Vatican Information
FROM THE ORIENTAL CHURCHES
Vatican City, 10 November 2012 (VIS) - The Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church, meeting at Mount St. Thomas near Kerala, India, with the prior assent of the Holy Father has canonically elected Fr. George Madathikandathil as bishop of Kothamangalam of the Syro-Malabars (area 1,840, population 787,100, Catholics 230,760, priests 282, religious 2,494), India. The bishop-elect was born in Purapuzha, India in 1956 and ordained to the priesthood in 1980. He taught Canon Law at the St. Thomas Pontifical Seminary of Vadavathor, where he also served as vice-rector and then rector. He is currently pastor of St. Mary's Church in Arakuzha. He succeeds Bishop George Punnakottil, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same eparchy the synod accepted, in accordance with canon 210 para. 1 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches.

CBCI information Kothamangalam

In the light of the Communication received from the Apostolic Nunciature, I wish to inform you that the Synod of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church gathered at Mount St. Thomas, Kerala, has canonically elected Rev. Fr. George Madathikandathil as Eparch of Kothamangalam, after receiving prior Pontifical assent. The newly elected Eparch succeeds Right Reverend George Punnakottil, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the above mentioned Eparchy was accepted by the Synod according to CCEO 210 § 1. 

This ecclesiastical provision was made public in Rome on Thursday, 10^th January, 2013, at noon local time, corresponding to 16:30 hours, Indian Standard Time. 

Date of Birth: 09/05/1956 

Date of Ordination: 23/12/1980

Studies: Philosophy-Carmelgiri Alwaye (1974 1977), Theology-Mangalapuzha Alwaye (1977 1980)

Higher Studies: P.D.C., B.Th., Doctorate (Oriental Institute Rome-1984 1989)

Mathrubhumi Mumbai Edition on 1.1.13

In the Context of Gang Rape - About the Security of Women

Ten Ways for a Social Change to improve the Security of the Women

This short note on ten methods for a social change is a result of the present context of the increased atrocities against the women, gang rape, consequent death, suicide and murder. A social change is understood to be the need of the hour.

1.    Male-Female Equality: In the mental, physical and social stature, though man and women have different roles in the society, as far as the humanness is concerned both man and women are equal. This concept of equality has to become a conviction and the order in the families and in the Indian society. The mentalities that the woman can be attacked and used and the man can use and attack woman are to be totally changed.

2.    In the field of Education: India has to develop an Education system based on the Human culture and basic human values. Serious study, research, discussions and seminars are to be conducted on the topics of women empowerment, equal respect for the women, etc for which the educational institutions have to take the lead.

3.    Laws that Protect: Strict systems and laws are to be legislated against the physical and mental attacks on women such as mental and physical assaults, dowry related issues, sexual abuse, etc. In order to bring back the erring persons, any punishment given should be curative either the person who commits or the society who watches like condemning, imploring and rebuking and even imposing typical penalties.

4.    Women Empowerment: The women should get out of the feeling that they are feeble and vulnerable. The women themselves should not be their enemy.  Individually and collectively, they need to grow with self-respect and respecting the other women.

5.    Mentality of the Men: Unfortunately the men make mockery of their manhood by attacking the women. A real man will never attack a woman but only protect the life and interest of the woman.

6.    Individual and Social Consciousness: The individuals and the society should neither encourage nor support those who are inclined to to commit delicts. The Individuals and the society have to have a strong moral conscience, deep rooted values, courage, and fearlessness to prevent such evil doers and evil actions.

7.    Harmful Freedom should be controlled: By the use of alcohol, drugs and through the misuse of the media, in certain moments the human persons are turned to be like beasts. Human person through their own will and the government through the laws and actions should be able to effectively control the harmful freedom.

8.    Dangerous Situations to be Avoided: Girls and Ladies need to avoid dangerous situations that might lead others to commit delicts such as inordinate dressing and body language, travelling alone in odd timings, etc.

9.    Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Unnecessary hiding the attacks on the women will be of no use. Any attack leaves mental or physical after effects on the victim. They need to be helped by experts. In the same way, those who commit delicts need not be protected. NGOs should take initiative to eradicate this social evil with constant efforts and bring the criminals before justice.

10.                    Role of the Government: Government should be committed to make sure the security of the human persons through persistent vigilance, immediate actions, enforcing the discipline, law and order through strict and uncorrupt justice system. Justice delayed justice denied.

Written by

Dr. Francis Eluvathingal

Powai, Mumbai