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Report of Syro-Malabar Liturgical Research Centre

November 2005 – August 2006

Introduction

 

It was in the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church held in Rome in January 1996 that it was decided to erect a Liturgical Research Centre at the Major Archiepiscopal Curia of the Syro-Malabar Church at Mount St. Thomas. The synod held from November 3-14, 1998 at Mount St. Thomas decided to follow up the matter. Therefore, the Apostolic Administrator of the Syro-Malabar Church, the present Major Archbishop, with a decree dated April 10, 1999 erected the “Liturgical Research Centre”.

 

In the last seven years LRC had organized 27 research seminars on different important subjects that concern the Syro-Malabar Church with the participation of experts in the field. Through the seminars LRC has been able to prepare a venue for experts to come together and deliberate about the past, present and future of our Church in an atmosphere of fraternal cordiality and intellectual seriousness.  The 12 books and one CD of the LRC publications have been well appreciated. People of different walks of life with interest are visiting the St.Thomas Christian Museum and the Documentation Centre.

 

The following report of the Commission for Liturgy is from December 2005 to August 2006.  The activities of the Liturgical Research Centre (LRC) are categorized into the following five realms: 1) Research Seminars 2) LRC Publications 3) Library and Documentation Centre and 4) St. Thomas Christian Museum 5) Other activities as per the direction of the Synod.

 

I. Research Seminars

 

1. The Research Seminar on the Social Life of Kerala in the First Millennium

 

This was the 25th seminar under the auspices of the Liturgical Research Centre at Mount St.Thomas from 15 Tuesday 4 PM –17 Thursday 1PM, November 2005. The seminar was inaugurated by Mar Andrews Thazath, the Chairman of LRC in the meeting presided by Mar James Pazhayattil. 64 participants including Mar Mathew Annikuzhikattil, and Mar Joseph Kallarangatt attended the seminar. After a prayer of invocation Fr. Pauly Kannookadan, the Executive Director of LRC, welcomed the participants. This was followed by the presentation of the papers, responses and discussion on them.

 

Orientation Talk:

The Study of the History of Kerala in the First Millennium
Prof. Dr  M.G.S. Narayanan
I Paper: The Christianity in India in the First Millennium.
Fr Dr Thomas Pallipurathukunnel Response: Fr Dr Raphael Ambadan
II Paperson Muziris:

i.   Pattanam the First Indo-Roman Trading Centre on the

    Malabar Coast. Dr K.P. Shajan

ii.  Archeological Findings about Muziris. Dr Selvakummar

iii. The History of Muziris in the First Century. Mr P.K.Gopi
 
III Paper:

The Socio-Cultural Life of Kerala in the Copper Plates Grants with Special Reference to the Tharissappilly Plates
Prof. Dr M.G.S Narayanan, Response. Fr Dr  Mathias Mundadan
 
IV Paper:

Art and Architecture in the Christian Culture of First Millennium CE Kerala, Prof. George Menacherry. Response. Mr K.C.Narayanan
 
V Paper:

Christians and the Cultural Shaping of India in the First Millennium A.D.,
Fr Dr. Pius Malekandathil. Response Fr Dr Xavier Koodapuzha
 

 

After each paper and response there was one-hour discussion on them. It is suggested in the seminar that the origin and development of the St. Thomas Christians are to be studied with archeological excavations and scientific proofs. With the vote of thanks proposed by Fr. Jose Kochuparambil the seminar came to an end at 1 p.m. on 17 November.

 

2. The Research Seminar on Vatican Council II and the Syro-Malabar Church held on 21-23 March 2006.

 

The 26th   seminar under the auspices of the Liturgical Research Centre on Vatican Council II and the Syro-Malabar Church is conducted in connection with the Ruby Jubilee of the conclusion of Vatican Council II. The seminar was inaugurated by the Major Archbishop Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil.  Archbishop Joseph Powathil delivered the Benedictory Talk in the meeting presided by Bishop Mar Andrews Thazath, Chairman of LRC.  Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt gave the introductory talk. 77 experts in various fields including 10 bishops participated in the seminar.  After a prayer of invocation Fr. Pauly Kannookadan, the Executive Director of LRC, welcomed the participants. This was followed by the presentation of the papers, responses and discussion on them.

 

Orientation Talk: The Impact of Dei Verbum and Syro Malabar Church  Bishop George Punnakottil

 

I Paper:

The Impact of Vatican Council II on the Syro-Malabar Church. Fr. Dr Xavier Koodapuzha.  Response: Fr.Dr Paul Thelekatt
   
II Paper:

The Education Mission of Syro-Malabar Church and Vat II Fr Dr Antony Kariyil Response: Prof K.M. Francis
   
III Paper:

Influence of Vatican Council on the Liturgical Life of the Syro-Malabar Church Bishop Thomas Elavanal.  Response: Fr Dr Antony Nariculam
   
IV Paper:

Vision of Vatican Council II and the Institutes of the Consecrated Life of  the Syro-

Malabar Church : Rev. Dr James Aerthayil CMI Respons: Fr Dr Mathew Paikada

   
V Paper.

The Vision of Vatican Council and the Clergy of the

Syro- Malabar Church: Msgr Bosco Puthur. Response Fr Dr George Oliapuram
   
VI Paper:

The Vision of Vat II and the Laity of the Syro-Malabar Church:
Prof  K.T.Sebastiam Response.Prof Monamma Kokkad.

 

After the presentation of all the papers and responses there took place a very fruitful general discussion. The following suggestions emerged in the discussion:

  1. The Syro-Malabar Church should have more openness for the mission activities in India and abroad.

  2. There should be more participatory role for the laity in our Church.

  3. The Church should maintain a fraternal relationship between Bishops, Priests and Laity. The new emphasize of Vatican Council II on the nature of the Church as the people of God should be maintained in our Church.

  4. It is  requested to publish these papers and responses of the seminar  

The participants unanimously agreed that the seminar was well organized; the papers and responses were scholarly presented.  With the vote of thanks of Fr Jose Kochuparambil the seminar was concluded.

 

3. The Research Seminar on the Sacramentals of the Syro-Malabar Church held on 14-15 June 2006.

 

This was the 27th Seminar under the auspices of the Liturgical Research Centre since its erection in 1999.  The seminar was attended by 60 participants, including Bishops Mar Andrews Thazhath, Mar Paul Joseph Kallarangatt, Mar Abraham Mattam and Metropolitan Mar Aprem. After a prayer of invocation Fr Pauly Kannookadan, the Executive Director of LRC, welcomed the audience. The seminar was inaugurated by Mar Andrews Thazath, the Chairman of LRC.  This was followed by the presentation of the papers, responses and discussion on them.

 

Orientation Paper I: The Biblical Meaning of the Blessings. Rev. Dr Andrews Mekkattukunnel
   
Orientation Paper II: 

The Meaning of the Sacramentals according to the Official Teachings of

the Church Rev. Dr  Thomas Pottemparambil MCBS

Response Rev. Dr Thomas Poovathannikunnel
   
I Paper:

The Historical Analysis of the Sacramentals of the Syro-Malabar Church

Rev. Dr Antony Vallavanthara

Response of the First Paper Rev.Dr John Theckanath
Panel Discussion presided over Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt
Sacramentals of the Assyrian Tradition Mar Aprem, Metropolitan of the Church of the East

Sacramentals of the Antiochean Tradition Mar Thomas Koorilos, Bishop of Muvattupuzha
Sacramentals of the Latin Tradition        Rev. Fr Jose Palathingal
   
II Paper:

The Pontifical Rites of the Scaramentals(Consecration of the Church, Blessing of Holy Oil etc.) in the  Syro-Malabar Church. Rev. Dr  Jose Kochuparambil

Response: Rev. Dr Mathew Valiamattom
   
III Paper.

The Sacramental Blessings in the Syro-Malabar Church Rev. Dr Antony Nariculam

Response: Rev. Dr Geo Thadikkatt
   
IV Paper:

The Profession of Vows and Consecration of the Virgins  Rev. Dr Prasanna CMC Response: Rev. Dr Jose Kuriadeth

The Funeral Rites of the Syro-Malabar Church  Rev. Dr Pauly Maniyattu 

Response Rev. Dr Vincent Chittilapilly

 

After each paper and response there was one-hour discussion on them. With the vote of thanks proposed by Fr Antony Kozhuvanal the seminar came to an end at 8 p.m. on 6 April. As a first attempt to find out the history, liturgical meaning and the theology of the Sacramentals of our Church, it is well appreciated that the selection of the topic is very relevant for research study.  It is suggested that the relation between sacraments and sacramentals is to be highlighted and papers could be published after necessary modifications.

 

II. LRC Publications

 

LRC publishes papers presented in the seminars as well as other studies, concerning theology, history, spirituality and liturgy of our Church. Already 12 books and one Video CD were published by LRC.  The following books will be published shortly by LRC: 

1. The Impact of Vatican Council II on the Syro-Malabar Church (13th  book of LRC).

2. The Social Life of Kerala in the First Millennium (15th book of LRC).

III. Documentation Centre and Library

 

1. New Documentation Centre attached to the Museum Building.

 

As per decision of the XIII Synod (August 2005) to start the documentation centre for our church in the Museum building and to shift the functioning of the LRC office to the same building, the building arrangements to start the Documentation Centre and to shift the Office are completed.

 

2. Collection of Ancient Liturgical Books for the Documentation Centre

 

In this period we have added very good number of ancient liturgical books of our Church to the Library.  They are an important collection of documents for our library and documentation centre.  We have added also more volumes of the recent publications to our library.

 

3. Preparation of the reference books of the liturgical texts of the Syro-Malabar Church after critical study.

 

The  XIII Synod (August 2005)  had decided to give LRC the mandate to make reference books of the liturgical texts of the Syro-Malabar Church after critical study, starting with the text of the Holy Qurbana.  According to the direction of the Synod the LRC made a consultation meeting of the Experts in Liturgy on 16 August 2006. In the meeting of consultation the following suggestions were made by the participants

  1. Collect available source materials from India and abroad for research studies namely manuscripts, printed works, monographs, published and unpublished dissertations, internet access to the international libraries, recent publications and periodicals.

  2. Publish the classified bibliography on Syro-Malabar Liturgy.

  3. Entrust research study to the competent research fellows.

  4. Start the research study with the history of the development of the our Qurbana

  5. Further study on Pastoral Liturgy and possibilities of Inculturation should be fostered.

IV. St. Thomas Christian Museum

 

St. Thomas Christian Museum is an important milestone in the activities of the LRC. Mar Varkey Cardinal Vithayathil C.Ss.R., the Major Archbishop, canonically erected St. Thomas Christian Museum on December 15, 2000 and formally inaugurated it on November 10, 2001. The museum is open to the public, with a token fee for admission, from 10 a.m. to 12.30 and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday being holiday. The following works were already completed during this year.

  1. Inside the Museum the picture of Blessed Kunjachan painted by artist Devassy is placed with the relics of him donated from Ramapuram.

  2. A collection of old musical Instruments were placed in the Museum. 

  3. A collection of the articles depicting cultural and religious life of St.Thomas Christians were placed in the Museum.

  4. Construction of two toilets for the Museum

  5. Paving the backside of the Museum

With gratitude we remember the benefactors who have donated valuable articles to the Museum.

 

V. Other activities as per the direction of the Synod

 

1. Syro – Malabar Emblem Competition and preparation of the Models of the Emblem

 

As per the direction of the synod LRC has conducted a competition to design the models of the emblem for the Syro-Malabar Church. 303 entries came from artists including priests, religious and laity.  Rev.Dr Jacob Vellian, Rev.Dr Sebastian Eluvathingal and Artist David evaluated the entries.  On the basis of the evaluation of the Experts the prize list was finalized and published in the meeting of the Board of Directors on 22.03.2006.  The cash awards and certificates were distributed by the Chairman of LRC to the award winners in the inaugural session of the LRC research seminar held on 13-15 June 2006.  The award winners are the following:First Prize: Anto Chakiath CMI; Second Prize: Sr. Soumy Jose SD; Third Prize:  Joseph Francis and Bro. Tinto Thalonikkara; Consolation Prizes: 1,  Bro. Sinto Kareparamban  2.  Jose Antony Kuzhively 3.  Sr. Nicy CSC 4.  Sr. Ersela CMC 5.  M.T. Xavier 6.   Win Society of Jesus 7.   Venu Malippara.  Having gone through the entries of the competition the XIII Synod (January 2006) decided that any of the selected emblems will not be taken as such the emblem of the Church. As per suggestion of the Synod LRC had entrusted three artists to prepare certain models of the emblem on the basis of the entries of the competition. 

 

VI. Finance

 

We remember with deep gratitude and appreciation for the the financial help  the LRC has received from both local and foreign.benefactors for the various programmes.  We acknowledge with gratitude the reception of the financial subsidy from Missio, Aachen in order to conduct the research

seminars. Another of our benefactors is Oeuvre d’ Orient of Paris, who gives us annual subsidy.  May I place on record our gratitude to the Director and to Mr. Thomas Varghese, the Regional Director and to all co – workers and to all benefactors of CNEWA for the financial subsidy they give occasionally for the Museum.

 

VIII. A Word of Thanks

 

First of all I thank God for His loving protection and wise guidance. I take this opportunity to place on record our gratitude to the Major Archbishop, Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, to all the members of the Synod of Bishops, and to all the members of the Curia and the whole staff at Mount St. Thomas for their love and concern towards the Liturgical Research Centre.

I acknowledge with gratitude the sincere co-operation and constant encouragement of Bishop Mar Andrews Thazath, the Chairman of LRC, Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt, Bishop Member and of Fathers Antony Kozhuvanal and Jose Kochuparampil, members of the Board of Directors.  My sincere thanks go to the present staff of LRC Sr. Anice SABS and Mr Martin.  I take this occasion to thank Mr Baiju who have served in the Museum last five years.  With deep gratitude to all, who helped us in our different activities, Liturgical Research Centre presents this report.

 

Fr Pauly Kannookadan,

Executive Director                                                                                                20 August 2006
 

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