At the conclusion of the meeting of the bishops, Card. Alencherry made known the request that was made to the pontiff for the archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, which does not accept the “unified” rite for the celebration of the Eucharist. Meanwhile, the basilica, which has been closed for more than 200 days, will reopen, but Santa Qurbana can only be celebrated in the manner established by the Synod.
Kochi () – The major archbishop of the Syro-Malabars, Card. George Alencherry, issued a circular at the conclusion of the special Synod that took place in recent days and explained that the bishops have asked the Pope to grant a papal delegate for the archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly. This great diocese has long become the heart of the internal conflict of this Eastern-rite Catholic Church. The central point of disagreement is the compromise on the unique way of celebrating Holy Qurbana – as the Mass is called in the local tradition – which was decided by the Syro-Malabar Synod in the summer of 2021, in response to the invitation to the unity reiterated on several occasions by Pope Francis.
The statement of Card. Alencherry explains that the delegate’s task would be to promote true synodality, understood as “the walking together of the people of God.” The Synod reiterates that the uniform mode of celebration will be implemented and that the opposition of any of the dioceses will not influence this decision.
The critical point of the liturgical dispute is the orientation of the priest during the celebration. The “uniform” liturgy -a compromise solution between the different forms used previously- establishes that in the first part of the celebration and in the Liturgy of the Word the priest faces the faithful and then turns towards the altar (” in the same direction in which the faithful are looking”) at the central moment of consecration and Eucharistic rites. Finally, in the final part after communion, the celebrant turns to face the assembly.
This solution, which came into force when Advent 2021 began, has provoked strong rejection in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, whose clergy, supported by the faithful, have so far refused to apply it.
“Synod representatives held discussions at various levels,” Alencherry explains. We have asked the Holy Father to establish a modality in which more productive discussions can be held. The Synod also called for the authorization of a papal delegate for the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, in order to correct anti-ecclesial positions and explain the need for synodality. The Holy Father has assured that he will take this into account.”
“The Synod – the circular continues – does not want to divide the archdiocese or change its geographical borders. Rather, he intends to appoint an archbishop with independent governing powers for the archdiocese, and has requested that the Holy See take steps in this regard.”
Meanwhile, the Synod has decided to reopen the Ernakulam Basilica, which was closed for 202 days due to the ongoing dispute. The decision was made during a meeting that took place on Wednesday between the episcopal committee appointed by the Syro-Malabar Synod and representatives of the basilica.
The Synod communicated that there will be no Eucharistic celebration in the basilica until the unified liturgy decided by the Synod is implemented. No other rite will be interrupted. Vicar Mon explained that the Qurbana can only be officiated according to the rite approved by the Synod. If the opposite happens, the basilica will be closed again. This decision was also met with protests by the faithful gathered in front of the sanctuary.
