KOCHI: The Catholic church in the State is set to celebrate the canonisation of Fr Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Sr Euphrasia, who will be elevated as saints at a function to be held in Vatican on November 23.
The Kerala Catholic Bishops Council(KCBC) has decided to ask the State Government and the Central Government to send an official delegation to Rome to attend the function. A team of bishops, priests, laymen, and religious men and women will also attend the ceremony.
Syro-Malabar Church Major Archbishop Mar George Cardinal Alenchery will celebrate a thanks-giving Holy Mass in Vatican on November 24.
“It is expected that Pope Francis will address and bless the delegation from India after the mass by the Cardinal Alenchery. The celebration of the canonisation has to be a celebration of Kerala.
“A thanks-giving mass will also be celebrated and a public meeting will be held at the Rajagiri campus, Kakkanad, on November 29. A circular will be issued to all the parishes in this regard,” KCBC president Cardinal Baselios Cleemis said.
When asked about the differences of opinion between the Latin Catholic Church and the Syro-Malabar communities over the resting place of Fr CVhavara, Cardinal Cleemis said that all places associated with Fr Chavara are considered sacred by the Catholic Church.
Replying to a query on the controversial liquor policy of the State Government, the cardinal said the Church was sticking to its earlier stand.
“The Catholic Church has made its stand clear, and it has been communicated to the State Government in writing. The stand of the Church on wine and beer parlours will be announced later. However, it will be fine only if there is a general and common opinion regarding the liquor policy,” the KCBC president said.