In a significant development for the faithful in Kerala, the St Mary's Cathedral Basilica in Ernakulam, Kochi, has reopened its doors for public masses after a closure lasting more than a thousand days. The resumption marks a pivotal moment in a prolonged dispute within the Syro-Malabar Church concerning the uniform mode of mass.
A Long-Awaited Return for the Faithful
The first public mass was held on Monday evening at 6 PM, led by the Basilica administrator, Fr Thomas Mangatt. This was followed by masses on Tuesday at 6:30 AM and 6 PM, all conducted with active public participation. The reopening follows a crucial appeal made by the Basilica administrator to the concerned court, which confirmed that no existing order prevents the celebration of mass at the site.
Riju Kaanjookkaran, spokesperson for the laity organization Almaaya Munnettam, emphasized this point. He stated that if the church leadership grants permission, there is no legal obstacle to offering the mass. He also issued a strong warning, indicating that the organization would confront the archdiocesan leadership if any individuals or Chaldean organizations attempt to obstruct the services at the Cathedral Basilica.
Roots of the Conflict and Past Violence
The cathedral's closure in December 2022 was a direct result of violence and vandalism linked to the intense dispute over implementing a uniform mode of mass across the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese. The tensions had been building for months, culminating in several dramatic incidents.
On November 27, 2022, activists opposing the new uniform mass format blocked Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath at the church gates, leading police to lock the premises. The situation escalated a month later. On December 23, 2022, a high-drama standoff occurred during a mass when Fr Antony Poothavelil, then the appointed Basilica administrator, and other priests stood face-to-face on opposite sides of the altar table.
The very next day, December 24, 2022, the church witnessed severe vandalism and violence. A group of laity intercepted a continuous mass being offered by priests and damaged the altar table, an act that forced the prolonged shutdown of the historic basilica.
The Path Forward and Ongoing Demands
With the resumption of services, the Almaaya Munnettam movement has urged the church leadership to implement the agreement reached with the priests and believers of the archdiocese in all churches without delay. The organization has also voiced the concerns of the faithful, who they say are aware of the desires and efforts of some bishops within the Syro-Malabar Church to prevent peace from prevailing in the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese.
Looking ahead, it has been announced that one mass on Sundays will be held in the uniform mode of mass, as per the prevailing resolution in the archdiocese. This move is seen as a step towards reconciliation, though it remains a point of careful observation for all parties involved. The reopening after over 1,000 days is a moment of hope, but the underlying issues demand continued dialogue and a commitment to peaceful resolution.
