(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 1st. 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.