Paurastya Vidyāpīṭham Journals
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Particular Law on Parish Assembly and The Palliyogam Procedure Rules of The Syro-Malabar Church Twenty-Five Years After
No full textWhile the Palliyogam-Procedure Rules apply to the entire Syro-Malabar Church, a provision allows for adaptation to specific situations within an eparchy. For instance, Rule 73 grants the eparchial bishop the authority to make necessary adaptations to these rules “on account of the special features, customs, or practice of his eparchy.” Such adapted rules are binding within that eparchy. Rule 74 further permits an eparchial bishop to make provisions in his eparchy to resolve difficulties or doubts “not inconsistent with the purpose of these rules.” However, as stated in Rule 78, any parish custom or practice inconsistent with these rules is superseded upon the rules’ enforcement. The details outlining the constitution and functions of Palliyogam illustrate how various Christian faithful in a parish are represented in significant bodies involved in decision-making on essential aspects of parish life. The parish priest’s role is that of a coordinator or facilitator in the decision-making process. Nevertheless, criticisms often arise, claiming that current norms do not adequately reflect the ancient tradition of the Syro-Malabar Church, with laypeople not given sufficient roles and decisions primarily made by pastors. Some argue that Church properties should be handled exclusively by the laity without clergy intervention. While the Palliyogam-Procedure Rules grant a significant role to the laity in parish decision-making, criticisms emerge due to pastors disregarding lay opinions and attempting to monopolise the decision-making process. Adequate training and conscientisation for laypeople are crucial for active participation in yogams and influencing the decision-making process. Pastors also need training to recognise and respect the proper roles of lay functionaries without unnecessary interference. The Palliyogam-Procedure Rules are enacted by the Synod of Bishops, the highest legislative authority in the Syro-Malabar Church. While civil authorities generally accept the Church’s legislative authority regarding internal discipline, the stipulation preventing legal proceedings against matters related to these rules, except through recourse to ecclesiastical authorities,71 may pose challenges if legally challenged, as it limits an individual’s civil rights
The Impact of Yogam (Assembly) of St Thomas Christians on the Ecclesial Governance of the Syro-Malabar Church
No full textThis study proposes to examine how far the heritage of yogam of the St Thomas Christians has found itself in the new institutions of the SMC such as major archepiscopal and eparchial assemblies and its palliyogam. In the ancient STC, laity had a prominent position in the administration of the Church. The institution called yogam, in which laity and clergy participated with equal rights, had decision-making power on important matters regarding Church administration. As an example, we have cited the yogam’s decision to send the Cariattil-Paremmakkal delegation to represent STC’s concerns before the pope. STC did not seek approval/confirmation for that decision from any authority, although the majority of participants in that yogam were laity. As a result of Latinisation, the power of yogam declined over the years and nearly disappeared from that Church. Yogam, with its ancient power, has not been resuscitated in the present law of SMC. The present Eastern code has only permitted its partial restoration at parish level, and accordingly, SMC has restored it in its particular law albeit with a limited power. However, its fuller and adapted restoration at all Church levels is yet to be accomplished for which it is necessary to know the advantages of yogam and the resources of the Catholic Church to reconcile with it
THE ECCLESIOLOGY OF ST. THOMAS CHRISTIAN IN THE LIGHT OF LUMEN GENTIUM
No full textThe Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) marked a transformative moment in the history of the Catholic Church, opening new horizons for its relationship with the modern world. The reception of the Council can be evaluated in three phases: an initial euphoric period, a time of frustration, and a phase of productive confrontation leading to a new interpretation of its doctrines. Over these sixty years, various ecclesiological concepts have emerged, such as the Church as a mystery, the People of God, the communion of Churches, and eucharistic and pilgrim ecclesiology, all rooted in the Council’s documents like Lumen Gentium and Gaudium et Spes. When applied to the ecclesiology of the St. Thomas Christians, it becomes evident that many of these Vatican II concepts were already present in their tradition, liturgy, and spirituality. This study explores how the ecclesiology of St. Thomas Christians exemplifies key principles of Vatican II, particularly those outlined in Lumen Gentium
The Significance of Mar Ivanios for Liturgy, Church, Theology and Spirituality in East and West
No full textThis article explores the theological contributions of Mar Ivanios, an Indian bishop who played a pivotal role in the reunification of the Syro-Malankara Christians with the Roman Catholic Church in the early 20th century. Despite being unfamiliar with the Roman Rite and Western cultural norms, Mar Ivanios fully embraced Catholicism and offers valuable insights for contemporary Western European Christianity. The article focuses on his understanding of the Eucharist and his seamless integration of liturgy, life, Church, and spirituality. By examining these elements, the article invites a fresh reflection on the universality of the Church, the relationship between sacredness and holiness, and challenges assumptions within the Liturgical Movement, highlighting how his example may influence modern liturgical theology
Spirituality of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Praises)
No full textThis article explores the centrality of prayer as spiritual nourishment and its profound connection to the Eucharist, priesthood, prophecy, and the Church. It highlights the significance of the Liturgy of the Hours, which elevates the soul and guides the faithful toward salvation, symbolizing a pilgrimage to the eternal city of heaven. Rooted in the Jewish tradition, the Church maintains seven set times of prayer, beginning from evening to evening, reflecting the sacred rhythm of creation and Christ’s life. The prayer times, inspired by Christ’s actions, offer Christians a way to unite with Him, find peace, and grow spiritually. Through the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours, the faithful partake in the paschal mysteries, preparing to encounter Christ in His eternal glory
A Moral Theological Analysis of the Anaphora of Mar Theodore of Mopsuestia in the Syro-Malabar Liturgy
No full textThis article analyzes the moral theological themes present in the Anaphora of Mar Theodore of Mopsuestia in the Syro-Malabar liturgy. The moral themes of the Anaphora of Mar Theodore can be understood from two perspectives. Firstly, the Anaphora is seen as a gift, the reception of a gift, and the counter-gift. The counter-gift represents the human response to the divine gift, which is reflected in the moral life of a person. Secondly, the Anaphora explicitly narrates fundamental moral principles, values, and virtues, as well as special moral cases. The research provides evidence that these fundamental norms include resurrection ethics, conscience formation, moral law, and the principle of autonomy within the text. Furthermore, the Anaphora encompasses numerous virtues and values, such as justice, truthfulness, charity, mercy, thanksgiving, humility, holiness, and communion. It also addresses critical moral issues like bioethics, social ethics, peace ethics, and eco-theology, which hold significance in the present context. The research substantiates that Mar Theodore’s Anaphora is rich in moral content, holding salience for both Eastern and Western Christian ethics. Ultimately, this Anaphora nurtures an adequate moral imagination and empowers individuals to make the right moral decisions
Christian Life Celebrated in the Qudasa of Mar Nestorius
No full textChristian life has a liturgical foundation. As Vatican II teaches, “liturgy is the summit towards which all the activities of the Church are directed; it is also the fount or source from which all her power flows" (SC 10). The article analyses the intrinsic relationship between worship and ethos with special reference to the Qudasa of Mar Nestorius, used in the Syro Malabar Eucharistic liturgy. This ancient Eucharistic prayer is replete with several rich moral theological reflections, which shed light on the different dimensions of Christian life. The Qudasa of Mar Nestorius shows us that the Christian life is a life in constant praise of God. It is a life growing in holiness. The Qudasa states that a pure conscience is required for a life of Communion. The Qudasa also illustrates that the life of the believer has to be a life of righteousness. The fidelity to the creator makes our life, a life in harmony with Creation. The Qudasa views Christian life as a life looking forward to future glory
Remission of Sins in the Syro Malabar Qurbana
No full textThe analysis of the prayers in the Holy Qurbana reveals a clear emphasis on the concept of the remission of sins through participation in the Eucharist. Several prayers in the Taksa highlight the belief that the faithful receive forgiveness of sins through their involvement in the Holy Qurbana. The Liturgy of the Word prepares participants with a spirit of repentance, setting the tone for their participation. In the anaphoral prayers, both the priest and the community express their unworthiness to offer the holy mysteries, which have the power to remit sins. The effect of Eucharistic communion is understood in the context of Christ\u27s sacrificial death and the shedding of His blood for the forgiveness of sins. Prayers after Holy Communion give thanks for this forgiveness, acknowledging that it is through the celebration of the Holy Qurbana and reception of the Holy Eucharist that sins are forgiven
St. Thomas in the Gospel of John
No full textIn the Synoptic gospels, Thomas is not given any special prominence. One finds his name only in the list of the twelve disciples of Jesus (Mt 10:3; Mk 3:18; Lk 6:15). Like most of the disciples in these gospels, Thomas is very much a faceless figure. However, that is not the case in the Gospel of John, where Thomas is given great prominence. Thomas is one of the three disciples who are presented as ideal or model disciples, the other two being Peter and “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (Jn 13:23; 19:26; 21:7, 20), generally identified with John, the author of the fourth gospel. Ideal or model disciples means that their faith, their relationship with Jesus, the values they stand for, are to be emulated and imitated by believers. They stand as models for all followers of Jesus of all times. All these three are found in several texts in the gospel of John