Syro-Malabar Church
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Land scam: 2017-18
Pope divests powers of Kerala cardinal mired in land ‘scam’, June 23, 2018: The Times of India
Pope Francis divested Cardinal George Mar Alencherry, head of the Syro Malabar church, of his administrative powers on Friday and entrusted them to the Bishop of Palghat, Jacob Manathodath, who has been appointed ‘Administrator Sede Plena’ for the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese.
The move comes six months after several priests of the Syro Malabar sought the Holy See’s intervention in the wake of allegations that Cardinal Alencherry and three others sold properties belonging to the diocese at a much discounted price, resulting in substantial financial loss to the church. An auxiliary bishop alleged that this precipitated “a moral crisis”.
It was alleged that Cardinal Alancherry, pro vicar-generals Fr Joshy Puthuva and Fr Sebastian Vadakkumpadan and a layman Saju Varghese sold properties at five locations, totalling about 3 acres. After the controversy spilled over into public domain, the Kerala HC on March 6 ordered cops to file an FIR against Cardinal Alencherry and others, but on May 22 set aside the single bench’s order.
The Vatican has reportedly directed the new administrator not to involve the Major Archbishop in decisions regarding the archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, and to form a Synodal committee to assist him in his tasks.
Reacting to the development, Cardinal Alencherry put up a brave face. “He (Bishop Manathodath) will be in charge of the administration. I will remain archbishop and I will be kept in the loop on the functioning of the archdiocese,” he said.
YEAR-WISE DEVELOPMENTS
2020
Santa Anastasia basilica, Rome, assigned
Syro-Malabar Church gets 4th century basilica in Rome, July 20, 2020: The Times of India
Kochi:
Santa Anastasia Minor Basilica in Rome, one of the oldest Christian churches and one of the oldest minor basilicas in the world, has been assigned to Kerala based Syro-Malabar Church (SMC) by the Vatican. SMC said in a press statement on Sunday that Cardinal Angelo de Donatis, the vicar general of Pope Francis for the diocese of Rome, has issued a decree, assigning the fourth century church to SMC. “This basilica from now on would become the centre of pastoral activities of the faithful of the Syro-Malabar Church which is one of the foremost Oriental Churches in apostolic tradition and the zeal of faith,” the SMC said.
Emperor Constantine started the construction of the basilica during 325-326 AD. Situated very close to the Colosseum, the church is built on the Palatine Hill, the administrative centre of the Roman empire. Until the end of the 7th century, Popes celebrated Christmas mass in this basilica. St Jerome, the Bible scholar, preached in this church. Built in the baroque style, the church is famous for its architectural splendour and decorative works. “A priest designated by the Syro-Malabar major archbishop will be appointed as the chaplain of the Syro-Malabar Catholics. The chaplain of the Syro-Malabar Catholics will be also be the rector of the Basilica,” Fr Abraham Kavilpurayidathil, PRO of SMC, said.
