No resolution for Ernakulm Archeparchy over celebration of Uniform Mass
Aug 17, 2023
Kochi (Kerala) [India], August 17 : The ongoing faceoff over the celebration of the Holy Mass at the Archeparchy of Ernakulam–Angamaly continues despite the efforts of the representative of the Vatican Archbishop Cyril Vasil. The Archbishop has been mandated by the Pope to reach a settlement between two factions of the Syro Malabar Church.
The row stems over the decision of the Vatican to enforce uniform celebration of the Holy Mass, where the priest would face the congregation for first half of the mass and the Altar for the second half. The holy mass is a ritual in memory of Christ’s last supper with his 12 disciples.
The St. Mary’s Basilica in Ernakulum was closed for 265 days and opened for the public after Archbishop Vasil celebrated mass on August 14 under police protection.
The Pontifical delegate then wrote a letter to both factions appealing to the priests to stay true to their oath and commitments taken at the time of their Ordination. He also conveyed in his letter that it is the Pope's wish that Priests of the diocese agree with Synodal decisions on the celebration of uniform Mass.
However, St. Marys Basilica believers objected to this decision and on Thursday staged a protest burning Pontifical Delegate's letter to showcase their protest. The believer’s association said that “Archbishop Mar Cyril Vasil only exercises authority over the existing administrator. Uniform Mass will not be held on 20th August. The people will oppose the action taken."
The believers of the Archeparchy of Ernakulam–Angamaly want to continue in celebrating Mass with the priests facing the believers instead of the uniform way suggested by the Pope.
The matter continues to be unresolved with the Syro-Malabar synod (meeting of Church elders) scheduled for the 21st of August till the 26th.
The Rebel faction of the diocese says “The people here will decide whether they should go inside the Synod on 21st or leave on the 26th"
With the Vatican determined to enforce its diktat on the celebration of Uniform Mass the Syro-Malabar church continues to be hit with controversy.
