A Futaristic Vision
Any establishment has to pass the test of time.Catholicate in India undobtedly passed that test.A century old establishment is here to stay.Greatest proof of the statement is the presence in India itself two other prelates claiming the same title.H.B.Basaliose Thomas I can at best be described as a Mafriana,but H.B likes to be described asCatholicose only.Patriarchs of Antioch had consistantly held the view that there is no need for a Mafrianate or Catholicose in India.Two sucessive patriarchs,H.H.Yakoob III and Zachaus I were forced toordain two Mafrianas who describe themselves as Catholicose.It is said that the Snathicon of Thomas I Mafriana states that he is the Catholicose for the society with headquarters at Puthan Cruz.As far as the Catholics are concerned,the official stand of Vatican is that there is no Catholicose in India under Pope.Basalius Clemmis is only an Arch Bishop according to Vatican.But this prelate also likes to be described as Catholicose.The Catholic Church has declared in no uncertain terms that Catholicose is a titile that can be used only for the Patriarch of Rome ie the Pope. The Canonas passed in Udayamperoor states that anyone claiming the title other than Pope shold be excommunicated!!!!Imitation is the best form of admiration,hence knowingly or unknowingly,the Society in Puthan Cruz and the Malankara Rite has admiration for the Catholicate despite the stated positions of their Global churches.
Catholicate today has come to be the symbol of MOC and MOC has aqured a global presence,not only physically,but also in terms of its deapth in Theology,Christian Ethos and Intelectual Class.The unfortunate feuds within the Church has blemished the image of the Church a bit,but the stand of enduring suffering will brighten the image sooner than later.Mission work not aimed at conversion has been taken note of by the discerning sections of the society.
But there are challanges a plenty.Catholicate has to emerge as a spiritual powerhouse of the Church.Administrative and non-spiritual workload of the head of the Church should be shared by panels of experts in the respective fields.These panels should assist the Holy Father in decision making on matters other than spiritual.Services of compatent Bishops should be available to the Holy father in the issues concerning the Church as a whole.Hangers on and sychophants should be done away with.
Theology in Indian context should get proper attention.The correct historical and spiritual ethos of pre-Potughese era should re emerge.This could lead to better understanding between churches sharing the common heritage of St.Thomas.While a complete re-unification of St.Thomas Christians maynot be practical,there are many areas where co-operation is possible.Catholicate should be the driving force on such a move.That, to me,is the greatest relavence of Catholicate for the future.
Any establishment has to pass the test of time.Catholicate in India undobtedly passed that test.A century old establishment is here to stay.Greatest proof of the statement is the presence in India itself two other prelates claiming the same title.H.B.Basaliose Thomas I can at best be described as a Mafriana,but H.B likes to be described asCatholicose only.Patriarchs of Antioch had consistantly held the view that there is no need for a Mafrianate or Catholicose in India.Two sucessive patriarchs,H.H.Yakoob III and Zachaus I were forced toordain two Mafrianas who describe themselves as Catholicose.It is said that the Snathicon of Thomas I Mafriana states that he is the Catholicose for the society with headquarters at Puthan Cruz.As far as the Catholics are concerned,the official stand of Vatican is that there is no Catholicose in India under Pope.Basalius Clemmis is only an Arch Bishop according to Vatican.But this prelate also likes to be described as Catholicose.The Catholic Church has declared in no uncertain terms that Catholicose is a titile that can be used only for the Patriarch of Rome ie the Pope. The Canonas passed in Udayamperoor states that anyone claiming the title other than Pope shold be excommunicated!!!!Imitation is the best form of admiration,hence knowingly or unknowingly,the Society in Puthan Cruz and the Malankara Rite has admiration for the Catholicate despite the stated positions of their Global churches.
Catholicate today has come to be the symbol of MOC and MOC has aqured a global presence,not only physically,but also in terms of its deapth in Theology,Christian Ethos and Intelectual Class.The unfortunate feuds within the Church has blemished the image of the Church a bit,but the stand of enduring suffering will brighten the image sooner than later.Mission work not aimed at conversion has been taken note of by the discerning sections of the society.
But there are challanges a plenty.Catholicate has to emerge as a spiritual powerhouse of the Church.Administrative and non-spiritual workload of the head of the Church should be shared by panels of experts in the respective fields.These panels should assist the Holy Father in decision making on matters other than spiritual.Services of compatent Bishops should be available to the Holy father in the issues concerning the Church as a whole.Hangers on and sychophants should be done away with.
Theology in Indian context should get proper attention.The correct historical and spiritual ethos of pre-Potughese era should re emerge.This could lead to better understanding between churches sharing the common heritage of St.Thomas.While a complete re-unification of St.Thomas Christians maynot be practical,there are many areas where co-operation is possible.Catholicate should be the driving force on such a move.That, to me,is the greatest relavence of Catholicate for the future.
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