The Pope sent a letter to the oldest church in India, the bishops, priests and lay people of the Syrian-Malabar Church, urging them to walk together.
(Vatican News Network)“Walk with the people of God, because unity overcomes conflicts.” This is the core of the letter written by Pope Francis to the bishops, priests, clergy and lay people of the Syrian-Malabar Liturgical Church in India. In his letter, the Pope mentioned the importance of an agreement reached in 1999 for the uniform use of sacred etiquette.
The Pope pointed out that “this is an important step towards greater stability and church communion”. Then, he also reviewed the pastoral visit of Pope Saint John Paul II in India in 1982, canonized Father Elias and Sister Afonsa as blessed, and gave Syria-Malabar salute in 1992. The church was promoted to an archdiocese, and Cardinal Antony Padiyara was appointed as the first archbishop.
Pope Francis stated in the letter, “Although there are some difficulties, you need to continue to distinguish in your church life, and the norms approved for the Eucharist have brought significant results”, including evangelization in those places, especially in mission Area.
Regarding the new liturgy, the pope urged all priests, priests and believers to move forward towards the unity of liturgy for the greater benefit of their church. “As you work hard to implement the decision of the Academic Affairs Council, may the Holy Spirit help all members of your church to harmonize with each other and live out brotherly love.”
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