Chat

Father Babu Joseph

Spokesman, Catholic Bishops Conference of India

Feb 23, 2012 | Closed

The significance of Archbishop George Alencherry's elevation in the Vatican

In broder view what will be his contribution for peace in NE states ? Asked by: Nandakumar
The Catholic Church has been present in the NE since 100 years and has certainly made tangible contribution to the development of the area. In so far as Cardinal Alencherry is a Church leader of repute in India he will adress the issues of the NE as well at various fora. There are still a sizeable number of religious personnel from Kerala working in NE and I am sure Cardinal Alencherry will take interest in their work as well.
Hello Father Joseph What is your stand on the reluctance of the Catholic Church to act against the priests who violate every tenet of Jesus's teachings?I had personally complained against a priest who haunted me for years-only to be told taht I should forgive him and pray for him! Asked by: praashok
I am sorry I do not know what exactly you are referring to. I would, however, say that in the Catholic Church there are legal provisions that are applied to priests who do not confirm to the norms given to them. The Canon Law is the internal law that regulates the life and work of a priest in Catholic Church. Now regarding taking action on a priest on specific complaints, pleaes refer the matter to the local Bishop who will take a call on this.
The position has come due to the merit of the Archbishop and this recognition at VATICAN will be meaningful to Indian Christians. Is there any specific gain to the Indian Churches on the achievment ? Asked by: sundar1950in
As a Cardinal Mar Alencherry is for the universal Church, but in a very specific manner for the syro-Malabar Church as he is the head of that Church. The Syro-Malabar Church is an ancient Church in India with a following of nearly 4 million people making its presence through a network of instituions and organisations across India and even in other countries.
How do you think this is beneficial to the Indian Citizens Asked by: Sant
The elevation of Cardinal Alencherry is certainly a recognition of the Indian Church in the world, and all of us can be proud of that. India today is emerging as a economic power, at the same time Indian Catholic Church has also been making significant contribution to the world around with nearly 15000 relgious men and women rendering services all around the world.
Has the issue related to alleged intervention of Cardinal Alancherry in the matter of Italian Marines been settled ? Asked by: Davies
As far as Cardinal Alencherry is concerned the matter is settled after giving his clarification on the issue
Will Arch Bishop Alencherry, be actively promoting sustainable living and the Climate Chaos issue that will affect India to Rome and all his Western colleagues as a representative from South India> Would you know of his stand on environmental issues? Asked by: Joseph Varghese
Cardinal Alencherry is seized of the enviornmental issues that plague the world today and India is certainly not immune to that. In fact the Church in Kerala has been taking serious note of it and has exhorted people to be more enviornment sensitive. I am sure Cardinal will take more active interest in these matters.
What is the stand of bishop Alenchery on conversion of non christians by lure of facilities & material goods ? Asked by: Kumar Alex
Cardinal Alencherry has the same position as the Catholic Church on the issue of conversion. The Church believes that true conversion is the act of God and we can only facilitate that. Any conversion done out of allurement or coercion is NO CONVERSION at all, it is patently illegal and totally unaccetable. But genuine conversion is possible and that must be respected as a fundamental right of every human person as guaranteed by the Constitution of India
Thank you for your answer! Now that the Indian Catholic Church has been recognized at a higher level, can you enivisage any new plans or innovations led by the Church, throughout India in order to touch the lives of homes who are distressed, impoverished, not being able to manage two square meals a day? Asked by: Kushank Sindhu
The church has been doing its role in reaching out to the most marginalised and poor and it will continue to do, but of course within its limited resorces and personnel. The Church invites others to join hands with it in reaching out to millions of Indians who are still struggling out there for a decent living. If all communities also deploy their resources for mitigating the suffering of our fellow human beings we can a better India.
The current issue is with the Italian and Indian Government. Why in heavens name is Rome involved and in the headlines? Why is the ArchBishop even getting involved and commenting just because those who died and those who shot them were christians? I do not see the relevance of church intereference in legal matters. Does ArchBishop Alencherry's allegiance lie with his people in India or his puritanical white masters in Rome? Asked by: Joseph Varghese
Cardinal Alencherry, to my mind, has not in any way intervened in the legal matters of the case. He has again clarified that it is a matter between Italy and India and their diplomatic channels should be used in sorting out the matter. However, he certainly wants to convey his concern for those killed in the unfortunate incident and their families to be compensated.
Will ArchBishop Alencherry play a similar role as Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil? Will he assert the role of St. Thomas Christians in India, especially Kerala? I ask because the current Pope Benedict 16th also known in the past as the Papal Rotweiller had consistently negated to coming of St. Thomas, Apostle of Christ to South India in the past. Asked by: Joseph Varghese
Cardinal Alencherry, being the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church which traces its origin to St Thomas, will certainly honor the tradition and belief of people. Pope John Paul II had always upheld the belief that St Thomas came to Kerala and Christianity grew it Kerala under the influence of his teachings. Besides, we have several monumnets dedicated to St Thomas and that shows people have strong belief in the arrival of St Thomas in Kerala
Why did the Pope make Alencherry a cardinal? Asked by: Rahul
It is the prerogative of the Pope to create Cardinals and he has exercised it recently when he named 22 new cardinals including Cardinal Alencherry. It also shows the significance of the Indian Catholic Church which is today contributing its persconnel and services not only to India but to the entire world.
Sir, At this very moment, this date considering the present socio-political scenario in the world how important is religion for a human being ? Regards Vivek Asked by: vivek
Religion in all periods of history has been important to human beings, with of course varying degrees of acceptance among people. Relgion in so far as a strong force in giving meaning system to people in their lives, it will remain significant for them.
Revered Father, In your opinion,can we look look at the appointment of Archbishop Alencherry as a representation of the views and aspirations of members of the Syro- Malabar Church? Asked by: Kushank Sindhu
The appointment of Cardinal Alencherry is a happy news for the entire Church in India and especially the Syro-Malabar Church which is a significant segment of the Catholic Church in India. As the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church I believe he will certainly give heed to the legitimate demands of the community wherever required.
Dear Father, Though the Archbishop George Alencherry becoming a member of the most elite group of Cardinals, which elects the next Pope is of great importance in the history of Christianity in India but a layperson like me, in our families find that the christian children are not given subsidised education in Catholic Christian Schools.I have found that the same is discretionary and those children get benefitted who have terms with the Priests/management or are in their good books.Please give your thoughts about this and also let us know any significant changes that CBCI is taking regarding this. Asked by: Tresa
Tresa, I understand your situation, and if I can be of any help to you in getting your problem sorted out, please let me know. At the same time I would like to inform you that the CBCI has promulgated an Education policy in India which makes it mandatory for every Catholic School to admit a Catholic child. Regarding fees concession there is a practice of giving concession to the deserving cases depending on thier annual income level. There is nothing called automatic fees concession to Catholics since there are Catholics who can pay. Besides, our schools also consider giving fee concession to deserving students beloning to other religious groups as well.
Why is the clergy getting involved in the state subject (arrest of the italian marines).Dont you think it was totally uncalled for Asked by: Augustine
There is no direct involvement of the clergy in the subject of the Italian Marines, except for expressing their solidarity with those familis that lost their loved ones. Since they were Christians, I think the local Bishops and clergy naturally took interest in this matter of ensuring justice to them.
Also when is Archbishop Alencherry supposed to visit in Delhi NCR? Asked by: Tresa
I am sorry I have not got any schedule of his next visit to Delhi yet.