The 67-year-old Bishop of Shamshabad was elected yesterday by the local Synod in Kochi and confirmed by Pope Francis. In his first words to the faithful, he said that “we should stand together and work together.” The Eastern rite community of six million members has been shaken in recent years by a major row over the liturgy centred in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly.
The decision to shutter the basilica was announced by its administrator and rector, who said the facility will remain closed “until it becomes possible to celebrate the synod-prescribed Mass in a peaceful manner.”
Archbishop Andrews Thazhath issued the new oath in a Nov. 23 letter, indicating that all deacons in the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly must sign it prior to being ordained to the priesthood.