoism. It is
surprising to see the young families resist in sharing together including their
salaries. In some other families, the husband and wife share the family expenses equally and the remaining money is saved
separately. These are against the basic concept of family values of giving and
sacrificing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">13.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The parents, at that time of migration, in
order to get foot hold in these cities had to undergo lots of hardships. And
they made sure that their children do not face the same difficulties. Many
parents do not share their problems with their children but they suffer in
private. And some others do not include their children in the decision making
process. The parents take care of each and every need of the family and of the
children. Hence most of the children lack practical knowledge and experience
even to do small or big house hold activities. When their children get married
and found new families, they do not know to take decisions, to handle many family
situations and do household activities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">14.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The young families undoubtedly need follow
up programme after their marriage and looking at the current development it
goes without saying. The strain and stress of the job situations, increased
financial burdens and loans, lack of other family members for offering a
helping hand, etc. contribute tremendously to the pressure of the young
families and they are not able to cope with the rigorous schedule of family
life. These situations force them to neglect their prayer life and Sunday
obligations etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">15.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">For the growth in faith, the small children
need models and witnesses. In the Catholic tradition, the grand-parents were
also god-parents at the time of baptism of their grand-children and they took
initiatives for traditionally handing over the faith to their grand-children.
They were either living together or close by and it was possible. Now among the
migrant families, also because of lack of space in small flats or houses, most
of the young families live separately from their parents and there is not much
chance to hand over the faith to their newly born grand-children. This will
definitely affect the future practising of the faith of the young families. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">16.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Career oriented women become independent in
the families. They earn good salaries, sometimes more than men. Sometimes these
create innumerable problems such as inferiority complex of men, lack of time
and interests for women in the family affairs, considering rearing children a
burden, lack of qualitative and quantitative interaction with the extended
family members etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">17.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 14pt;">Those singles
working abroad do not get ascribed to the available parish community in the
foreign country. At the time of their
marriage, proving their free state to enter into marriage is a very difficult
task. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">18.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 14pt;">Those singles
working abroad come here to get married. In a few days of leave, they need to
fix the </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">partner, fix the marriage, and
conduct the engagement and marriage. Also for the sake of the guests coming
from Kerala and elsewhere, they request for the engagement and marriage to be
conducted in the same week. The purpose of engagement becomes questionable
though very expensive ceremonies and celebrations have become part of the
culture of the present day. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">19.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The young families need lot of follow-up by
the pastoral team in the parishes. Frequent enquiry about the well-being of the
families, making sure of their presence together for the ecclesial activities,
informal talks about the life adjustments of the young families, invitation for
counselling when problems are observed, etc. should be under the permanent
vigilance of the pastoral team. Family counselling cell and reconciliation
forums are the need of the hour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 3pt 0in 3pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">20.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Some Practising Catholics do not have the
wedlock. It is a challenge to our community and for its stability. At the same time, wedlock becomes a reason for anonymity for
some migrants when they have contracted some irregular marriages elsewhere.
</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc369936856"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></a></div>
<h3>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></h3>
<h3>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Conclusion</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 20.15pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With regard to the
marriage, customs, life, etc. Catholic Church has a very rich tradition and
patrimony which our forefathers treasured, preserved and handed down through
centuries along with unwavering faith. By upholding sanctity of marriage,
fidelity in marriage, maintaining family ties and reputation, they carried
forward this legacy. The onslaught of globalization, consumerism, nuclear
family situation, imitation of the western culture, development of technology
and the resultant misuse of it, workaholism, wreak havoc in the life and faith
life of this migrant Catholics. Though it might seem difficult, the pastors of
the Church, with the collaboration of all, need to address the issues related
to the Holy Matrimony to safeguard the faith of the individuals, families and
the community. </span><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 20.15pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/My%20pc/Downloads/5%20marriage%20and%20migrant.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Kartika; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> By the
marriage covenant, founded by the Creator and ordered by His laws, a man and a
woman by irrevocable personal consent establish between themselves a
partnership of the whole of life; this covenant is by its very nature ordered
to the good of the spouses and to the procreation and education of children
(CCEO c.776 §1).</span><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-indent: 20.15pt;">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/My%20pc/Downloads/5%20marriage%20and%20migrant.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Kartika; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Ephesians 5: 25<b><sup><span style="background: white;"> </span></sup></b><span style="background: white;">Husbands, love your wives,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>just as Christ loved the church and
gave himself up for her.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 20.15pt; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/My%20pc/Downloads/5%20marriage%20and%20migrant.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Kartika; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> C.828
§§1-2. Only those marriages are valid that are celebrated with a sacred rite,
in the presence of the local hierarch, local pastor, or a priest who has been
given the faculty of blessing the marriage by either of them, and at least two
witnesses, according, however to the prescripts of the following canons,
without prejudice to the exceptions referred to in cc. 832 and 834, §2.The very
intervention of a priest who assists and blesses is regarded as a sacred rite
for the present purpose. And CCEO C.7812º,The Church recognizes any form
prescribed or admitted by the law to which the parties were subject at the time
of their wedding, provided that the consent was expressed publicly and, if at
least one of the parties is a baptized member of an Eastern non-Catholic
church, the marriage was celebrated with a sacred rite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-indent: 20.15pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn4">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-indent: 20.15pt;">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/My%20pc/Downloads/5%20marriage%20and%20migrant.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Kartika; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>They
are incapable of celebrating marriage who suffer from grave lack of discretion
of judgment concerning essential matrimonial rights and obligations mutually
handed over and accepted (CCEO c. 818, 2).<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-3154664943246353142015-03-26T17:48:00.000+05:302015-04-09T10:53:47.880+05:30<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #343434; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
Canonical Provisions for the Syro-Malankara Church. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #343434; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
The Holy Father on Thursday, has erected the new Eparchy (diocese) of St John Chrysostom of Gurgaon and a new Apostolic Exarchate (Vicariate) of St Ephrem of Khadki, both of the Syro-Malankara Church in India. The Pope has also appointed Msgr. Jacob Mar Barnabas Aerath, OIC, until now titular Bishop of Bapara and Apostolic Visitor for the Syro-Malankars of India out of its territory, as the first Eparchial Bishop, and Msgr. Thomas Mar Anthonios Valiyavilayil, OIC, as the first Exarch and Titular Bishop of Igilgili hitherto Curia Bishop of the Syro-Malankara Church.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #343434; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Eparchy stretches across the northern part of India, embracing 22 of the 29 states of the country. The southern boundary of the eparchy is formed by the four central states: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Orissa. In addition to these states, the faithful are distributed widely, especially in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and West Bengal.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #343434; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Gurgaon is the seat of the Eparchy, because in this metropolitan area is the most substantial concentration of the faithful, distributed in nine parishes. In the region there are two colleges and ten schools run by the Syro-Malankara Church. In the pastoral, educational and charitable works there are 15 priests, including eparchial and regular, and about 30 religious.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #343434; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The first eparchial bishop has his residence and chancery at the Mar Ivanios Bhavan in the district of Neb Sarai, where there is also the church of St. Mary, which will serve as the cathedral.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #343434; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mons. Jacob Tues Barnabas Aerath, OIC, the new Bishop of St John Chrysostom of Gurgaon, was born in Karikulam in the archeparchy of Tiruvalla on December 7, 1960. He entered in Order of the Imitation of Christ, was ordained priest on 2 October 1986. He holds a doctorate in moral theology from the Alfonsianum in Rome. He knows and speaks English, German, Italian, in addition to Malayalam.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #343434; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">After his ordination he has held the following positions: Procurator of his religious Institute; Vice-Rector (in charge of pre-novices); Rector and Superior of the Major Seminary of the Institute; Professor of moral theology at various seminaries in India; Provincial Superior (for two consecutive terms); and Master of Novices of the Navajyothy Province at Alwaye.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #343434; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
On February 7, 2007 Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Apostolic Visitor of the nature of a Bishop for the Syro-Malankars of India out of its territory and had been assigned to the Titular See of Bapara.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #343434; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Exarchate (Vicariate) of St Ephrem of Khadki, extends throughout the southern part of India so far devoid of ecclesiastical districts of the Syro-Malankara Church, that of entire states of Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, together with the States of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #343434; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The mission of the Syro-Malankara outside the territory just began in 1955 with the founding of Bethany Ashram in Poona for the pastoral care of migrants. Today the Syro-Malankara presence in the region is divided into 27 parishes Exarchate or missions. There are twenty-one priests dedicated to pastoral care, thirteen convents of nuns and a dozen schools, including a college of higher education.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #343434; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The majority of the faithful are located on the outskirts of Mumbai and Pune, in the western state of Maharashtra. The first Exarch will have his residence and Chancery in the city of Khadki, in the complex that includes St. Mary's Malankara Catholic Church which will serve as a cathedral.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #343434; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Msgr. Thomas Mar Anthonios Valiyavilayil, OIC, the new Apostolic Exarch of St Ephrem of Khadki for the Syro-Malankars, was born on November 21, 1955 at Adoor, in the Archeparchy of Trivandrum. He is a religious belonging to the Order of the Imitation of Christ, where he made his first profession on January 15, 1974 and perpetual profession on December 9, 1980. He was ordained a priest on December 27, 1980. Subsequently, he obtained a doctorate in canon law at the Pontifical Oriental Institute. Apart from English and Malayalam, he speaks Italian, German, Hindi, Syriac and reads greek and latin.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #343434; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">After his ordination, he held the following positions: Superior of various convents; Director of the boarding school, Kottayam; Master of the Postulancy; Treasurer; Chaplain and pastor; Professor at the St. Mary's Malankara Major Seminary in Trivandrum and other major seminaries; General Councillor of his Institute and postulator of the cause of the beatification of the Servant of God Archbishop Mar Ivanios; Chancellor of the curia of the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Church.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #343434; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-top: 2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mons. Thomas Mar Anthonios was elected Bishop of the Curia on January 25, 2010 and he was assigned to the Titular See of Igilgili.</span></div>
Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-76735455164002485422015-01-08T15:26:00.000+05:302015-01-08T15:26:07.450+05:30Expectations from the New Pope<br />
<br />
It is my hope that the next pope will better guide the Church according to the principles on which Jesus founded it: to bring the Good News of salvation to those who do not know it.<br />
Asia, the largest of the world’s continents and with two nations whose populations exceed a billion souls, must become a greater priority. Indeed, this region is where the Gospel is perhaps least known.<br />
But the Good News and Asia have a deep bond. Jesus was Asian, as were the apostles and the Virgin Mary. It was in Asia in the early centuries of the Church (in Syria, Armenia, Palestine, Persia and Afghanistan) that the Gospel spread quickly and took root.<br />
In those days, Asian Christians using the Syriac as the liturgical language outnumbered Christians in Europe.<br />
Today, the major religions with which dialogue is needed, the cultures with which we must engage, the poor and oppressed that require liberation, are in Asia.<br />
But Asia remains on the margins of ecclesiastical concerns and underrepresented within the institutional Church. Cardinals from Asia are few and the voice of Asian Catholics is seldom heard – this despite the fact that Asia (along with Africa) represents the fastest-growing Catholic community in the world and one of the most oppressed. <br />
So it is my hope that the new pontiff will continue opening new ground in Asia, and in China in particular, by giving Asia the attention it deserves.<br />
Benedict XVI made sincere attempts at dialogue with China and had a special regard for the Church and its people there. <br />
As has been said in the past by Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong, Vatican officials did not seize the opportunity Benedict provided them. Instead, they responded with traditional diplomatic skirmishes, from which only miserable consequences for the good of the Gospel come. <br />
I also hope that the new pontiff drastically diminishes the significance and function of the Vatican’s secretary of state, as Pius XII did. Such titles perpetuate, among those who do not know the Gospel and the Church, the misconception that the Church is an earthly power – even a state – and should be dealt with as such. <br />
The diplomatic apparatus of the Church must also be dramatically downsized, as it has nothing to do with the will of Jesus and the apostolic nature of the Church. Rather, it produces an array of powerful careerist officials wholly unknown to Christian communities.<br />
The Chinese government, in unmitigated bad faith, continues to play on this ambiguity by charging the Church with pursuing political aims. <br />
When the news of Benedict’s resignation made headlines worldwide, Chinese officials suggested that he had been defeated and overwhelmed by scandal – thereby promoting the idea that the Church is a political and financial power that can win or lose on the world stage. <br />
To combat such a mistaken notion, it is my hope that the next pontiff will abolish the Vatican Bank – or if this is impossible, then at least transform the institution into something that will not continue to humiliate Christians as it has done for the last 30 years.<br />
The Church, like the bank, must be a glass house with no secrets and nothing to bring shame on the people of God. <br />
If this is to happen, then the next pope must be a true man of God, a man who believes in God in a way that is palpably clear to all believers in all parts of the world and from every faith and culture. <br />
He must be a man of unimpeachable honesty and sincerity, whose actions accord with his conscience, a man bereft of all political or ecclesiastical scheming. The Church needs a simple man who prizes simple truth above clerical prestige.<br />
Such a man would be an enigma to famous intellectuals and the international media, and he would utterly disregard the opinions of political, economic or cultural potentates.<br />
I hope for such a man, who like Jesus valued the poor more than the rich, the oppressed rather than the privileged, the humble more than the high-born. A man capable and willing to fight for peace and justice and who trembles with pain and outrage at the economic and political oppression under which the majority of humanity still lives.<br />
The next pontiff must esteem women, value their contributions and promote their greater input in the Church. He must have good friends as well as loyal and trustworthy collaborators. He must steer clear of worldly entanglements and insist his cardinals do the same.<br />
At the end of the day, it is my hope that the next pope will inspire fidelity and humility by doing what Benedict XVI has done in relinquishing his office: diminishing his personal role while magnifying the role of the true head of the Church, which is Jesus.<br />
<em><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Father Gianni Criveller is a member of the Pontifical Foreign Missions Institute and a veteran Sinologist who is based in Hong Kong.</span></em>Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-39291150046880542352015-01-06T10:56:00.001+05:302015-01-06T10:56:03.179+05:30<span style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">The consistory had been announced on 11 Dec 2014 to be held on 14 Feb 2015. This will be the second consistory to create new cardinals by Pope Francis. The following will be added to the College of Cardinals at that time: 15 Cardinal Electors:</span><br style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">* Dominique François Joseph Mamberti, Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura; Age: 62.9</span><br style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">* Manuel José Macário do Nascimento Clemente, Patriarch of Lisboa {Lisbon}, Portugal; Age: 66.5</span><br style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">* Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, C.M., Archbishop of Addis Abeba (Ethiopian), Ethiopia; Age: 66.5</span><br style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">* John Atcherley Dew, Archbishop of Wellington, New Zealand; Age: 66.7</span><br style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">* Edoardo Menichelli, Archbishop of Ancona-Osimo, Italy; Age: 75.3</span><br style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">* Pierre Nguyên Van Nhon, Archbishop of Hà Nôi, Viet Nam; Age: 76.8</span><br style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">* Alberto Suárez Inda, Archbishop of Morelia, Michoacán, México; Age: 76.0</span><br style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">* Charles Maung Bo, S.D.B., Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar; Age: 66.2</span><br style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">* Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij, Archbishop of Bangkok, Thailand; Age: 65.6</span><br style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">* Francesco Montenegro, Archbishop of Agrigento, Italy; Age: 68.7</span><br style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">* Daniel Fernando Sturla Berhouet, S.D.B., Archbishop of Montevideo, Uruguay; Age: 55.6</span><br style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">* Ricardo Blázquez Pérez, Archbishop of Valladolid, Spain; Age: 72.8</span><br style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">* José Luis Lacunza Maestrojuán, O.A.R., Bishop of David, Panama; Age: 70.9</span><br style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">* Arlindo Gomes Furtado, Bishop of Santiago de Cabo Verde; Age: 65.2</span><br style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">* Soane Patita Paini Mafi, Bishop of Tonga, Pacific (Oceania); Age: 53.1</span><br style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Plus 5 Cardinals already over the age of 80:</span><br style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">* José de Jesús Pimiento Rodriguez, Archbishop Emeritus of Manizales, Colombia; Age: 95.9</span><br style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">* Luigi de Magistris, Pro-Major Penitentiary Emeritus of the Apostolic Penitentiary; Age: 88.9</span><br style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">* Karl-Josef Rauber, Apostolic Nuncio Emeritus to Belgium; Age: 80.8</span><br style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">* Luis Héctor Villalba, Archbishop Emeritus of Tucumán, Argentina; Age: 80.3</span><br style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: #dce1e5; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">* Júlio Duarte Langa, Bishop Emeritus of Xai-Xai, Mozambique; Age: 87.2</span>Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-56737985483687202372014-11-25T14:48:00.003+05:302014-11-25T14:48:52.832+05:30<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
The Pope canonises six new blesseds: the Kingdom of God is built on tenderness and proximity</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Vatican City, 24 November 2014 (VIS) – During the Mass celebrated this morning on the Solemnity of Christ King of the Universe, the Holy Father canonised blesseds Giovanni Antonio Fraina (1803-1888), Kuriakose Elias Chavara of the Holy Family (1805-1871), Ludovico da Casoria (1814-1885), Nicola da Longobardi (1650-1709), Euphrasia Eluvathingal of the Sacred Heart (1877-1952) and Amato Ronconi (c. 1226-c.1292).</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
In his homily, the Pope remarked that the kingdom of Jesus is the “kingdom of truth and life, the kingdom of sanctity and grace, the kingdom of justice, love and peace”, and he commented on today's readings show how the Lord established his kingdom, how He brings it about as history unfolds, and what He now asks of us.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Jesus brought about his kingdom “through his closeness and tenderness towards us”, as the prophet Ezekiel foresaw in the first reading that describes the attitude of the Shepherd towards His flock, using the verbs such as to seek, to keep watch, to round up, to lead to pasture, to bring to rest; to seek the lost sheep, to tend to the wounded, to heal the sick, to care for and to graze. “Those of us who are called to be pastors in the Church cannot stray from this example, if we do not want to become hirelings. In this respect, the People of God have an unerring sense for recognising good shepherds and distinguishing them from hirelings”.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
After his victory, that is, after the Resurrection – Jesus' kingdom grew, but it was not a kingdom according to earthly models. “For Him, to reign was not to command, but to obey the Father, to give Himself over to the Father, so that His plan of love and salvation may be brought to fulfilment. … The Gospel teaches what Jesus' kingdom requires of us: it reminds us that closeness and tenderness are the rule of life for us also, and that on this basis we will be judged. … The starting point of salvation is not the confession of the sovereignty of Christ, but rather the imitation of Jesus' works of mercy through which He brought about his kingdom”. He explained that those who accomplish these works show that they have understood and welcomed Jesus' sovereignty, because they have opened their hearts to God's charity. “In the twilight of life we will be judged on our love for, closeness to and and tenderness towards our brothers and sisters. … Jesus has opened to us His kingdom to us, but it is for us to enter into it, beginning with our life now – his kingdom begins now – by being close in concrete ways to our brothers and sisters who as for bread, clothing, acceptance, solidarity, catechesis”.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
“Today the Church places before us the examples of these new saints. Each in her or her own way served the kingdom of God, of which they became heirs, precisely through works of generous devotion to God and their brothers and sisters. They responded with extraordinary creativity to the commandment of love of God and neighbour. They dedicated themselves without reserve to serving the least and assisting the destitute, sick, elderly and pilgrims. Their preference for the smallest and poorest was the reflection and the measure of their unconditional love of God. In fact, they sought and discovered love in a strong and personal relationship with God, from whence springs forth love for one's neighbour”. Pope Francis concluded, “Through the rite of canonisation, we have confessed once again the mystery of God's kingdom and we have honoured Christ the King, the Shepherd full of love for His sheep. May our new saints, through their witness and intercession, increase within us the joy of walking in the way of the Gospel and our resolve to embrace it as the compass of our lives”.</div>
Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-38877737656861254362014-11-25T14:47:00.000+05:302014-11-25T14:47:02.271+05:30<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
The Pope to the faithful of the Malabar rite: St. Kuriakose Elias and St. Euphrasia, examples and encouragement to the people</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Vatican City, 24 November 2014 (VIS) – This morning in the Vatican Basilica Pope Francis met with a group of faithful of Syro-Malabar rite, gathered in Rome for the canonisation on Sunday of Kuriakose Elias Chavara of the Holy Family, and Euphrasia Eluvathingal of the Sacred Heart. The Holy Father took the opportunity to thank the Church in India, and specifically in Kerala, for “all its apostolic strength and for the witness of faith you have”, he said. “Continue in this way! Kerala is a land that is very fertile in religious and priestly vocations. Carry on working in this way, with your witness”.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
“May this time of celebration and intense spirituality help you to contemplate the marvellous works accomplished by the Lord in the lives and deeds of these new saints. … who remind each of us that God’s love is the source, the support and the goal of all holiness, while love of neighbour is the clearest manifestation of love for God.”</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Pope Francis described St. Kuriakose Elias as “a religious, both active and contemplative, who generously gave his life for the Syro-Malabar Church, putting into action the maxim 'sanctification of oneself and the salvation of others'”, while St. Euphrasia “lived in profound union with God, so that her life of holiness was an example and an encouragement to the people, who called her 'Praying Mother'. He encouraged those present to “treasure their lessons of evangelical living ... follow in their footsteps and imitate them, in a particular way, through love of Jesus in the Eucharist and love of the Church. Thus you will advance along the path to holiness”.</div>
Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-25380778693490285042014-11-25T14:20:00.001+05:302014-11-25T14:20:59.322+05:30<h5 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: inherit; line-height: 15.2320003509521px; margin: 15px 0px;">
Pope's Address to Syro-Malabar Rite Catholics from India</h5>
<h6 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 15.2320003509521px; margin: 1em 0px;">
"May this time of celebration and intense spirituality help you to contemplate the marvelous works accomplished by the Lord in the lives and deeds of these new saints."</h6>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15.2320003509521px;">
VATICAN CITY, November 24, 2014 (<a href="http://www.zenit.org/?utm_campaign=dailyhtml&utm_medium=email&utm_source=dispatch" style="color: #0000ee;" target="_blank">Zenit.org</a>) - Here is the Vatican-provided translation of the Holy Father's address to Syro-Malabar Rite Catholics who came to Rome for Sunday's canonization of Saints Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Euphrasia Eluvathingal, who are both from Kerala, India.<br />
* * *<br />
Dear brothers and sisters,<br />
I am pleased to join you in giving thanks to the Lord for the canonization of two new Indian saints, both from the State of Kerala. I offer warm greetings to Cardinal George Alencherry, to the Bishops and priests, men and women religious, and to each of you, dear brothers and sisters of the Syro-Malabar Rite. You have come to Rome in great numbers on this very important occasion, and have been able to live days of faith and ecclesial communion, praying also at the tombs of the Apostles. May this time of celebration and intense spirituality help you to contemplate the marvelous works accomplished by the Lord in the lives and deeds of these new saints.<br />
Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Sister Euphrasia Eluvathingal, who was a member of the religious Institute founded by him, remind each of us that God’s love is the source, the support and the goal of all holiness, while love of neighbour is the clearest manifestation of love for God. Father Kuriakose Elias was a religious, both active and contemplative, who generously gave his life for the Syro-Malabar Church, putting into action the maxim “sanctification of oneself and the salvation of others”. For her part, Sister Euphrasia lived in profound union with God so much so that her life of holiness was an example and an encouragement to the people, who called her “Praying Mother”.<br />
Dear brothers and sisters,<br />
May these new saints help you to treasure their lessons of evangelical living. Follow in their footsteps and imitate them, in a particular way, through love of Jesus in the Eucharist and love of the Church. Thus you will advance along the path to holiness. With this hope and the assurance of my prayers, I impart to each of you and to all your loved ones my Apostolic Blessing.</div>
Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-27528807541100907542014-11-22T14:36:00.000+05:302014-11-25T14:57:34.890+05:30The Relevance of the Ecclesial Identity of the Syro-Malabar Church<br />
<br />
<br />
Is it not enough to have just Catholic faith? Is living the faith so important as having the faith?<br />
These questions are being raised by a minority of youngsters today! Busy life, complexities of<br />
job and family life, economic recession, struggle for existence, secularism, relativism,<br />
consumerism, modernity, etc are some of the reasons for these questions. Even though for an<br />
average Catholic, living the faith is as important as having the faith, the modern generations<br />
look for convincing answers for these questions.<br />
Going ahead further, the theme for our discussion this time is about the relevance of the<br />
ecclesial identity of the Syro-Malabar Church in this modern world. This question is an<br />
advanced version of having the faith and living the faith. If living the faith itself is a question<br />
twinkling in the air, living the ecclesial identity of the Syro-Malabar Church might seem to be<br />
much more irrelevant to the modern generation. This article is a humble attempt to<br />
realistically and theoretically look into the relevance of the Ecclesial identity of the SyroMalabar<br />
Church. Rather than discussing if either the religion or religious life is relevant or<br />
important today, let us directly concentrate on the relevance of the ecclesial identity of the<br />
Syro-Malabar Church which is the very scope of this article.<br />
Syro-Malabar Ecclesial Identity<br />
1. If God were to give option to the children to choose their parents, how chaotic the<br />
situation would have been? It is the same if the parents were to choose their children. In<br />
the divine providence, the children are born from the parents. Both the parents and<br />
children accept them each other. It is unrealistic concept beyond imagination! The<br />
omniscient God was wise enough not to do it. The Church is our spiritual mother, willed<br />
by God to carry out his mission on this earth. God expects that we love this spiritual<br />
mother as we love our biological parents. Through the divine providence, in the<br />
Catholic Church there are 23 individual churches and one can enter this universal<br />
Church only through an individual Church. Even when I say I am a Catholic, I should<br />
belong to any of these 23 ritual churches. The Church convincingly teaches that one<br />
obtains membership in the Church by birth. In other words, birth to a Catholic identity is<br />
an abstract concept as the only realistic approach would be to understand the birth to a<br />
particular ritual church!<br />
2. When Jesus sent the apostles with the mission command, “Go to the whole world and<br />
preach the gospel” he must have imagined and intended different forms of worship in<br />
different parts of the world. Omniscient God surely knew that by the preaching of the<br />
Gospel, the people would receive the same faith in Jesus, but the form of worship, the<br />
explanation of the faith, the life style, the discipline, etc. would be different. In fact, the<br />
same Jesus was proclaimed and the faith is the same in this person of Jesus. But the<br />
people accepted the faith according to their cultural, religious, linguistic background.<br />
3. India, in the first centuries AD, having a rich cultural, linguistic and religious tradition,<br />
was famous among the world nations for its richness. Even till today, India is<br />
appreciated not only for its spirit of tolerance and non-violence but also for its richness<br />
of values, intelligence, deep rooted religiosity and spirituality. In other words,<br />
Christianity getting sprouted in Indian soil is to be understood a perfect religion getting<br />
its roots in a perfect soil.<br />
4. Thomas the Apostle preached the gospel in the south India between AD 52 and 72 and<br />
the people accepted the faith. We need to thank God that Christianity got its root in India<br />
in the first century itself by the preaching of one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.<br />
Till the coming of Thomas, Jesus was unheard to Indians. The words and deeds of<br />
Thomas, led India to receive Jesus. Is it not a wonder? Looking at the world scenario of<br />
Catholicity, the Thomas Christians of India is one of the first groups of Christians, who<br />
were christened much before many Europeans started hearing about Jesus.<br />
5. For any small or big unit or community, for its real growth and strength, it should have<br />
its own identity. Living the faith creates a spiritual bond among the Christians which not<br />
only gives a sense of ‘we feeling’ but a self identity. Hence, the right perspective is to<br />
understand and to live the ecclesial identity. In the whole Catholicism, receiving the<br />
faith by the preaching of St. Thomas the apostle, to be part of the families converted by<br />
the same apostle, to be the partakers of the St. Thomas Apostolic tradition is not to be<br />
unimportantly considered.<br />
6. The history of the St. Thomas Christians depicts that Indians never considered<br />
Christianity as foreign religion as it was deeply rooted in the Indian culture. St. Thomas<br />
Christians adapted and inculturated very well with the local culture and life style.<br />
Spiritual patrimony of the St. Thomas Christians was traditionally handed over from<br />
generation to generation through the ecclesial life and rich family traditions. Migration<br />
should never be a reason for diluting this tradition but rather a chance for<br />
evangelization by living this ecclesial identity.<br />
7. The East Syrian liturgy, well accepted in the first centuries by the St. Thomas Christians,<br />
was one of the first liturgical traditions got formed in the early times in Christianity. It<br />
astonishes us to know the fact that East Syrian language is the written version of<br />
Aramaic which was spoken by Jesus himself. As St. Thomas Christians, we have to be<br />
faithful to our theological, liturgical, spiritual and ecclesial traditions.<br />
8. The fact that the Thomas Christians were never defected from the Catholic communion<br />
was another factor of the history that makes us to be proud Catholics. When most of the<br />
Oriental Catholics went out from the Catholic communion and formed new noncatholic<br />
life, it is significant that the majority St. Thomas Christians were always faithful<br />
to the Catholic identity.<br />
9. The spiritual traditions are not only related to the ecclesial life in general but to the<br />
family traditions as well in particular. In order to get the depth on the ecclesial identity,<br />
enumerating the ecclesial patrimony, family traditions and cultural observations are<br />
very important.<br />
10. Migrants are prone to the danger of getting disintegrated in the new soil, raising the<br />
spiritual tradition so rich and antique. Surprising, the St. Thomas Catholic migrants<br />
have always tried to uphold this identity, deciding for living this tradition and handing<br />
over this patrimony for the future. This decision has brought naturally a meaning in<br />
having the faith and living the faith life with the ecclesial identity which has brought a<br />
deep sense of identity.<br />
About the identity of the Syro-Malabar Church, a Church historian Rev. Fr. Placid<br />
Podipara CMI, rightly said as “Christian in faith, Oriental in worship and Indian in<br />
culture”. As St. Thomas Christians, we are called to live the faith and spirituality<br />
received from Apostle St. Thomas and handed over to us through the tradition.<br />
II Vatican Council (II Vat.) on the Ecclesial Identity<br />
11. Almost all ecumenical synods treasured this ecclesial identity of the Catholic Church<br />
and exhorted its faithful to cherish this special identity as something very important and<br />
close to their heart. As the II Vat teaches “the Catholic Church holds in high esteem the<br />
institutions, liturgical rites, ecclesiastical traditions and the established standards of the<br />
Christian life of the Eastern Churches, for in them, distinguished as they are for their<br />
venerable antiquity, there remains conspicuous the tradition that has been handed<br />
down from the Apostles through the Fathers and that forms part of the divinely<br />
revealed and undivided heritage of the universal Church.”<br />
12. “The Holy Catholic Church, which is the Mystical Body of Christ, is made up of the<br />
faithful who are organically united in the Holy Spirit by the same faith, the same<br />
sacraments and the same government and who, combining together into various groups<br />
which are held together by a hierarchy, form separate Churches or Rites. Between these<br />
there exists an admirable bond of union, such that the variety within the Church in no<br />
way harms its unity; rather it manifests it, for it is the mind of the Catholic Church that<br />
each individual Church or Rite should retain its traditions whole and entire and<br />
likewise that it should adapt its way of life to the different needs of time and place.”<br />
13. All these different churches are “consequently of equal dignity, so that none of them is<br />
superior to the others as regards rite and they enjoy the same rights and are under the<br />
same obligations, also in respect of preaching the Gospel to the whole world.” Therefore<br />
“means should be taken in every part of the world for the protection and advancement<br />
of all the individual Churches”.<br />
14. The Ecclesial identity “not only accords to this ecclesiastical and spiritual heritage the<br />
high regard which is its due and rightful praise, but also unhesitatingly looks on it as the<br />
heritage of the universal Church.”<br />
15. II Vat. advises that “all members of the Eastern Rite should know and be convinced that<br />
they can and should always preserve their legitimate liturgical rite and their established<br />
way of life, and that these may not be altered except to obtain for themselves an organic<br />
improvement. The faithful are bound to take part on Sundays and feast days in the<br />
Divine Liturgy or, according to the regulations or custom of their own rite.”<br />
All the official teachings of the Church make it clear that all the members of the Church<br />
be faithful to their ecclesial identity.<br />
<br />
Conclusion<br />
The diversity of oriental ritual traditions is depicted to be rare beautiful flowers in the garden<br />
of Catholicism. The attraction, richness and splendor of this garden is highly interrelated<br />
with these rare breed flowers, which are mostly adored, loved, respected by all the beauty<br />
lovers. Looking at God’s creation, one gets convinced that God is really a diversity worker.<br />
Take any of his creation, all look different and unique. The different colours blend together to<br />
an identity of a beautiful rainbow. Ecclesial difference is as well God’s brilliant plan.<br />
These individual Churches differ in liturgy, ecclesiastical discipline, theological explanation<br />
of faith and in spiritual heritage. The Church does not insist on the uniformity but it insists on<br />
unity. Unity is not unification or uniformity but unity is possible also in diversity. Hence<br />
living the ecclesial identity is not meant for disharmony or division or disunity rather for<br />
manifesting the ecclesial richness, depth, beauty and diversity.<br />
For us migrants, appreciating the divine providence in the ritual traditions is not enough. A<br />
sincere effort to love the mother Church and to live the ecclesial identity is a challenge to the<br />
migrant Syro-Malabar faithful. This core understanding of the Church will be appreciated<br />
more by all as we sincerely try to know it better and experience it deeper.Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-89126413301585378092014-05-14T09:51:00.002+05:302014-05-14T09:53:16.510+05:30<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Family
Traditions to be handed over ….<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(A
guidelines for the Syro-Malabar Migrant Families)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fr.
Francis Eluvathingal<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This paper gives a
bird’s eye view on the spiritual, theological, liturgical and disciplinary traditions
observed in the Syro-Malabar families with a scope of giving clarity to the migrants
to uphold to the patrimony for a better ecclesial life.</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> <i>Thoma margam</i> was the term
used for the typical traditions practiced by the St. Thomas Christians. By the
preaching of the Apostle Thomas the people received Jesus according to their
religious, linguistic, cultural background.</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">In the early times
of the Church, faith was handed down, from one generation to the next, mainly
through family-centred catechesis and customary practices </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">like ceremonies related to birth, marriage, death, etc. family prayer,
para-liturgical services in connection with feasts, the periods of annunciation
and lent, holy week, fast, abstinence, etc. Continues reception of the
sacraments especially the </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Holy Qurbana</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">, daily family
prayer with their parents and other family members, Sunday school catechesis
and other spiritual practices have naturally helped their spiritual growth.</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> In the traditional dressings and wearing ornaments
and life style they lived as their Hindu brethren but in faith as Christians.</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Spirit of tolerance, friendly relations and peaceful co-existence with
other religions were important life styles of Marthoma Christians. In the early
centuries, living the faith in Jesus in the multi-cultural-religious-linguistic
situation of India would not have been an easy task. Apart from that, </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">St. Thomas
Christians have adopted their own different ecclesial traditions in its history
and hence there is no uniformity with regard to the family traditions. Some of
the early century traditions are not at all practiced now and there are quite
different ones in practice now. On the other hand, in different places there
are different practices on the same occasion. Is it necessary to have
uniformity in the family traditions is a question yet to be answered. This article
is an attempt to pen down family traditions without claiming them to be
all-inclusive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Marriage<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">a.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some of the Practices
seen in the History related to marriage <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fixing
the Marriage, engagement, and crowing ceremony were the three most important
steps in a marriage. At the residence of the woman in the presence of the
parish priest, the fixing of the marriage was done by holding the hands by the
fathers or guardians of the couples. The guests used to put rings in the
fingers of the couples and a <i>virunnu</i>
was given on that occasion. Fixing of the marriage was done sometimes in the
Church also. The share of the father to be given to the daughter was fixed at
this time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
engagement was celebrated almost equal to the marriage celebration. At the same
time the legal implications of the engagement and marriage were not the same.
Engagement was a function conducted in the Church. The boy used to entrust a
ring to the parish priest to be given to the girl. On a fixed day, the girl
used to come to the church, and four virgins take the ring and put it on the
figure of the girl saying this particular boy wants to marry you and has
entrusted the ring to be given to you. If the girl denies it, the marriage
remains cancelled and if she was to keep silence which is a sign of acceptance,
they proceed with the marriage ceremony. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Crowning
ceremony was the real marriage. In the chalice half filled with water, the ring
that was accepted by the woman was to be dipped. After long prayers, the
couples drink water from that chalice and then the groom puts the ring in the
fingers of the bride. Then took place the crowning ceremony and the crown was
made up of red, white and blue flowers. Sometimes both man and woman wore
crowns was made up of gold. The man used to wear a chain with golden cross. The
couple were welcomed at groom’s residence with <i>nirapara</i> and <i>nilavilaku</i>.
At certain places, the maternal uncle carried the bride to home. One the eve of
marriage, cultural programme such as <i>margamkali</i>,
<i>parichamuttukali</i>, <i>rambanpāttu</i>, etc. were conducted at the
residences. <i>Andham chārtu</i>, <i>mailanchiyidal</i> were conducted on the
previous day. Both before and after marriage, <i>madhuram vekkal</i> was conducted at the residences. Going to the
Church and coming back to the Church was accompanied by band and other
ceremonies. <span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
marriage was usually on Sundays; but the celebrations lasted four days. Child
marriage was common till recent centuries. The male and female were not allowed
to walk or travel together. The wife never used to call her husband by name.
The daughters did not have right over the properties of her father. After the
death of one partner, the other was permitted to get married after a year.
Divorce was unheard among them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">b.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Arranged marriages<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In an arranged marriage,
while the meeting of the spouses is arranged by family members, relatives or
friends, the spouses agree of their own free will to marry. Mostly arranged
marriage involves a </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matchmaking" title="Matchmaking"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">matchmaker</span></a><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriage_websites" title="Marriage websites"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">matrimonial site</span></a><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">, mutual friends
or a trusted third party. In an introduction for arranged marriage, the parents
or guardians introduce a potential spouse. From that point on, it is up to the
two individuals to develop the relationship and make a final choice. There is
no set time period. Arranged marriages were very common throughout the world
until the 18th century and this is increasingly common in the Syro-Malabar
tradition till today including in migrant families.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Now-a-days we can qualify them neither a typical
arranged nor love marriage but an arranged love marriage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">c.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bridal Processions<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">The wedding processions to the church and
from the church were royal and very important part of the</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-GB" style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0in;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">marriage
ceremony. For this occasion, the Thomas Christians made use of the high
privileges of using palanquin (<i>antoolam</i>),
elephants to ride on (<i>ambāri</i>), royal
silk umbrellas (<i>muthukuta</i>), day lamps
(<i>pakalvilakku</i>), walking clothes (<i>pāvāta</i>), band (<i>panjavādyam</i>), people for shouting (<i>natavili</i> by men and <i>kurava</i>
by women), body guards, fore-runners to clear the way, carpets, ornaments,
slaves and many others. This procession is not practiced now-a-days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">In the recent
centuries, t</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">he bridegroom’s sister and brother-in-law used to
go the house of the bride and bring them to the Church together with the guests
of the bride. The bridegroom will be already waiting at the Church gates for
the bride. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Relatives, friends and guests are obliged
to get to the church at the appointed time. As the offertory is kept in the
beginning of the Holy Qurbana, the groom and the bride enter into the Church
together with the parents and close relatives of both.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-GB" style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; padding: 0in;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">When the
offertory procession reaches the altar, the bride and the groom hand over the
offer and the others follow. The couples’ parents and family members are to sit
both sides and then the others. </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">d.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tāli <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
most important rites found exclusively in the marriage celebration of Thomas
Christians are the rites of tying the <i>tāli</i>
and offering the <i>Mantrakoti</i>. These
two are found among the customs of the Hindus and indeed remain strong examples
of inculturation by the Christians in India. <i>tāli</i>, having the shape of the leaf of the bunyan tree (<i>ālila</i>), is made up of gold and worn by
the bride throughout her married life on her neck. The Christian <i>tāli</i> or <i>minnu</i> is made in gold, has 21 minute balls embossed on it in the
form of a tiny cross. It seems that 21 balls are calculated to be 3 persons in
Holy Trinity and 7 sacraments (3x7=21).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
<i>tāli</i> proclaims the bride as a married
woman. No married woman ever parted with <i>tāli</i>.
For the Thomas Christians, the <i>tāli</i>,
is a sacred symbol of the strong bond and intimate union between the spouses.
In the case of matrimony there could not be separation, except at the death of
man or the wife, otherwise they must live together for better or worse. When
she died, the <i>tāli</i> was deposited in
the treasury box of the parish church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There
are many interesting ceremonies related to the <i>tāli</i>. On the eve of the marriage the twine with which the <i>tāli</i> is tied is prepared in the house of
the bridegroom. Usually threads are taken from the wedding garment, the <i>mantrakoti</i>. Both Brahmins and St. Thomas
Christians shared the tradition on the formation of this thread. Three threads
were twisted into one and out of seven such composite strands the final cord
was prepared. For the Christians, three may represent the Holy Trinity,
and seven may stand for the seven sacraments. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">e.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal;">
</span></span></i><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mantrakoti</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The <i>mantrakoti</i> is the nuptial vestment for
the bride presented by the bridegroom. Even though the East Syrian tradition
has the rite of the blessing of the nuptial vestment, the St. Thomas Christian
custom of <i>mantrakoti</i> seems to have
originated from a Hindu custom. Among the Hindus of Kerala, there is a marriage
ceremony called ‘<i>pudava kodukkal</i>’ (conferring of nuptial
vestment). The expression ‘<i>pudava kodukkal</i>’ is synonymous with
marriage. Thus the conferring of nuptial vestment to the bride by the
bridegroom is understood to be the vital part of marriage among Hindus. The
Christians do not give such a meaning. It is understood more as a rite
manifesting the communion between bride and bridegroom. Christian marriage
liturgy has the ceremony of the bridegroom adorning the bride with the <i>mantrakoti</i>. <i>mantrakoti</i> is the symbol of the intimate union of life between
bridegroom and bride. To vest someone shows the intimacy between the
persons. The groom adorns the bride with the <i>mantrakoti</i> as if it were clothing for both of them. Adorning the
bride with the <i>mantrakoti</i> is
understood as the couple putting on Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">f.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wedding Ring (<i>Vivaha mothiram</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Among<span class="apple-converted-space"> the </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Catholic" title="Eastern Catholic"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Eastern Catholic</span></a><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">s</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">, the exchange
of rings is not technically part of the wedding service, but rather is
exchanged at the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betrothal" title="Betrothal"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">betrothal</span></a><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">. It is always a
two-ring set given to the bride and bridegroom by the priest after the blessing
and the couples exchange the rings placing them into each other’s finger.
Though this was not part of the wedding ceremony, recently it was included into
the liturgy. Important to note that the husband and wife carry the wedding ring
throughout their life with the name of the other stating that we belong to each
other. </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">g.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rosaries given
blessing with the cross at the Forehead<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">This tradition has a recent origin. Rosary is a prayer recited by the
families and hence a rosary is blessed and given to the couples at the time of
their wedding. In fact, the husband and wife are strengthened throughout their
life by the family prayer. Mary, the mother of Jesus is the ultimate role model
for the Catholic bride, as she will strive to mirror Mary's perfect love for
God and devotion to her family. St. Joseph, the perfect husband together with
his spouse remains the best intercessors for the new family. The couples often
wish to seek the guidance and blessings of the Lord, through a ceremony that
requests the intercession of the saints for their married life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">h.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Marriage Blessing<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Marriage blessing as
the work of God is emphasized in the celebration of marriage. The East Syrian
tradition views the priest himself as the celebrant of the marriage whereas the
Latin tradition views the bride and the bridegroom as the celebrants. According
to Latin tradition, the spouses as ministers of Christ's grace mutually confer
upon each other the sacrament of Matrimony by expressing their consent before the
Church. The vital difference is that the Latin tradition stresses the human
endeavour in the rite of marriage whereas the East Syrian tradition stresses
the work of God that is the work of communion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">i.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Garlanding<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India" title="India"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">India</span></a><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">, where flower
garlands have an important and traditional role in every festival especially in</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_wedding" title="Indian wedding"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">wedding</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">the couple wears a wedding garland. In all Hindu marriages bride and
bridegroom exchange garlands. Taking this tradition, as part of inculturation,
it was traditionally adorned by the couple or by the parents of the couple on
the occasion of their wedding. But in the new liturgical text, garlanding is
kept as an optional thing during the liturgy itself though it is not practiced
in all places. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="style5" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l30 level1 lfo3; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">j.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><strong><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">The Bride’s Bouquet</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">At its inception,
the bouquet formed part of the décor worn by both the bride and groom. It was
considered a symbol of happiness. Originally bridal bouquets were made of
herbs, which had magical and meaningful definitions for the couple's future
life. Ancient uses included herbs, not flowers, in bouquets because they felt
herbs -- especially garlic -- had the power to cast off evil spirits. Flower
girls carried sheaves of wheat, a symbol of growth, fertility, and renewal.
Later, flowers replaced herbs and took on meanings all their own. Most of the
flowers mean happiness, purity, beauty and fertility.</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">k.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Leading the bride to
the house of bridegroom <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Receiving the bride
to the Groom’s house is a very meaningful ceremony practiced by the families. The
bridegroom’s mother in the traditional Kerala style with a bell metal lamp with
a metallic handle (<i>nilavilakku</i> or <i>kuttuvilaku)</i> and a bushel heaped up with
grain welcome the bride. The couple stand facing the entrance and are welcomed
with sprinkling of <i>nellum</i> <i>nirum</i>, which are symbols of light and
prosperity and fertility cum coronation rite. The couple especially the bride take
special care to place the right foot first which is taken from the hindu
tradition which expresses the good intention of the bride. After the prayer in
the house, the couple is escorted by the siblings and their partners to the
special elevated seats in the pavilion and all other guests are seated there. Once
everything is over, the parents and the relatives of the bride entrust their
prized possession to the Groom’s parents. The bride says her final goodbye to
her family. </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">l.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wedding Banquet<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">A</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">wedding reception</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">is a</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party" title="Party"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">party</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">held after the completion of a</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marriage" title="Marriage"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">marriage</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">ceremony. It is held usually as hospitality for those who have attended
the</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding" title="Wedding"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">wedding</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> This celebration was
attended by the relatives, well-wishers, neighbours and friends of the couple.
The couple were accepted as a new family into the society. A</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"> sumptuous feast
served on folded leaf which is symbolically of the royal way of eating out of
double leaf. </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Hosts provide their choice of food and drink,
although a</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding_cake" title="Wedding cake"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">wedding cake</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">is popular. Entertaining guests after a wedding ceremony is traditional
in most societies. According to the convenience, separate wedding celebrations
were held for the bride's and groom's families. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">m.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Madhuram Vekkal<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On
the occasion of the marriage, traditionally <i>madhuram
vekkal</i> was practiced two times. The first ceremony is held in the
respective homes of the bride and the groom, a day prior to the church wedding.
On the previous day of the marriage, where all the relatives, neighbours and
friends come together, they celebrate the single status of the person for the
last day and say good bye to the single status. The groom sits facing the east,
while a barber cuts his hair and shaves off his beard (<i>Andham cārtu</i>). The groom’s eldest sister or female cousin anoints
his hair with oil. The groom’s brother-in-law then escorts the groom for his
regular bath sheltered under an umbrella, held by the brother-in-law. On his
arrival, all the ladies clap their hands and cheer him. This is called the ‘<i>korava</i>’, traditionally considered very
auspicious throughout Kerala.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
the bride’s home, the feet of the bride are anointed with (<i>henna lawhomia alba)</i> by a female cousin which is called <i>mailanchiyidal</i>. After her bath, the
bride dresses up will together with traditional jewellery. The bride enters
from the easterly direction, sheltered under an umbrella, held by her uncle.
After the ‘<i>korava</i>’ the bride and
groom in their respective homes, sit on a chair, which has been covered with a
white cloth and are blessed by the priest. A sweet called <i>madhuram</i> is brought and blessed. After the blessing, the sweet is
given to the bride and the groom by the mother, aunty or grandmother.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
second <i>madhuram vekkal</i> is done at the
reception of the bride and groom which is given to both of them in a very
solemn way by the eldest person of the family. He asks loudly three times the
permission of the community gathered there if the <i>madhram</i> can be given to the couples or not. The community expresses
its joy in doing so and <i>madhram</i> is
given to both of them. In certain areas, before receiving <i>madhram</i>, the bride and the groom wash their mouths with water and
receive it as a holy thing. This ceremony reminds that the life they begin
together should become sweet as the <i>madhram</i>
they accept.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">n.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Communion of Two
Families<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another important
aspect of the St. Thomas Christian marriage is the communion of two families:
this tradition puts great emphasis on the relation between the families of the
bride and bridegroom. Marriage is not just a communion of two individuals, rather
it is of two families and their relatives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><strong><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">o.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i></strong><!--[endif]--><strong><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Nilavilakku Telikkal</span></i></strong><strong><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; font-weight: normal; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Nilavilakku</span></i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"> is a traditional lamp lit by the bride and
bridegroom and their family members. The light represents Christ and the new
family accepts Christ as the head of their family. The couple promises to be
the light of the family. Both of them together lit the lamp and the one flame
symbolizes that they can no longer be separated, so are the bride and groom
joined as one in marriage. The side flames represent to signify the continued
ties to the both their family members. Lighting the lamp is part of Indian
religious and social tradition and <i>nilavilakku</i>
symbolizes the Kerala tradition. </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">p.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bridal Chamber (<i>manavara</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is the room set up
for the newly wedded couple. The bed is decorated well in order to indicate
that the physical union based not on lust, but rather upon the spiritual
blending of man and woman. The bridal chamber is the holy of holies hidden
behind the veil where male and female becomes one Perfect human person. The
ceremony of shutting and opening the bridal chamber (<i>adaccuthura</i>) seems to have been substituted by songs and solemn
bath of the bridegroom who came out of his apartment at the invitation of his
mother-in-law. But he would not come out until after she had promised (in
songs) to give him bronze vessels with a cow and calf. This promise would be
fulfilled after the birth of the first child which took place in the paternal
house of the girl. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">q.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Other rituals
subsequent to the celebration of wedding<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Thomas Christians
followed the Brahmin custom of dowry given by the family of the bride to the
bridegroom. It was given on the day of engagement at the house of the bride and
often in the form of ornaments. A certain percentage (generally 10%) of the
dowry went to the parish church of the bride. This kind of tithe was called <i>pasaram</i>. After the exchange off the
contract with regard to dowry, the marriage consent was given by the parties,
often at the Church in the presence of a priest. A pavilion or <i>pandal</i> would be erected and elegantly
decorated in front of the house. There would be also elaborate designs inside
made by sprinkling rice flour (<i>kalamezhuttu</i>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pius Customs related
to Child Birth and Sacraments of Initiation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">a.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some of the Practices
seen in the History<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The word, Maraan Iso Misiha (Our Lord Jesus Christ) and the child’s name
were whispered into its ear (<i>nāmakarama</i>).
</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Corresponding
to the <i>Jātakaranam</i> of the Brahmins,
the father of the child used to mix a little honey or milk with gold and <i>vayambu</i> (an ayurvedic medicinal plant)
and put this mixture into the mouth of the child 36 hours after its birth. On 28<sup>th</sup> day, a black thread was
tied below the abdomen which was known as <i>irupathettukettu.</i>
A black thread often ornamented with panther toe-nails (<i>pulinakham</i>) or mongoose teeth (<i>kēripallu</i>)
enclosed in a golden locket was tied around the waist of the child on the 28<sup>th</sup>
day. The ladies were permitted in the church only after 40 days after the
delivery if the child is a boy and after 80 days if the child is a girl. After
6 months, the child was taken to the church, with fine dresses for giving hard
food, which was feeding the child with boiled rice (<i>choruttu</i>). The child was placed in the lap of the mother and the
priest used to give three times the blessed <i>palchoru</i>
in the mouth of the child. At the age of 4, the children were placed at the lap
of the teacher (<i>āshan</i>), who initiated
the children for writing the alphabets for the first time in a plate of rice (<i>Ariyiliruttu or ezhuthininuthu)</i>. Though
the <i>āshan</i> was Hindu by religion, he
used to teach the Christian prayers writing in <i>ola</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">b.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Traditions during the
Pregnancy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">May be as part of the
fertility culture, traditionally the Syro-Malabar Christians gave much
importance for the birth of the children and numerous children were part of the
culture though it is getting extinguished. Pregnancy care and preparation for
the birth of the child were linked with many traditions. The care and birth of
the first child was considered to be responsibility of the mother’s parents. As
soon as the mother is pregnant, the mother was taken to her parents for better
health care. At the 7<sup>th</sup> month, officially she was taken to her
parents’ house and the care was given from there till the birth of the child.
After the birth of the child, a special care is given for the mother. On a
fixed day, the father of the child together with his relatives officially takes
the child to their residence and a meaningful reception to the new child at
fathers’ residence is also organized. On all these occasions, a meaningful
prayer is recited giving importance to the mother or the child. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">c.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sacraments of
Initiation and God Parents and Names<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the early
centuries, the baptism was on the 8<sup>th</sup> day remembering the dedication
of Jesus in the temple. Now-a-days the children were baptised on or after the
40<sup>th</sup> day after the birth according to the East-Syrian formula. Close
relatives of the child such as the grant parents or uncles and aunties were the
God- parents. They were placed in high position. The children were given
biblical names with modifications suited to the Malabar tastes, in particular
those of the paternal and maternal grandparents for the first and second child
respectively.<span style="color: red;"> </span>On this occasion, people used to
offer money to priests and to the church. Apart from the baptismal name, most
of the children were called with a pet name which either the short form or
derived form of the baptismal name. Together with baptism, the sacrament of Confirmation
was administered without any special anointing.<span style="color: red;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rituals to the dying
and Commemoration of the Dead<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">a.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anointing the Sick<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Tying palm leaves with biblical verses to the body of the sick, drinking
of water mixed with the soil taken from the tomb of St. Thomas at Mylapore by
the sick and the dying are some of the traditional practices performed by the
St. Thomas Christians. Ancient times, nothing is seen regarding the sacrament
with the holy oil but the parish priest uses to bless the sick placing the Holy
Bible on the body of the sick. At least for the last four centuries…………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">b.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Death and Burial<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">When the signs of death appeared, the dying person
was laid on a bed facing the East according to the local custom. Till the
moment of death, the relatives and neighbours used to accompany the person, chanting
or reciting the prayers sometimes in the in the ears of the dying (<i>chevittorma</i>). As soon as the person
breathed his last, the toes and thumbs were tied with a piece of cloth. Usually, the dead body was placed facing the
East at home and also at the graveyard. Crucifix and candles were kept in the
head side of the dead. After a few hours of the death, his body was washed,
dressed with fresh cloth (<i>kodithuni)</i>
and anointed with perfumed oil and was exposed before the community to pay due
homage. During the time at home, <i>puthenpāna</i>,
<i>thomaparvam</i>, and other prayers were
recited by the relatives and neighbours. It seems that for many centuries, they
used to bury their dead in their own premises. Later it was buried in the
church cemeteries. Then the body used to be carried from home to the Church graveyard
which was done by children, grandchildren and close relatives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">c.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">After Burial Ceremonies<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Till the purification of the house after the
burial, no food was prepared or eaten in the house. After the burial service,
the members of the family would gather in the house in the presence of the
parish priest and say special prayers for the dead and sprinkle holy water to
purify the house. The priest used to bless a tender coconut (<i>karikku</i>) and drink from it and
distributed among the relatives. After the liturgical prayers of the occasion,
the priest would bless <i>jirakam</i> (cumin
seed). Then all people one after another would come and accept the peace (<i>Kastuuri</i>) from the extended hand of the
priest and take a few seeds of <i>jirakam</i>
to eat. Thus they break the fast after
burial. Later simple vegetarian food was given to all which was called <i>pattinikanji</i>. The poor would be given
food, clothes and money.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">d.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Commemoration of the Dead<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The commemoration of the dead was also given
special importance. There were also special observances for the commemoration
of the dead on the 7th, 11<sup>th</sup>, 16th, 28th, and 41st day after the
demise. The relatives and friends of the deceased used to pray and eat together
at the house of the dead for a week and a 7<sup>th</sup> day special prayers
were conducted. Like high caste Hindus, the Thomas Christians also practised <i>Pulakuli</i> or ritual bath on the 11<sup>th</sup>
day after the burial, for the purification from the defilement due to the death
of a member of the family. Following the Hindu traditions, there were also
certain observances done on 16<sup>th</sup> and 28<sup>th</sup> day. Till the
commemoration on the 41st day the family members remained in fasting and
abstinence and only vegetarian meals were served in the house. The male used to
grow beard and all in the family wear white or black coloured dresses. 41<sup>st</sup>
day was typical to the Christians, remembering the ascension of Jesus on 40<sup>th</sup>
day after the resurrection and the 40 days of fasting of Jesus. The death
anniversary celebration was called <i>sradham</i>
or <i>cattam</i>. The parents would not
celebrate the <i>cattam</i> of their
deceased children. Liturgical prayers, memorial common meals, almsgiving, etc.,
were parts of the celebration. Some of these customs are preserved even today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Holy Week and Family
Traditions<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Visudha vāram</span></i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> or the holy week was observed as the
most important week for spiritual growth, personal sanctification and holiness.
Almsgiving and conducting long prayers including in the nights were the
speciality of this season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">a.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Valiya Nombu<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">b.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hosanna Sunday<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nalpatham velli</span></i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (40<sup>th</sup> Friday), Friday
before the Hosanna Sunday used to be a reminder for the last ten days of lent. The
families started rigorous lent. The Saturday between the <i>nalpatham velli</i> and hosanna was specially celebrated with special
edibles such as <i>kozhikotta</i> and <i>pichampodi</i> those in round and rectangle
size. The gospel reading of that day indicates that these edibles are to remind
the hospitality of Martha and Marian in the house of Lazarus. These edibles
were made and distributed with the other families as well to remind about this
hospitability. In some areas the tradition is to remind of the different types
of stones, taken by the soldiers to throw Jesus. On hosanna Sunday, the tender
coconut leaves were brought to home and each member used to keep the leave in
his room, a symbol of protection from evil. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">c.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Appam murickal</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
on Moundy Thursday <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">On Maundy
Thursday (<i>Pesaha Vyazham</i>), as a part
of the family celebration of the Passover Feast, a special unleavened broad was
made (<i>Pesaha appam</i>) which is also
called <i>inri appam</i>. INRI (<i>Iesus Nazraenus Rex Iudeorum</i>) <i>appam</i> is very much Biblical. It was
patterned after the Jewish mode of celebration of the Passover in the family
which was continued in the St. Thomas Christian tradition taking the spirit of
Exodus </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">12;
14-27</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">. <i>INRI appam</i>
represented the bread used by Jesus during the Last Supper. Tender coconut
leaves, blessed on <i>Hosana</i> Sunday was
used to form the cross on the <i>appam</i>.
The eldest member of the family would lead the prayer together with the reading
of the biblical passage and would break this bread with hands and share it with
other members of the family from the eldest to the youngest. The bread was
received in the hands with the same respect as if receiving Holy Communion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Together with
this, a special drink was also prepared with rice flour, coconut milk, and
jaggery which represented the wine of the Last Supper. All these things were
done with great respect and reverence. It is to be noted that </span><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua-Italic;">Appam murickal </span></i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">in the
parish churches or family units is not a substitute to the </span><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua-Italic;">Pesaha Appammurickal </span></i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">traditionally
observed in the family. When elder members of the family die, this <i>appam murickal</i> was not done for a year.
This bread and milk were not given to the non-Christians nor be kept for the
next day. During the breaking of bread, <i>puthenpāna</i>
was read out. <i>Appammurickal</i> in the
parish churches and the family unit meetings shall not be a substitute for this
holy tradition though many families do not have most of the family members to
celebrate this tradition. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">d.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Holy Friday and Saturday</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">During the Holy Week, besides the liturgical celebrations in the church,
there were also family liturgical celebrations. On the Fridays of the great
fast and during the days of the Holy Week the family members would sit together
and read the <i>Puthenpāna</i>, the passion
narrative of the Lord. That day people used to avoid all types of entertainment
and just observed as the day of the Lord in fasting and prayer. On Friday and
Saturday, no entertainments were allowed and house hold works were minimized so
much so that even the cleaning the house was not permitted. On the Holy Friday,
a bitter drink (<i>kaipunēr</i>) from the
vegetable was prepared and drunk by the family members. </span><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nagarikanickal</span></i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is not a correct practice. Veneration
of the cross and mystery of the cross is the correct practice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fasting and
Abstinence <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The Thomas Christians had a rigorous discipline
with regard to fasts and abstinence. The foreign missionaries called the St.
Thomas Christians as the “Church of those who fast” (<i>upavasikalude sabha</i>). For any important feast celebration, the
faithful prepared themselves with disciplined abstinence, fasting and prayer.
According to tradition, the Syro-Malabar Church had about 180 days of
abstinence. During the days of abstinence, the faithful abstained from meat,
fish, egg, milk, milk products, chewing of betel, smoking, alcohol, conjugal
relationship, etc. </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">The days of abstinence are on all days of
Lent (49 days), period of Annunciation (24 days), all days of </span><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua-Italic;">Moonnunombu </span></i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua-Italic; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">(3 days)<i>, Ettunombu </i>(7 days)<i> </i></span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">and </span><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua-Italic;">Pathinanjunombu </span></i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua-Italic; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">(14 days) and previous day of
the transfiguration of our Lord<i>. </i></span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Such abstinence
was observed also on all Wednesdays and </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">on all
Fridays except the Friday/s between Christmas and </span><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua-Italic;">Denha </span></i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">and the Friday after
Easter </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">of the year. Now also t</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">he period of annunciation and lent are observed avoiding solemn celebrations
in the families. Respecting our age-old tradition for penance the faithful
observes fasting, prayer, abstinence, mortification, almsgiving etc. It is
beneficial to participate in the Holy Qurbana and spend more time in prayer,
read the Bible and life history of saints, make the way of the cross etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">All the family members who have completed the
age of fourteen and those who enjoy normal health are obliged to observe fast
and abstinence. Fasting is obligatory on the first day of the Lent (</span><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua-Italic;">vibhuthi</span></i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;"> -Ash</span><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua-Italic;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">Monday) and on Good Friday but also
recommended on all Fridays in Lent. On days of Fasting only one full meal may
be taken. Having a very solemn vegetarian lunch on the fasting day seems to be
a wrong custom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Feasts, Veneration to
the Saints and Festivals<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Among the family traditions, the celebration of
Feasts also involved an important role in the transmission of the faith. They
usually celebrated in the family, the feasts of our Lord such as a</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">ll the Sundays, the feast days of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus
Christ (Dec. 25), </span><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua-Italic;">Denha </span></i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">(Jan. 6th), Easter, Ascension of our Lord, Dormition of the Holy
Mary Mother of God (Assumption, Aug. 15th), Sts. Peter and Paul (29th June) and
</span><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua-Italic;">Dukhrana </span></i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">(Martyrdom) of St. Thomas the Apostle (July 3) </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">the Annunciation, the Nativity, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good
Friday, Easter, the Pentecost, the glorification of the Cross, etc. were given
greater importance. Of the feasts of the Saints, those of St. Mary, St. Thomas,
St. John Baptist and St. George were given special importance.</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">a.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christmas and Easter<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Making
the crib, decorating the house with lights are the family traditions for
Christmas in order t</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">o
make sure Christ remains the focus of our family's celebration. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">According
to a custom, believers greet one another on Easter day with the words,
"Jesus Christ is risen from the dead!" repeated three times. Each
time, the other person replies, "He has risen indeed!"</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">b.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Denha</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> or Baptism of Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On Christmas night people
used to bless a bonfire of dry wood and to go around it in procession. There
used to be only the night Mass for Christmas. Among the important feasts was
Epiphany. This feast was known in various names such as <i>epiphany</i>, <i>rākkuli</i>, <i>pindikuthi</i>, etc. in different places. No
matter what was the name used, the feast was the remembrance of the baptism of
Jesus Christ. <i>Rākkuli</i> (night bath) was
more a ceremonial bath in the pond or river near to the houses remembering the
baptism of Jesus, which was more a symbol of personal purification. In North
Kerala it was called <i>pindikuthi</i> <i>perunnal</i> when feast torches were lighted
usually on pinti or plantain trunk during night and it was more a communitarian
proclamation of Jesus as the light of the world calling him ‘<i>el paiya</i>’ (God is bright) in Syriac
meant God is the light. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">c.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Feasts of St. Thomas <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
feasts of St. Thomas were all dear to the Thomas Christians. The octave of
Easter, which they called the New Sunday was solemnly celebrated in honour of
St. Thomas who put his hands in the side and wounds of Christ and confessed
with conviction “My Lord and My God. Pilgrimage to Malayattoor where St. Thomas
is believed to have prayed, is even today made by many Christians on the
occasion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
feast of St. Thomas on 3<sup>rd</sup> of July has been always called <i>Dukhrana.</i> A Syriac word, <i>Dukhrana</i> means remembrance or
commemoration. <i>Sradham or cattam</i>, the
anniversary of the death of St. Thomas their father of faith, was celebrated very
solemnly among all St. Thomas Christians.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">d.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua-Bold;">Special Devotion to Holy Mary, Mother of God<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">According to age-old oriental tradition, as special devotion to
Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, </span><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua-Italic;">Ettunombu
</span></i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">was observed in preparation for the nativity
of Mother of God and </span><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua-Italic;">pathinanjunombu </span></i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">in preparation of the Dormition (Assumption) of the Holy Mary
Mother of God. In a recent origin, the month of October is especially dedicated
for praying Rosary and the month of May is observed for special devotion
(vanankkamasam) in honour of Mother Mary.</span><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">e.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">New Year's Day </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In order to start the New
Year in prayer in the Church taking part in the adoration and liturgical
celebration is a recent tradition followed by Syro-Malabar families.<i> </i></span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">f.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Patron’s day (Patroness Day) and Birthday</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In
Catholic homes the feast of the saint for whom a child is named (or whose name
a child shares) was once more important than the child's birthday. The
"Name Day" is celebrated by making confession and participating in Holy
Qurbana and other spiritual celebrations. Now-a-days, birthday is celebrated
with the spiritual preparations and prayers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">g.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">Novena </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The practice of saying
novenas is not explicitly derived from</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Scripture" title="Holy Scripture"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">Holy Scripture</span></a><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> nor it is an
oriental tradition, but was rather influenced by a</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome" title="Ancient Rome"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">Roman</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">custom.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> The word
Novena </span></span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">comes from</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin" title="Latin"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">Latin</span></a><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> word</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Novem</span></i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">, meaning nine. It</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> is an institutional act of religious</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_devotions" title="Catholic devotions"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">pious devotion</span></a><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">, in belief of
obtaining special intercessory graces. The practice was later adopted by the
Catholics who associated the event in the</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Upper Room</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> where</span></span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> they prayed for nine days until the</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Spirit" title="Holy Spirit"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">Holy Spirit</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">descended on the Feast of </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecost" title="Pentecost"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">Pentecost</span></a><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">.<span style="color: #252525;">
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">h.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua-Italic;">Vanakkamāsam</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Vanakkamasam</span></i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> is a special prayer recited daily for a month in
the honour of our Lord or the saints. This is not an ancient prayer but our </span><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 13pt;">Community conducted <i>vanakkamasam</i> which has now become a strong
tradition. It is popular devotion conducted in the families in the month of
March of St. Joseph, in the month of May of Mother Mary. Such <i>vanakkamasam</i> is also done in honour of
the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the month of June.<span style="color: #555555;"> </span></span><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">i.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One time food for the
poor (<i>oottu nercha</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another act of
charity and prayer performed by the families especially related to the feast of
St. Joseph on 19<sup>th</sup> March. A poor family is invited to the Christian
families representing the Holy Family and they are given sumptuous food for one
time. This poor family is respected like honourable guest which is a sign of a
great spirituality and prayer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">j.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua-Bold;">Procession during the Parish Feasts<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">Procession is proudly practised by the St.
Thomas Christians. The family members together participated in this manifestation
of the faith, communion and fellowship of the parish community. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">k.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">Sponsors (</span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua-Italic;">prasudenthi</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">Many families come forward to be sponsors (</span><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua-Italic;">prasudenthi</span></i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">) for the
feast celebration in order to give a communitarian.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">l.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">Particular Feasts<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">The feasts of the patron saints of the Church
were celebrated with great solemnity by Thomas Christians. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">m.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">The Celebrations<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">The Thomas Christians counted the day from
sunset to sunset. Therefore the feast was begun on the eve with solemn vespers
and other prayers. Apart from the liturgy; offering (<i>nercha</i>) and processions were also integral parts. During the feast
day they abstained from work. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">n.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">Festivals<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">The Christians and hindus alike celebrated
many common or national feasts; for example, <i>onam</i>, <i>visu</i>. In connection
with their feasts – either Church feasts or social feasts (<i>utsavas</i>) there used to be processions with all kinds of pomp. Royal
umbrellas (<i>muthukuda</i>), musical
instruments (<i>panjavādhyam</i>) torches,
pop-guns and so forth were used on these festive occasions. Elephants decorated
with many ornaments were led in processions to add solemnity to the display.
The custom of borrowing and lending processional paraphernalia from and to the
Hindu temples was in vogue in the past among the Christians. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">7.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thērthadanam, Vazhipādu (Nercha), Kānikka and prasadam</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">a.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thērthadanam</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From
the early centuries, the feast of St. Thomas was celebrated with due importance
among St. Thomas Christians. In the early centuries, the faithful used to go to
Mylapore either in groups or individually, to pray at his tomb. This pilgrimage
(<i>thērthadanam</i>) reminds us about the
first visit of St. Thomas Christians along with Keppa (supposed to be the first
bishop of St. Thomas Christians ordained by the Apostle Thomas) at Mylapore as
soon as they heard about his martyrdom of Apostle Thomas (<i>Rambanpattu</i>, 427-428). Apart from the Mylapore pilgrimage, the
Christians started the visit to Kodungaloor too. During the pilgrimage, they used
to sing the songs traditionally sung and make it a prayerful experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">b.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vazhipādu (Nercha)</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thērthadanam</span></i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> was part of <i>vazhipādu </i>or<i> nercha </i>(Commitment). In order to gain some special blessings and
favours, the faithful with devotion made this commitment to God that they would
make a serious sacrifice in their life, doing that pilgrimage and as
preparation some abstinence and fasting. It seems that this <i>vazhipādu</i> or <i>nercha</i> to do the pilgrimage was scrupulously fulfilled by St.
Thomas Christians. In connection with the feasts and festivals of the church,
devotees used to make <i>nercha</i>. <i>Sadya</i> or <i>agape</i> services, offerings of edibles and other objects and <i>noimbu</i> (fasts and other acts of penance)
formed the important part of such <i>nercha</i>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">c.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kānikka and prasadam</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kanikka</span></i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is the love offering
offered at the box kept in the pilgrim place. This <i>kanikka</i> was given as part of the sacrifice of the person, given as
money or kind. The collected <i>kanikka</i>
was later used only for spiritual purposes. And <i>prasadam </i>is that which given from the pilgrim centre to the devotee
which was an edible or something useable. When only one person from a family
made the <i>thērthadanam</i>, <i>prasadam</i> given from the centre was
brought to the family as a holy thing and was shared among the family members
and they believed that the merits of the pilgrimage is shared to the family
members as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">8.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Family Prayers <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">a.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eesho mishihakku sthudhi āyirikkatte<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is a popular
saying among the St. Thomas Christians while they meet others especially the
priests and religious, praising God they say, Praise be to Jesus Christ. All
members of the family greet each other with this praise prayer daily. Soon
after the family prayer, all the members face the family altar and greet the almighty
God and then the younger ones approaches from the eldest family member to the
youngest to greet with this prayer. This greeting prayer was helpful to unite
the family members in love and communion. All the family issues, anger and
pains were melted out with this greeting daily before going to bed. This
greeting prayer has two parts: The first greeting prayer of <i>Eesho mishihakku sthudhi āyirikkatte</i> is
responded with <i>eppozhum eppozhum sthudhi āyirikkatte</i>.
This was more often said to the priests towards the end of every prayer
gatherings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">b.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prayer Room/Family
Altar<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">The altar meant the
precious and gracious presence of God. It was there that the believer
presented to his Lord his sacrifices. From early times people have been making
altars where they live, turning their domestic place into a sacred
space. The altar also spoke of God's indispensable blessings. In some
families a room was set apart for the prayers and whereas in others a corner of
their main room was set apart for prayer. The pictures are placed in such a way
that the people turn to the East. In such cases, pictures of the sacred heart,
Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, Holy Family, and Saints related their parish
churches were placed at the altar together with </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">candles and flowers. Those sacred objects
received from sacred places including the relics of saints were placed at this
family altar. </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">c.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dedication of the
Bible<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In each family, at
the centre of the family Altar, a Bible is placed with due respect. The height
should be planned in such a way that the children will not be able to take it
but the elders are able to read it at any time. The bible shall not be cover
with causal papers nor different household papers are not be kept in the
Bible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">d.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Daily Family Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hearing
the Church bells chiming, thrice a day, the angelus prayer was recited in the
family. The people used to stop their work and recite this prayer and then
continue to do their daily chorus. </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Holy Scripture
and the Cross were held in high veneration. </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Usually,
before or after the common prayer one reads a passage from the bible. In some
families they select the passage according to the liturgical calendar of the
Church.</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After
the evening church bell, the family with all the members together started the
family prayer, begun with the Angelus and then the Rosary. In some families,
canonical prayer of the church (<i>kanona
namaskaram</i>) is recited as a family. Divine mercy chaplet has a recent
origin that is said in the afternoon at 3 pm.</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Along with the traditional prayers, each
family member may tell one thing from the day for which he or she is grateful
to God. Before having food, reciting the table graces is another beautiful
tradition kept up in the families. It is also a practice to pray at the family
altar <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">e.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prayers for the Good Nature<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">St. Thomas Christians
depended for their livelihood much on the nature, the fields, the cattle, etc.
Natural calamities, unexpected attacks by the natural lives and sickness very
often caused for big loss for the agriculturists. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">f.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Holy water <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After
the blessing of the Holy Water on Holy Saturday, the families bring the holy
water home and place it near the entrance of their home. it is kept at the </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">font beside the front door </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">each time </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">those who go out and
come in, bless themselves with the Holy Water. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">9.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dress Code and
Ornaments<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
male used to wear an ornamented piece of cloth called <i>mundu, </i>tied round the waist downwards to the knees. Usually they
did not cover their chest side except for solemn occasions where they used a
decorated white cloth thrown over the shoulders. The males also used ornaments
at their ears, arms and neck. They used to grow their hair fully and tie up and
arrange it in such a manner that it is very beautiful and they fixed a golden
cross in it. Carrying a spear and other instruments in the hands was normal for
the males. Some say that the males beyond sixty grow their beard, become
devout, spending their days in fasts and prayers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nobility,
decency and modesty were manifest in the dress of the Thomas Christian women which
indeed helped them to have a high moral stand in their life and practice. They
wore a white garment sever yards long, and one and a quarter yard broad. A
number of fringes forming a fan like appendage behind rendered their dress
artistically elegant. The upper garment was called <i>kuppāyam</i>. When they went to the Church or wanted to meet the
priests, they covered with a long piece of white cloth with gold brocade, which
is drawn over the head and reaches to the ground leaving nothing but only the
face to be seen. The women used to hold an umbrella to avoid being seen by
males while they going out. They were very modest in work and behaviour and
were satisfied with their household work and the simple surroundings. The
females used ornaments which they wore in hands (<i>vala</i> or bracelets), legs (<i>tala</i>
or anklets), ears (<i>mekkāmotiram</i> and <i>kammal</i>), and neck (<i>patakkamaala</i>) but never at the nose. Apart from this they used also
loin ornaments (<i>ealas</i>), girdle (<i>aranjānam</i>) and rings. They used to grow
their hair as lengthy as possible. The earring was used by the girls from the
age of six. The widows did not use ornaments. The males and females did not use
shoes or sandals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">10.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eating Habits<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Apart from some
famous curries or dishes, those edibles made up of rice and coconut oil were
the most favourite edibles (<i>palaharam</i>)
among the St. Thomas Christians. <i>Achappam</i>,
<i>kuzhalappam</i>, <i>unniyappam</i>, <i>vatteppam</i>, <i>palappam</i>, <i>kozhikotta</i>, <i>neyyappam</i>, <i>ayani</i> etc. were some of them either
fried in coconut oil or prepared in steam. Ordinary food was rice and
vegetarian curry. Meat and fish was used only on special occasion like Sundays
and feast days. Pork and beef was not used at all. Consuming alcohol was
considered to be degradation for the family status. On special occasions, the
food was served in banana leafs and the people sat on the floor squatting.
People had food with fingers. Supper was served after the family prayers. A
rather strict time table was followed for a healthy life. Eating together was
also not common. The women did not eat with the men; wives and husbands are not
exception to this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">11.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Construction of the
House and Various Blessings<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">St. Thomas
Christians considered construction of houses to be a holy ceremony. In the
villages, they constructed houses facing the east or north, having nearby a stable,
well, cattle, garden, farm, etc. Some of the non-Christians practices were
adapted by St. Thomas Christians such as finding the position for the house,
well, stable which was done by traditionally accepted experts in that field. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Laying the
foundation stone was a ceremony done by the head/s of the family but now it is
done very often in the presence of the parish priest. Jesus spoke about the
corner stone and the construction of the house. Reminding the words of Jesus, a
corner stone used to be prepared and blessed by the parish priest embossing a cross
in it. Medals of the saints are usually placed in the corner stone as well as in
different corners of the foundation of the house too. The close family members
used to be invited for the ceremony, including the neighbours and construction
workers. Short prayer services were conducted throughout the construction of
the house such as at the time of fixing the main door (<i>kattila</i>), the main wooden pillar or beam (<i>utharam</i>), the main roofing or concreting the roof (<i>puramechil</i>), etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once
the construction of the house is over, it was a practice to dedicate the house
to the Lord, blessing the house by the Parish priest. During the preparation
for the blessing, near the family altar, a traditional <i>para</i> and <i>nilavilakku</i> are
kept on the floor. The family members including the extended family members
fill the <i>para</i> with a handful of
paddy. Towards the end, the head of the family fills the <i>para</i> above its brim. Before beginning the ceremony, the people used
to gather at the courtyard and the parish priest used to give the key of the
house to the head of the family who will open the main entrance of the house
and invite everyone to enter into the prayer hall. The prayer service starts by
lighting the <i>nilavilakku</i>. The parish
priest and then the eldest to the youngest of the family light the lamp. The
reading of the epistle and the prayer of the faithful are done by the family
members. The family dedication prayer (<i>kudumba
prathishta</i>) is led by the father or mother of the family. The priest
blesses not only the house but the whole area including the land, well, etc.
After the prayer, the parish priest light a candle from <i>nilavilakku</i> and reaches the kitchen and entrust it to the mother of
the family who light the stove. Milk is kept at the stove for the first time
and traditionally it is understood that the milk has to boil and overflow as a
symbol of prosperity. Everyone present there is given from that milk and sweet
edibles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">12.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">House Blessing and
Dedication to the Sacred Heart<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .25in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">House
blessing is an ancient tradition practiced by the Syro-Malabar families and the
priests whenever visited the house used to bless it. Now-a-days the house
blessing is done once in a year or two. It is usually performed by the</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parish_priest" title="Parish priest"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">parish priest</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">who while praying for the occupants, sprinkles</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_water" title="Holy water"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;">holy water</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">as he walks through every room of the house, accompanied by the head of
the family or other occupants of the house. Blessings, employed by Catholics
usually incorporate a picture of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Christ's crucifixion
and other related pictures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">The
Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the Friday
following the second Sunday after Pentecost. The Month of June is dedicated to
the Sacred Heart.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The enthronement will restore the family to Christ because the family is
putting Our Lord and His interest first. In return the Sacred Heart takes over
the interests of the family. </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: BookAntiqua;">Now a days we have a solemn celebration of
First Friday of every month, specially dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
with occasion for confession, adoration to the Blessed Sacrament, special
prayers etc. The other family members make it a point to make the arrangements
for their sick family members who are unable to go to the church for confession
and the Holy Communion on the First Friday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">13.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Family-Centred Catechetical
Formation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The family is the cradle of catechesis by which
faith was handed down from generation to generation. There is no comprehensive
and chronological exposition of the history of catechesis done in the families.
Hence, many things have to be traced from the historical documents and living
traditions of the Church. The basic catechism and prayers were taught by the
grandparents and parents in the families. The <i>Kathanars</i> (priests) who had their training from the Malpans were
the main catechists among the St. Thomas Christians. The <i>Aashan Kalaries</i> were also centres for the catechetical instruction
for children. Here, the children were taught the fundamental prayers and
principles of faith, even by non-Christian <i>Aashans</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In the early times of the Church, faith was handed
down from one generation to the next mainly through community and
family-centred catechesis by means of reciting the prayers and customary
practices. The catechesis of the St. Thomas Christians was not formal and
systematic; it was traditionally but informally handed over. The customary and
traditional practices of the St. Thomas Christians both in the family and
community were the best places of catechesis. </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">14.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Family Values<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 13pt;">The family of St. Thomas Christians replicated it as the original cell of the natural society
in which husband and wife were called to give themselves in love and in the
gift of life. Authority, stability, and a life of relationships within the
family constituted the foundations for freedom, security, and fraternity within
society. The family is the community in which, from childhood, one can learn
moral values, begin to honor God, and make good use of freedom. Family life is
an initiation into life in society. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="2208"></a>The family should live in
such a way that its members learn to care and take responsibility for the
young, the old, the sick, the handicapped, the poor, the widows, etc. (CCC No.
2207, 2208). The manners, appearances and the behaviour patterns of a person
tell us who he is and what his faith is. The Syrian Christians are a fine race
of people whose manners were rather ceremonious, but full of simplicity, honest
race with deepest truthfulness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 13pt;">St. Thomas Christians led a life in joint-families. The grant
father, if absent, the father was the head of the family. The parents and
elders (teachers, governors and spiritual leaders) were respected to its core
and very courteous towards the strangers and foreigners. Showing respect to
others is so common that they are particular not to sit in the presence of
their parents, seniors, elder brothers and superiors of any kind. These
courteous manners and respect towards the authorities helped them to keep peace
and unity in the land. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 13pt;">All the relatives of both father and mother were respected and
invited to be part of any family celebration. It was customary to invite all
paternal and maternal relatives for parish feasts, marriages, and commemoration
of the dead and other functions. Any time of the day, the relatives were
welcome. Once the guests came, even without informing, they were treated with
great hospitability, and shared with them whatever was available. </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
head of family was given the primary importance in the family and his decisions
always prevailed. The other family members always spoke to him with great
respect and fear and did not dare to fool around with him. Equal to the respect
given to him, he was to act according to the principles of justice, equity, and
lead the family, in most of the cases joint-family, to a proper direction. He
divided the property with justice and equity rather than the principle of
equality. He helped the poor and needy with generosity and compassion. The head
of the family distributed money and small financial assistance to all his close
relatives who attended the special occasions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">15.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Role of the Family Members </span></b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: #001c43; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In order to
live together in peace and harmony, each member of the family is to do the
duties and responsibilities well. St. Thomas Christians had certain traditions
in this regard as well. The distribution of household chores depends on the
age, sex, and health of every mem<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Role-of-a-Father"></a>ber. The</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #001c43; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><span style="color: #001c43; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">father,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #001c43; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> traditionally the head of family, is</span></span><span style="color: #001c43; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> the breadwinner and chief provider of the family. He
makes the major family decisions together with mother and with the help of
other members. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Role-of-a-Mother"></a>All the external affairs are done
by the father who involves also his male children as per their age and ability.
The</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #001c43; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><span style="color: #001c43; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">mother</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #001c43; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><span style="color: #001c43; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">is
the manager of the family affairs inside the family. She supervises and
coordinates the household tasks, fetching water, takes care of the children,
plans and prepares the family meals. Today, mothers also help earn a living to
increase the family income. The management of the family finances including the
budgeting was the primary duty of the father but the mother constantly involved
with the same, giving opinions to the father. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Girl-Siblings-roles"></a>The</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #001c43; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><span style="color: #001c43; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">girls</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #001c43; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><span style="color: #001c43; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">help the
mother in doing the household chores. These include dusting and sweeping,
preparing the meals, setting and clearing the table. The older girls attend to
washing, ironing clothes and taking care of younger brothers and sisters.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Boy-siblings-roles"></a> The</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #001c43; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><span style="color: #001c43; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">boys</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #001c43; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"> </span></span><span style="color: #001c43; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">are usually assigned the heavy work in the house. This
includes going to the market with the father or alone, planting and watering
the plants, cleaning the yard. Carpentry work is assigned to older boys who can
help father in making repairs in the house.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Changes-in-family-roles-nowadays"></a> Nowadays, father and mother, as well
as girls and boys in the family, share in almost all the house works. There are
times the home activities of one family may differ from those of other
families. The difference may depend on the size and income of the family.
Families with big income can afford to hire outside help who can do most of the
household task. Families with small income have to distribute the household
task among members.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">16.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></i></b><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kudumba Koottayma</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Taking Family units
called <i>Kudumbakoottayma</i> if
effectively conducted can serve as a powerful link between families and the
parish unit. Strong ties with the neibhouring families and the way they helped
each other and formed a communion is an amazing factor among St. Thomas
Christians. <i>Kudumba koottayma</i> brought
the neighbouring families together and with the spirit of the first Christian
community, the people prayed together and learnt the Bible. They discussed the
issues of the locality, of the society, of the parish, of the diocese and of
the Church at large during these family unit gatherings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">17.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Family as the “<i>Domestic Church</i>”. </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Home
became the place where the early Christians met to pray and celebrated the
Eucharist before they moved into Churches. In the family parents, by their word and example, are the first
messengers of God and the first
preachers of the faith to their children. Jesus learnt the formulas of
prayer from his mother (CCC 2599). Church defends the right of parents as the
first and primary educators of the faith. The whole family lead a p</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ro-sacramental life.
They received sacraments at proper time as per the traditions. A big number of
people attended the daily mass. All the family members except those sick,
physically handicap, and hindered by job did not attend the Sunday Holy
Qurbana. They had a great respect for the Bishops, Priests, Religious, and seminarians.
From the good things of the family, the family members were always ready to
share things with the parish priests and the religious. </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Nurturing vocation
to priestly and religious life was taken very seriously by the families. They
not only took proud in promoting vocation but also avoided everything which may
harm the vocations. An atmosphere was created by the families where the
children could convincingly respond to the divine call. During the malpanate
system, the families contributed the needs of the study of the seminarians. </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">18.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Family Migration: Agent
of Evangelization</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">The history of
humankind is a history of migration. History teaches us that migration is a
great means of evangelization. Migrants are the ambassadors of Christ and the
Church. St. Thomas Christians were courageous and bold people who got migrated
to different parts of the world. </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Migration
has great missionary and pastoral implications</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">. Migrants, with certain formation
in the family traditions, impart those traditions in the migrant places. Each migrant family has to preserve and hand down to
others, for the benefit of the believers and the whole world, what it has
inherited. The Individual family witnesses Jesus not in his or her individual
capacity but as the part of the Church as evangelization is an ecclesial act.
If it is an ecclesial act, it should be done by individuals or groups in
communion with the Church, in accordance with the Individual ecclesial and
spiritual traditions of the Church. </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">19.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Family Name</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">20.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Family Traditions for a stable Society<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One
can admire at the stability of the families of St. Thomas Christians. In fact
the families with the strongest ties tend to have the most traditions because
such traditions create and reinforce a sense of security among the family
members. When we do something again and again over the years and through the
generations, we tie together our past and our present. We link year to year,
childhood to adulthood, grandparent to child to grandchild, with shared
experiences, values and memories. Consistent family customs provide regular,
familiar patterns for a rhythm of life together. They add an element of
predictability to the cycle of family life that's both comfortable and
comforting. Customs that contribute to a family's uniqueness can give its
members a sense of who they are and where they belong. It gives us a chance to
say, "this is the way our family does it." Thus traditions serve as a
counterbalance to the intense pressure on youth to identify with their peers
instead of their families. Meaningful customs build a sense of closeness that
endures even long after children are grown and gone. Observing special days and
events gives us a chance to pause and reflect on our lives, to think about
what's most important and to share that with our children. Family customs
related to spirituality are much more than simple words or acts. The stable
families are the foundation stones and pillars of a stable society. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Books
referred:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thazhath Andrews, The
Juridical Sources of the Syro-Malabar Church (A Historico-Juridical Study), No.
106, OIRSI, Kottayam, 1987.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Pathikulangara Varghese, Thomayude Margam, No. 24, Denha Services,
Kottayam 1988.</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Menachery George, Glimpses of Nazraney Heritage, Saras, Thrissur,
2005.</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Manakatt Mathew and Puthenveettil Jose (Eds.), Syro-Malabar Theology
in Context, No. 292, OIRST, Kottayam, 2007.</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Thottakkara Augustine, East Syrian Spirituality, CIIS, Kerala 1990.</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Koodapuzha Xavier, The
Canonical Sources of the Syro-Malabar Church, No. 104, OIRSI, Kottayam, 1986. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">7.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thadikkattu Geo, Marthoma
Christyanikalude Parambaryangal, No. 113, ORISI, Kottayam, 1988.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">8.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eranattu Jacob, Kudumba
Liturgy, Mar Louis Book Centre, Cochin 1999.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">9.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mathoth Kurian, Marthomma christianikalude
Sabha Noottandukalilude, Deepanalam Publications, Pala 2008. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 27pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -22.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua";">10.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mukkadan Antony,
Marthommaslihayum Malankarayum, Mar Louis Memorial Press, Alwaye 1949.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-69450073086538745782014-03-24T11:19:00.000+05:302014-03-24T11:19:21.534+05:30<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 13pt;">Young Couples: A
Prioritized Thrust<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 13pt;">‘The worst kind of poverty’, it is said, ‘is that of
isolation‘. Marriage gifts one with companionship.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Most
of the Young Couples live in heaven, experiencing the exhilarations of human
love, giving and accepting, knowing deeply each other, playing the tunes for
the other, so on and so forth. The old couples generally cherish this period to
be best in their whole married life. At the same time, we cannot forget a
negligible number of unfortunate young couples, going through distressing
experiences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
young family is the cradle of faith formation. It is said, as the family, so
the Church. Our faith has been handed down to us from generation to generation
through families. </span><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 13pt;">By being an integral part of the community
that endeavours to keep burning coals of faith aglow, the young couples need to
keep intact the faith and values alive
through children.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Parents, by their word and example, need to be the first
preachers of the faith to their children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 13pt;">Along with that, they may also contribute willingly in
terms of their youthful energy, skills, knowledge in technology, networking
ability, planning and managerial skills coupled with compassion.<b> </b>Pope Francis says, “I have a dogmatic
certainty, God is in every person’s life. Even if the life of a person has been
a disaster, even if it is destroyed by vices, drugs or anything else – God is
in that person’s life“. Anchored in the wisdom and faith, young couples will
undoubtedly be the channels of grace in families, society, the church and the
nation at large.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">‘Young
couples’ has been prioritized as one of the most important thrusts for the
future of the Eparchy of Kalyan. A comprehensive study about it is in progress.
We have to find more inclusive ways by which we can help the young couples to
meet today’s expectations helping them in merging their daily life with the
larger evangelizing role given to them by our Master.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-61130080375740711742014-03-24T10:40:00.001+05:302014-03-24T10:40:07.090+05:30<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: -20.15pt; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Young Couples and <span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Difficulties
and Challenges</span> in Marriages <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0in; text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Dr. Francis Eluvathingal<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The
scope of this paper is to evaluate and to identify the difficulties and challenges
young couples face in their married life. </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Microsoft Sans Serif"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">As specified in the
Canon Law, by marriage a man and a woman enter into a contract giving their
personal consent to live together as partners for their whole life. This
contract is for a life of love, caring, understanding, communion, fellowship,
giving, taking, sacrifice, etc. The
model of Christian marriage as per St. Paul is the way Jesus loved the Church:
a total self-giving even at the cost of sacrificing one’s own life (Eph 5: 25).
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Various
Possibilities of Marriages in the Catholic Migrant Context<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In
this changed times, one may be surprised to see different types of marriages among
the migrants in mega cities such as arranged marriages, love marriages, civil
marriage between two free persons, civil marriage between one divorcee and the
other free, marriage between two divorcees, marriage into other religion,
marriage of convenience, living together of free or divorced, etc. From among the
total number of marriages more than 65% of them are arranged marriages between
two Syro-Malabar Catholics. The remaining are arranged marriages or love
marriages persons of other Catholic or non-Catholic Churches and about 10% with
non-Christians. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Some
Experiences<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 9pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Family
issues related to love marriages are on the rise nowadays. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 9pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Some love
marriages between Catholics and non-Christians are contracted with the
provision of the disparity of cult. But when they start living together, the
faith matters a lot for each one. The disparity then leads to conflicts
especially when there are children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 9pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The parents
insist that a Catholic should get married only to another Catholic especially
when they come to know about the religion of the other party. This situation
forces the Catholic party to heed the plea of the parents and finally give
consent to marry a Catholic. Unfortunately in some cases, they secretly continue
the relationship with the person in love. This obviously leads to the break-up
of marriage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 9pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Undue
interference of the parents in the family life and decision making of the children
leads to the break-up of marriage. Over possessiveness of the parents is found
to be another reason. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 9pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Spending
time together during the marriage preparation course also benefits positively
as they come to know each other in a deeper way. Sometimes they realize their incompatibility
and they decide to cancel the marriage. Cancelling the marriages after fixing
it or even after engagement is on the increase. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 9pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Church insists that a person must have sufficiently developed
faculties of intellect and will, to be able to judge and to will a truly human
act. Marriage involves decision making. Discretion of judgement refers to the
capacity of intellect and will to specifically evaluate, decide and freely
enter marriage. Intellectual maturity is the most basic level expected in the
adults who make a commitment for whole life. But unfortunately in some adults
this reasoning is overpowered by only emotions. Still worse situations occur
when this reasoning is done by some other minds like parents, or other kith and
kin.</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Difficulties
and Challenges:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt;">In the decision making process, who takes the final decision
for the new family: the young couples or their parents? A decision forced on by
the parents is undesirable. At the same time, many feel insecure about the
decisions taken by the young couples alone as it lacks perfection. I would say,
a perfect decision making should be a process where the young couples take the
final decision with the constant consultation with the parents who would help
them to evaluate and decide. A decision made by the parents against the will of
the young couples is unjustified. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I see serious dangers when the
youngsters got married only because they were in love. The only reason for
their marriage was ‘in love’. The other key factors for a successful married
life were not taken into serious consideration. Love need not be the only
component that sustains a whole life together but rather is one of the many important
components. What is necessary is that one loves the partner whom one marries.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Nowadays,
one of the major problems of the young couples is having different faiths as a
result of the Disparity of cult marriage. I analyse this problem as one where
our youngsters do not have the conviction that the person whom they marry should
also have the same faith. If our youngsters consider disparity of cult
marriages as the fashion of the day, living our faith as one family will be
almost impossible and it will result in the disintegration of the family thus
the stability of the community will be at stake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Conversion
of heart only should lead to conversion to another religion. I fear sometimes
that some non-Christians, get converted only for the sake of getting married.
In these cases usually there is no living of faith in the families. The
children, even if they are baptized, they are not given opportunities of family
prayers, Sunday obligations, nor they are sent for catechism classes. In some
cases, once the marriage is failed, even if they are converted Catholics, they
just go back to their original religion and do not care for collaborating for
anything further as per the laws of the church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Among the migrant families, the
most of the cases the families are very small. They suffer from the lack of
family bond and hence lack of strength. Hence the parents totally depend on
their children for their future. Many parents especially mothers suffer from
the insecurity feeling and hence show total dependence on their male children.
This leads to undue interference in their family life. This phenomenon affects the
growth of the newly wedded couple. There are complaints of the friction between
the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law which also leads to separated life of the
spouses. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">One or two children in the family
sometimes prevent the holistic development of the children. They get all they
want and need not share with anyone else. This leads to selfishness and egoism.
It is surprising to see the young families resist in sharing including their
salaries together. These are against the basic concept of family values of
giving and sacrificing. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The parents at that time of
migration in order to get foot hold in these cities had to undergo lots of
hardships. And they made sure that their children do not face the same
difficulties. Many elderly parents do not share their problems with their
children but they suffer in private. And some others do not include their
children in the decision making process. The parents take care of each and
every need of the family and of the children. Hence most of the children lack
practical knowledge and experience even to do small or big house hold
activities. When their children get married and found new families, they do not
know to take decisions, to handle many situations and do house hold activities.
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The young families undoubtedly need
follow up programmes after their marriage and looking at the current
development , this simply has to be done. The strain and stress of the job
situations, increased financial burdens and loans, lack of other family members
for offering a helping hand, etc. contribute tremendously to the pressure of
the young families and they are not able to cope with the rigorous schedule of
family life. These situations force them to neglect their prayer life and
Sunday obligations etc. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->9.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">For the growth in faith, the
small children need models and witnesses. In the Syro-Malabar Church tradition,
the grand-parents were also god-parents at the time of baptism of their
grand-children and they took initiatives for traditionally handing over the
faith to their grand-children. They were either living together or close by and
it was possible. Now among the migrant families, also because of lack of space
in small flats or houses, most of the young families live separately from their
parents and therefore the grand parents have no much chance to hand over the
faith to their newly born grand-children. This will definitely affect the
future of practising our faith in the young families. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">10.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Career
oriented women become independent in the families. They earn good salaries,
sometimes more than men. These situations create problems such as inferiority
complex in men, lack of time and lack of interest by the women in the family
affairs, consideration of rearing children a burden, no qualitative and
quantitative interaction with the extended family members etc. The females demands
equality with the males to enjoy certain freedom. </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">11.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The young families need lot of
follow up by the pastoral team in the parishes. Frequent enquiry about the
well-being of the families, making sure of their presence together for the
ecclesial activities, informal talks about the life adjustments of the young
families, invitation for counselling when problems are observed, etc. should be
under the permanent vigilance of the pastoral team. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">12.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Family counselling cell and reconciliation
forums are the need of the hour to help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">13.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Some Practising Catholics do not
have the wedlock. It is a challenge to our community and for its stability. Wedlock
becomes a reason for anonymity for some migrants when they have contracted some
irregular marriages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0.25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">14.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Alcoholism, TV/Internet/mobile
addictions, fun-picnic loving nature, free movement with friends, relativism,
consumerism, t</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">he onslaught of globalization, nuclear
family culture, imitation of the western culture, development of technology and
the resultant misuse of it, workaholism, wreaked havoc in the life and faith
life </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">are the
other dangers affecting the married life</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">.</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">CONCLUSION<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -20.25pt 0.0001pt 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The Syro-Malabar
church has a very rich tradition and patrimony which our forefathers treasured,
preserved and handed down through centuries along with unwavering faith. By
upholding sanctity of marriage, fidelity in marriage, maintaining family ties
and reputation they carried forward this legacy. The young couples need to
cherish these traditions and give due worth for the spiritual customs and life.
Though it might seem difficult, the pastors of the Church with the
collaboration of all need to address the issues related to the young couples
and to safe guard the faith of the individuals, families and the
community. </span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-75876240146711972342013-11-24T12:14:00.001+05:302013-11-24T12:14:54.686+05:30<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 13pt;">SILVER JUBILEE
WELCOME SPEECH<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">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.<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;">1)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;">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<sup>th</sup> Nov 2013, he completes
3 years), we heartily welcome you to the silver jubilee celebrations of the Diocese
of Kalyan. </span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;">Rev.
Msgr. Jacob Porathur, Proto Syncellus of the Diocese</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> is requested to
welcome our Honorable Chief Minister garlanding him. </span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;">2)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">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. </span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;">Rev. Fr. Paul
Olickal, Eparchial Finance Officer</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> garlands our Father and Head of our Church and
the president of Today’s Public Meeting. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 13pt;">Archbishop Salvarore Pennachio, Apostolic Nuncio to India</span></u><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 13pt;"> of the Pope Francis has informed his inability to attend
this function, but has sent a message for us: I quote</span><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">, “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.”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;">3)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;">Another eminent
personality we have amidst us is <u>Justice Kurian Joseph</u>, a<u> </u>Supreme
Court Justice. Honorable Justice Kurian Joseph was elevated to the status of Supreme Court Justice on 8<sup>th</sup> 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. <b>Mr. K. P.
Francis (Eparchial Finance Council member) garlands Justice Kurian Joseph. <u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 3.75pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;">4)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">We have with us today <u>Mrs. Janet Lawrence D’ Souza</u></span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> the Vice Chairperson of Maharashtra State Minority
Commission.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #313030; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> D’Souza is also the Director of Maulana Azad
Minorities Development Financial Corporation (Govt. of Maharashtra).</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"> She </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #313030; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">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. </span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;">Rev. Sr. Marykutty Michael (Family Council) does the
honors of garlanding Mrs. D’souza.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;">5)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;">Another proud son of Syro Malabar church is <u>Mr. Johny Joseph</u>, a
person of great integrity. After over</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> three-and-a-half decades of meritorious service
in the bureaucracy, including as the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra Government,
he </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">continues
his service as Upa-Lokayukta.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> He has many feathers in his cap such as </span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Earthquake Rehabilitation project for Latur earthquake
victims through the reconstruction of 40,000 houses under his leadership, </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">introducing the </span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">digitized Disaster Management Information System, etc. We whole heartedly welcome you to this
august gathering.<b> Mr. Antony Bernard (Former
Pastoral Council Sec.) does the honour of greeting him.</b></span><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><u><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">6)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">We have with us <u>Shri. Jagannath Achanna Shetty,</u>
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. </span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;">Mr. Andrew K. J.
(Eparchial Contact Person for the Civil authorities) garlands the MLA.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;">7)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">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.
</span><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Mr. Bose Paul (Former Pastoral Council Sec.)
greets him.</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> <span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13pt;">8)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><u><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Mrs. Thanksy F.
Thekkekara IAS</span></u><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-size: 13pt;">now
serves this State as the Additional Chief Secretary</span><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #444444; font-size: 13pt;">, of the Department of </span><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222; font-size: 13pt;">Minorities Development</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">. 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.</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> I request Rev. Sr. Rosamma (CRI Secretary) to garland Mrs. Thekkekkara.</span></b><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 13pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 13pt;">9)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> <span lang="DE">Rt. Rev. Dr. Stanislaus Fernandes, S.J. (WRBC Chairman & </span></span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Archbishop of Gandhinagar</span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">).<b> </b></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;">Mr. P. J. Aprain (Karunya Trust
Trustee)</span></b><b><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"> garlands him.</span></b><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">10)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Mar Andrews Thazhath (KCBC President and Archbishop of
Trichur)</span><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> <span lang="EN-US">is </span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">garlanded by</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> Dr. Alan Alappatt (Social Security Scheme-Idea)</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">. </span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">11)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">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<sup>th</sup> November to inaugurate the Jubilee
Convention. Bishop Rodrigues represents the Archdiocese of Mumbai. He was
ordained a Bishop on 29<sup>th</sup> of June this year. Wishing him all the
best for his ministry, we welcome him to our midst. <b>He will be garlanded by </b></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;">Mr. M. V. Chacko (One
of the Sponsors of Jubilee).</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">12)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Mar Jacob Barnabas Chacko Aerath, O.I.C. (Apostolic
Visitor, Syro-Malankara Church) <b>will be
garlanded by </b></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;">Mr. K. J. Joseph (One of the Sponsors of Jubilee)</span></b><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">13)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">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.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;">Mr. Bose Joseph (One of the Sponsors of Jubilee)
garlands him.</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b></span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;">14)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> 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. </span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">It
is the farsightedness, vision and planning of Mar Thomas Elavanal that has led
us to reach this day. <b>Rev. Fr. Anoop Poyyaniyil (Priests Representative) garlands our
bishop.</b> <b>Rev. Fr. John Koovakunnel (Priests Representative</b>
garlands Mar Paul Chittilapilly.<b> </b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">15)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> Mr. P. J.
Xavier (Pastoral Council Member) garlands</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.
Abp Abraham Viruthukulangara (Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Nagpur)</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;">.</span></b><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">16)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Mrs Ommana Aprem (Mathrusangam Former Diocesan President)
garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Abp Raphael Cheenath, S.V.D.</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;"> (Archbishop Emeritus of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dcubh.html">Cuttack-Bhubaneswar</a>).
</span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">17)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Mrs. Rosamma Joseph (Mathrusangam Former Diocesan President)
garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bp. Lourdes Daniel (Bishop of the
Diocese of Nasik).</span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">18)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Mrs. Lissy Jose (Mathrusangam Former Diocesan President)
garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mar Joseph Pallickaparambil (Bishop
Emeritus of the Diocese of Palai.</span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">19)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Mrs. Vimala Xavier (Mathrusangam Former Diocesan President)
garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mar Jacob Manathodath (Bishop of the
Eparchy of Palghat).</span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">20)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> Mr. Joy Paul (KEY Ex-ICYM Rep) garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mar Joseph Arumachadath, MCBS (Bishop of Bhadravathi).</span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">21)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> Ms. Christina (a Dexco member) garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mar Remigius Inchananiyil (Bishop of the Diocese of
Thamarassery).<b> </b></span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">22)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> Mr. Albert Manjaly (National-Best Youth Award
winner) garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mar Vijay Anand
Nedumpuram CMI (Bishop of the Diocese of Chanda).</span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">23)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"> Bro. Mathews
Mundadan garlands</span></b><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"> Mar
Sebastian Vadakkel (Bishop of Ujjain). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">24)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Ms.
Honey Thomas (who took delivery from railway station, a Vartak Nagar
parishioner) garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mar Antony Chirayath
(Bishop of the Diocese of Sagar).</span><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">25)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> Mr. Joseph Puthussery (National-Best Youth Award
win) garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mar Simon Stock
Palathara (Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Jagdalpur)<b>.</b></span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">26)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Ms.
Rony Baby (who took delivery at Vasai railway station) garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mar Joseph Kollamparampil CMI (Bishop of Jagdalpur).</span><b><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">27)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Ms.
Siji Vincent (Alert citizen who caught the thief from ATM centre) garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mar Jose Chittooparambil CMI (Bishop of the Diocese of
Rajkot).</span><b><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">28)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> Mr. Sam Scaria (Catechism
Department Secretary) garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Msgr.
Jacob Porathur (Proto syncellus of the Diocese of Kalyan).</span><b><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">29)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Bro. Jerine Chittilapilly (Regency Brother) garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rev. Fr. Antony Kollannur (Chancellor, Major Archiepiscopal
Curia of the Syro-Malabar Church). </span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">30)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Mr. Babu Mathew (Lantern Editorial Team member) garlands
</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mr. Babu Thomas (MPCC Vice-President).</span><b><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: DE; mso-bidi-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Book Antiqua"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">31)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13.0pt; layout-grid-mode: line;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; layout-grid-mode: line;">Bro. Nikhil Xavier
(Prefect, Minor Seminary) garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Fr.
George Vadakkethala (a priest who had been giving pastoral care even before the
formation of the diocese). </span><b><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: DE; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">32)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> Mr. Roy J. Kottaram (Pastoral Council
executive) garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Fr. Joseph
Cheriampanatt MST (Mission Superior and Syncellus of Sangli Mission run by MST
fathers).</span><b><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">33)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Dr. C. P. Johnson (KLM Secretary) garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Fr. Thomas Kannanaikkal CMI (Mission Superior and
Syncellus of Chavara Mission run by CMI fathers).</span><b><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">34)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> Mr. Thomas – Dapodi (Catechism Head Teacher)
garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Fr. Sajoy Ethackatt VC
(Mission Superior and Syncellus of Ahmednagar Mission run by VC fathers) </span><b><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">35)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Mr. George Anchil(Charismatic Movement Ex-Chairman)
garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Fr. Jose Polackal MCBS
(Mission Superior and Syncellus of Satara-Solapur Mission run by MST fathers).</span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">36)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Mr. George Paul (Social Action team member) garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rev. Fr. Joju Arackal (Presbyterium Secretary).</span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">37)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Mr. Chacko Antony (Vice President, Pithruvedi) garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rev. Sr. Alice Kripa CMC (Secretary of CRI).</span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">38)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Bro. Danny Chittilapilly (Regency Brother) garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rev. Sr. Blossom CHF (Provincial of Mary Matha Vice
Province, Jalgaon).</span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">39)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Mr. Savio George (Secretary, Pithruvedi) garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Adv. Malayil Joseph Kurian (General Convenor, Diocesan
Inauguration Steering Committee).</span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><em><span lang="DE" style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal;">40)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></em><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Ms. Jisha (Secretary of Jesus Nurses Fraternity) garlands
</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mr. P.J. Mathew (KCA President). </span><em><span lang="DE" style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">41)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Ms. Alphy (Jesus Youth, Service Team) garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prof. Mrs. Rosily Thomas (Secretary of Pastoral Council),
the first woman pastoral council secretary the whole of India. </span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">42)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Mr. P.A. Joseph (Charismatic Renewal, Chairman) garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mr. Jose Joseph (President of Kalyan Laity Movement)</span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">43)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Ms. Diana Thomas (Dexco member of KEY) garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mr. PKX Thomas ( President of Pithruvedi).</span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">44)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Master Vineet Paul (Altar Boys Rep) garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mrs. Aleyamma Sebastian (President of Mathrusangam).</span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">45)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Ms. Mary Varghese (Dexco) garlands </span></b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Ms. Sruthi Sunny (DEXCO Member of KEY)</span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;">46)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Ms. Steffy Rose (Dexco) garlands</span></b><span style="font-size: 13pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Ms. Adna Peyus (Catechism Student).</span><span lang="DE" style="font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.05in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">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.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">A special welcome
to the Pastoral, zonal, parish council members, Pithruvedi, Mathrusangam,
youth, catechism, and all other associations, departments, movements. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Jai
Yesu, Hai Hind, Jai Maharashtra<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif";"> </span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Fr. Francis
Eluvathingal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">Programme Committee
Chairman and Chancellor of Eparchy of Kalyan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-67265956099301075982013-11-22T23:03:00.001+05:302013-11-22T23:03:27.850+05:30Pope Francis and Heads of the Catholic Oriental Churches<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
TO THE HEADS OF THE ORIENTAL CHURCHES: SET AN EXAMPLE OF SOBRIETY</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
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'”.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
“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”.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
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”.</div>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">______________________________</span><wbr style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;"></wbr><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">_____________________________ </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;" /><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
WE MUST NOT RESIGN OURSELVES TO IMAGINING A MIDDLE EAST WITHOUT CHRISTIANS</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
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.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
“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”.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
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”.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
“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”.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
“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”.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
“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”.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
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”.</div>
Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-749681465986615030.post-73292079172568183492013-09-01T15:49:00.000+05:302017-11-10T15:51:48.999+05:30Gratitude of Pietro Parolin<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">At this moment, in which my appointment as Secretary of State is made public, I desire to express deep and affectionate gratitude to the Holy Father, Francis, for the unmerited trust he is showing me, and to make known to him once again my willingness and complete availability to work with him and under his guidance for the greater glory of God, the good of the Holy Church, and the progress and peace of humanity, that humanity might find reasons to live and to hope.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I feel very strongly the grace of this call, which is yet another and the latest of God’s surprises in my life. Above all, I feel the full weight of the responsibility placed upon me: this call entrusts to me a difficult and challenging mission, before which my powers are weak and my abilities poor. For this reason, I entrust myself to the merciful love of the Lord, from whom nothing and no one can ever separate me, and to the prayers of all. I thank all those who have shown and who, starting now, will show me understanding, as well as for any and all manner of help that anyone might desire to offer me in my new undertaking. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">My thoughts go to my family and to all the persons who have been part of my life: in the parishes into which I was born and in which I served; in the dear Diocese of Vicenza; at Rome; in the countries in which I have worked – from Nigeria, to Mexico, and most recently in Venezuela, which I am sorry to leave. I think also of Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI, who ordained me bishop, I think of the Secretariat of State, which was my home for many years, of His Eminence, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, of the other Superiors, colleagues and collaborators and of the whole Roman Curia, as well as of all those who represent the Holy Father and the Holy See diplomatically around the world. I owe a great debt to all.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">It is with trepidation that I place myself in this new service to the Gospel, to the Church and to Pope Francis, but also with trust and serenity – disposed – as the Holy Father <a href="http://whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/2013/03/francis-agenda-to-walk-to-build-to.html" style="color: #996699; text-decoration: none;">asked us at the beginning</a> [of his pontificate] – to walk, to build and to profess.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">May our Lady, whom I like to invoke under her titles as Our Lady of Monte Berico, Guadalupe and Coromoto, give us, “The courage, to walk in the presence of the Lord, with the Lord’s Cross; to build the Church on the Lord’s blood which was poured out on the Cross; and to profess the one glory: Christ crucified. And in this way, the Church will go forward.”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">And, as they say in Venezuela, <i>“¡Que Dios les bendiga!”</i> [God bless you!].</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Caracas, 31 August 2013</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span>Eluvathingalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06798184300612472301noreply@blogger.com0