The elevation of Syro-Malankara Catholic Church major archbishop Cleemis Mar Baselios as cardinal is a recognition to the Church in India, particularly the Church in Kerala, observed the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC).
“The position is also a recognition for Mar Clemis’ contribution to the Church and society. The KCBC is proud to hear the news of Clemis being elevated cardinal, Kerala Catholic Bishops Council president archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, vice-president archbishop Francis Kallarakkal and secretary general archbishop Thomas Mar Kurilose said in a joint statement issued on Wednesday.
“It is indeed a proud moment not for the Christians alone, but for the entire Kerala society, said Kerala Catholic Bishops Council Laity Commission secretary JoseVithayathil.
Syro Malabar Church Laity Commission also offered its felicitation to the cardinal-designate.
“Mar Clemis’s elevation is a an ideal honour for the Catholic denominations in Kerala, Syro Malabar Church Laity Commission secretary V C Sebastian said.
International Forum for Cultural Heritage and Tradition (IFCHAT) and the vice-president of Kerala Latin Catholic Association offered felicitations to
Mar Clemis, However, IFCHAT president Austin Paul said that the Latin Catholics in Kerala do not have a cardinal, though being a powerful catholic denomination of 20 lakh members.
“Latin Catholic bishops are always ignored by Vatican when new cardinals are nominated from Kerala.
“Two other Catholic communities, Syro Malabar Church and the Syro Malankara Church have cardinals now, he said.
Austin Paul is of the opinion that one of the senior archbishops of the Latin Church should be elevated as Cardinal.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Wednesday, called Cleemis, who is in Rome, to convey his congratulations.
Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan congratulated Mar Cleemis on his elevation as a ‘Prince of the Church.’
Latin Archbishop of Thiruvananthapuram M Soosai Pakiam offered his congratulations to Cleemis calling his appointment a big recognition.
KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala said the appointment Mar Cleemis will benefit not just the church, but the society as a whole.
