2023-12-07 11:24:11
Kochi – Cardinal Mar George Alencheri has resigned as the president of the Syro-Malabar Church. Mar George Alencheri announced this in a press conference called at St. Thomas Mount, Kakanate, the seat of the Syro-Malabar Church. Mar Alencheri announced his decision to resign by reading a pre-prepared press release in front of the media. He announced that he was resigning with the permission of the Pope. Mar George Alencheri shall henceforth be known as Major Archbishop Emeritus.
Mar Andrews Gamatha, who is also the Archbishop of Thrissur, also resigned as Apostolic Administrator of Ernakulam – Angamaly Archdiocese. Mar Sebastian Vaniyapurakkal, Bishop of Kuria, will be the administrator of the Syro-Malabar Church until a new Major Archbishop is found, according to the Church’s practice. Bishop Emeritus Mar Bosco Puthur, who retired as Bishop of Melbourne Diocese, has also been given temporary charge of Ernakulam – Angamaly Archdiocese. Mar Bosco Puttur is also the first Curia Bishop of Syro Malabar Church.
“By the grace of God, I have been serving the Syro-Malabar Church as a Major Archbishop since May 29, 2011. It is by the grace of Almighty God that I have been able to fulfill the responsibilities of Major Archbishop. As some of you may know, I informed the Holy Father on July 19, 2019 of my desire to retire as Major Archbishop.
“I made that decision following careful consideration of the increasing pastoral needs of our congregation and my health. I earnestly requested that my desire to resign be accepted, but before accepting my decision, the opinion of the Synod of the Syro-Malabar Church was sought. The Synod did not accept my decision.
“After prayerful deliberations, I resubmitted my resignation to the Holy Father on November 15, 2021 expressing my desire to step down from the responsibility of Major Archbishop. Although no immediate decision was made on my resignation, I am happy to inform you that following a year, the Holy Father Pope Francis has accepted my resignation and allowed me to retire from official responsibility.
“I therefore officially retire from the post of Major Archbishop of the Church of Syro-Malabar with effect from today. Asking for your prayers and support during this time of change.
“When the post of Major Archbishop becomes vacant according to Eastern Church law, the Bishop of Curia, in the present case, Bishop Mar Sebastian Vaniapurakkal, will act as the administrator of the Syro-Malabar Church until a new Major Archbishop is installed.” – Mar Alencheri clarified.
English Summary:
Cardinal George Alencherry resigns as Major Archbishop of Syro-Malabar Church
1701950933
#Mar #George #Alencherry #resigns #post #President #Syro #Malabar #Church #Cardinal #Mar #George #Alencherry #SyroMalabar #Sabha #Malayalam #news
