Kerala church land row: Cardinal Mar George Alencherry apology to be accepted

KOCHI: The crisis in the Syro-Malabar Church following controversial land deals in the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese appears headed for an amicable resolution with Presbyteral Council willing to accept the cardinal’s apology and reconciliation. The Presbyteral council meeting held here on Saturday at the Major Archbishop’s House here ironed out differences between priests supporting the cardinal and their opponents. “Ice is melting,” said a member. The meeting was tense at the beginning with Archdiocesan Youth Movement and the Archdiocesan Movement of Transparency engaging in a brawl with the supporters of the Cardinal.

The police intervened and removed them before pushing and shoving precipitated into a major a clash. The official statement after the meeting said the “problems would be solved amicably.” The meeting also decried attempts to tarnish images of priests and others who have expressed their opinion on the land deal. Cardinal Mar George Alencherry, meanwhile, told them he had not appointed anybody to speak on his behalf. He came to the meeting nearly 90 minutes after it commenced. It was relatively peaceful. According to a priest, the Presbyteral Council requested the Cardinal not to repeat his apology as he had done it already on Friday.

Chrism Mass

The Chrism Mass, at which holy oils are blessed ahead of the Easter week, has been postponed due to the preoccupation of the archdiocese with these problems, DC understands. The Chrism Mass is usually celebrated on Monday after Palm Sunday. However, it will now be celebrated in June, possibly on the Feast of the Sacred Heart, sources said.