A significant religious ceremony in Kochi was marked by public dissent on Saturday, as the ordination of thirteen new priests was met with protests from a group of lay activists. The event, held at the historic St Mary's Cathedral Basilica, proceeded as planned but under the shadow of banners and black flags demanding leadership changes within the church's hierarchy.
Sacred Ceremony Proceeds Amidst Unrest
The ordination ceremony began at 3 PM on Saturday in the courtyard of the basilica. The chief celebrant was Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil. He was joined by co-celebrants including Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany, Mar Ephrem Narikulam, Father Anto Cheranthiruthy, and minor seminary rector Father Martin Kallungal. The thirteen new priests from the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese were first led in a solemn procession from the Bishop's House to the basilica courtyard at 2:45 PM, accompanied by the bishops.
Following the procession, the newly ordained priests celebrated the Holy Mass under the guidance of Major Archbishop Thattil. Reports confirm that the liturgical event continued without interruption despite the visible tensions just outside the premises.
Laity Activists Voice Their Demands
Even as the sacred rites were being performed, a group of laity activists gathered outside the basilica premises to stage a protest. Their primary demand was the resignation of Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil and Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany. The protesters expressed their grievances by waving black flags and holding up banners with their messages.
To amplify their protest, the group also placed several boards and hoardings around the vicinity of the basilica. This visual demonstration created a stark contrast to the solemnity of the ordination ceremony happening within the courtyard.
A Divided Moment for the Archdiocese
This incident highlights ongoing tensions within the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese, one of the prominent dioceses of the Syro-Malabar Church. The ordination of new priests is typically a joyous occasion signifying growth and renewal for the Catholic community. However, its coincidence with public protests points to underlying issues and dissatisfaction among a section of the laity regarding church leadership and governance.
The event in Kochi underscores a challenging period for the archdiocese, where calls for accountability and change are being voiced openly, even during its most significant religious functions. The church authorities have not issued an immediate public statement regarding the protests.
