The Synodal Commission for Theology of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church conducted its fourth Theological Colloquium at St. Mary’s Malankara Seminary, from 24 to 25 August 2011. The Colloquium started with an inaugural programme in which Rev: Fr. Cherian Kottayil, the Secretary of the Synodal Commission for Theology welcomed all participants and presented the theme of the Colloquium. His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis inaugurated the Colloquium by lighting the lamp. During the inaugural address, His Beatitude told that we have to preach the word of God enthusiastically and more vigorously. This Colloquium is an attempt to seek new ways of preaching the Word of God in this changing world.
During the first Session Most Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Julios (Bishop of Muvttupuzha) presented the first paper on “New Evangelization: A Re-orientation of Thrust in the Lay Involvement in the Syro- Malankara Catholic Church.” Rt. Rev. Dr. Varghese Thannickakuzhy (Syncellus of the eparchy of Bathery) has given the response to the paper. It was followed by the presentation by Rev. Dr. Varghese Madathikunnathu (Professor, St: Mary’s Malankara Seminary) on “A New Paradigm for Evangelization in the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.” Dr. Abraham George Mankavil (Rtd. Professor, Mar Ivanios College, Trivandrum) gave the response. The first day was concluded with Eucharistic Adoration and Evening prayer. Very Rev. Dr. John Kochuthundil (Rector, St. Mary’s Malankara Seminary) was the moderator in the first session.
The second day of the Colloquium started with the Second Session moderated by Dr. George Onakkoor. The first presentation was by Rev. Dr. Kuncheria Pathil CMI (Former President, Dharmaram Vidyakshetram, Banglore) on “New Evangelization in the Pluralistic Context of India.” The response was presented by Rev. Dr. Philip Chempakacherry (Dean of Theology, St. Mary’s Malankara Seminary). It was followed by the presentation by Rev. Sr. Dr. Namitha SIC (Director, Missiological –Theological Center TVM) on “New Evangelization: An effective communication of the Kingdom of God through the Religious Orders of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.”Its response was presented by Rev. Sr. Lydia DM (Vocation Promoter, Nirmala Province, Venniyoor).
The Third Session was moderated by Rev. Dr. Varkey Attupurathu (Principal, St: Mary’s HSS, Pattom). was the Moderator in the third session. Prof. Pushpa Augustine (Rtd. Prof. St. Xaver’s College, Trivandrum) presented the first Paper of this session on “A New approach in Evangelisation through the Educational Institutions of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.” The response was given Rev. Fr. Cyriac Vechoorkarottu (Lecturer, Mar Ivanios College). The paper on “The Ivanian Perspective of Evangelization in the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church” was presented by Very Rev. Dr. Mathai Kadavil OIC (Provincial Superior of Navajyothi Province, Tiruvalla and the Secretary to the Theological Commission, KCBC) and Rev. Fr. Darbello Christus (Eparchy of Marthandom) gave the response. This session was followed by a group discussion and general Evaluation moderated by Rt. Msgr. Dr. Antony Kakkanattu (Syncellus, Archieparchy of Thiruvalla).
The Colloquium concluded with the vote of Thanks by Rev. Fr. Prabheesh George (House Administrator, Catholicate Centre) and the final remarks by His Beatitude. Around 300 participants including His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Most Rev. Abraham Mar Julios, Most Rev. Vincent Mar Paulos, Most Rev. Thomas Mar Anthonios, many priests, religious, seminarians and lay representatives from various eparchies attended the Colloquium. It was successfully organized by the Synodal Commission for Theology under the leadership of Most Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Julios (Chairman) and Rev Fr. Cherian Kottayil (Secretary). |
