KOCHI: The dire crisis faced by the Syro-Malabar Church has been eased after priests, believers and bishops reached an agreement on the implementation of unified mass.
The majority of priests and believers of Ernakulam Angamaly archdiocese are of the opinion that they will offer only the Janabhimukha Kurbana which has been going on for four decades. However, the church leadership accepted the position that at least one unified Mass could be offered as a compromise. With this, the proposal to expel the priests who do not obey the instruction was withdrawn from today, which is St. Thomas Day.
Although the Church will not back down from the unified mass that was implemented in 35 and 34 dioceses of the Church, it decided to give more time to the Archdiocese. Majority of the priests and believers were angry when the Major Archbishop announced that the dissident priests would be expelled. There was also a situation where believers clashed in churches. The Vatican also saw the crisis in the 4.3 lakh member church with concern.
Understandings
It is a delusion that they can leave the church and can remain an independent church.
-Raphael Thattil, Major Archbishop
Archdiocese will withdraw from agreement if action is taken against priests for not offering unified Mass
-Fr Sebastian Thalian, Convener, Archdiocesan Protection Committee
Unless a decision is made in August on ordaining deacons, no unified mass will be celebrated in any church.
-Riju Kanjookaran, Almaya Munnettam
Unified Mass
1999: Synod decision
9 July 2000: Implemented in some areas
August 2021: Decision to be implemented everywhere
2023 July 3: Pope also gives instruction
December 25, 2023: Pope's rebuke
June 9, 2024: Ultimatum to be implemented from today