Pope to India’s Syro-Malabar bishops

(April, 07, 2011) Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday encouraged the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church to continue to foster communion among themselves and all Catholic bishops throughout the world, saying this responsibility is of special importance in a country like India, where the unity of the Church is reflected in the rich diversity of her rites and traditions. The Pope made his exhortation to 34 bishops of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, who are in Rome on their ad limina visit, which heads of dioceses are required to make every five years to report on the state of their jurisdictions. The Catholic Church in India is a communion of three rites - the Latin-rite Church, and the two eastern rites - the Syro Malabar and the Syro-Malankara Church, both based in southern India’s Kerala State.
The Pope told the Syro Malabar bishops that the rapid and dramatic changes, which are part of contemporary society, have brought with them not only serious challenges but new possibilities to proclaim the liberating truth of the Gospel message to transform and elevate all human relationships. He said their support and that of all their priests and communities for the sound and integral education of young people in the ways of chastity and responsibility, will not only help them follow the true nature of marriage, but will also benefit Indian culture as a whole. Noting the works of education and charity undertaken in their dioceses by various communities of men and women religious, Pope Benedict expressed the Church’s appreciation for the charity and hard work of these religious. He said the vocation to religious life and the pursuit of perfect charity is attractive in every age, but it should be nourished by a constant spiritual renewal.
In his talk to the Syro-Malabar bishops, the Pope sadly noted the absence of their late head Cardinal Varkey Vithhayathil, who passed away recently on April 1^st. Expressing thanks for the many years of valuable service rendered by Cardinal Vithayathil to the Church in India , Pope Benedict assured the Syro Malabar bishops of his prayers and support in their pastoral service.