“Black Sunday of the Syro Malabar Church” Syro Malabar Laity Forum

Sabu Tom, Regional reporter, India.

Outranged faithful reacted at the Churches, protesting the imposing uniformity in Liturgy by Syro Malabar Synod. Faithful disrupted reading of the circular at the Churches.

Syro Malabar Church is praised for its highest morale. The subservient devotees of the Roman authorities have been role models for the universal Church. This image of the good Catholics crashed down as a criminally accused Major Archbishop issued a circular on a controversial issue of uniformity of the Holy Mass. The unanimous decision to disregard the circular issued by the Syro Malabar Synod was passed by the clergy of the Archdiocese of Ernakulam, Irinjalakuda, and Trichur. 99% of clergy followed the decision of the Dioceses not to read it , whereas trouble makers of Major Archbishop triggered off the pandora box of conflicts and tensions at the Churches. The outraged faithful began to assemble at the Churches, and they burned the circular in front of their home parishes. A particular parish witnessed outbursts and angry reactions from the laity and the reading of the circular was interrupted by angry parishioners of the Church.

"Today is a black Sunday in the Syro Malabar Church as the Synod's decisions overthrow our age-old customs and traditions. Synod never heeds to the voice of the people of God. We are upset and angry as the criminally accused Major Archbishop tries to destroy peace at the parishes. It should be resisted." Faithful of Sanjopuram parish, Aluva told to the news media.

Major Archbishop is facing 16 criminal cases in Indian courts and lately he was reprimanded by the High court of Kerala for his involvement in criminal deeds that he allegedly committed. The Liturgy issue is a cover up to divert the attention of his criminal cases.

The anger and conflicts are bursting out among the faithful and the law and order situation is deteriorating as the public protest and outpouring of reactions flooded in the social media.

'"The universal Church is celebrating the feast of Mother Teresa, someone who lived the real message of Christ is a role model,where as Pope and authorities of Rome try to cover up the criminal deeds of Major Archbishop. It does not give any good message. What they are saving? the Church or power mongering archbishop. We do have high esteem and respect to Pope, but these kinds of cover up to whitewash the corrupted Major Archbishop is a scandalous move . It kills the faith we have received from our ancestors" The catechism teacher of Aluva parish reacted.