Seven-year renewal advances towards 2030 centenary

The Syro Malankara Catholic Church, while marking the declaration of Mar Ivanios as Venerable, carries forward its seven-year spiritual renewal programme ahead of the 2030 Reunion Centenary.

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (Indian Catholic News) — The Syro Malankara Catholic Church has marked the declaration of Archbishop Mar Ivanios as Venerable alongside a series of liturgical celebrations, pilgrimages and pastoral initiatives as it begins preparations for its 2030 Reunion Centenary.

The developments, detailed in Malankara Synodal Acts and Voice of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, highlight both the recognition of Mar Ivanios’ life of “heroic virtues” and a structured, seven-year renewal programme leading up to the centenary.

Legacy of a spiritual pioneer

The editorial in the Church’s official journal recalls the enduring influence of Mar Ivanios, describing him as “the Father of the Malankara Reunion Movement” whose life “inspired thousands and thousands of people.” It adds that “his life was a testimony of divine choice guided by the providence of God.”

Known for his deep spirituality, the document notes that “he was a mystic in God experience and was convinced that the realization of God is nobler than the service of God,” a conviction that shaped his leadership and missionary vision.

Pilgrimage to his tomb remains a significant expression of devotion. “Ever since his demise on 15th July 1953, pilgrims flock spontaneously make visit to his tomb,” the text states, adding that “thousands join the Annual Padayatra (pilgrimage)… from 10 to 15 July every year.”

Canonisation process advances

The cause for canonisation, formally initiated in 1998, has progressed through multiple stages, culminating in Vatican recognition of Mar Ivanios’ virtues. According to the document, historical consultors affirmed the “solid historical foundation” of his “reputation of holiness” and “practice of heroic virtues.”

The theological commission later gave “a unanimous reaffirmation of the previous judgments,” confirming the strength of the case.

During a private audience on March 14, 2024, Pope Francis approved the decree recognising these virtues. The document states that the pope endorsed “the heroic practice of the virtues, granting thus the permission to honour them with the title ‘Venerable’ Servant of God.”

However, it clarifies that this recognition does not yet permit public liturgical veneration. “The approval of the virtues and the consequential attribution of the new title do not permit the faithful to render public and ecclesiastical cult,” it notes, adding that such veneration is reserved for those declared “blessed” or “saint.”

At the same time, private devotion is encouraged. The instruction cited says it “does not impede private devotion… spontaneous spreading of his reputation of Holiness, … or intercessory power.”

Centenary preparations begin

Alongside the declaration, the Church has launched preparations for the Reunion Centenary marking the 1930 union with Rome. The synod has designated 2024–2030 as a “renewal period” aimed at spiritual and pastoral revitalisation.

The document calls the 1930 reunion “the most successful Reunion Movement in the twentieth century” and outlines a structured plan rooted in the Church’s missionary mandate: “Go into the entire world and proclaim the good news to the whole Creation.”

This mission is expressed through three dimensions: “Go and teach the Gospel, 2. Go and celebrate the Gospel, 3. Go and live the Gospel,” corresponding to biblical, liturgical and witnessing spirituality.

Each year of the preparation period will focus on a specific theme, beginning with the “Year of the Word of God” in September 2024 and culminating in a “year of Thanksgiving” in 2029–2030.

Seven-year renewal programme

The seven themes reflect key priorities for Church life. These include liturgy, charity, family life, mission and youth engagement. The document emphasises the centrality of Scripture in the first year, noting the need “to promote the importance of the biblical spirituality and to create more enthusiasm to the Scripture among the faithful.”

A major initiative is the promotion of Lectio Divina, described as a method “to encounter and experience the person of Christ in the Scripture.” The Church plans to train faithful across parishes in this practice and expand Bible studies.

Citing St Jerome, the document underscores the urgency of biblical formation: “the ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” It adds that “the Bible studies are very important for the spiritual growth and the renewal of the Church.”

Other initiatives include online diploma courses, preaching ministries, parish-level competitions and a programme encouraging the faithful to read the entire Bible within a year.

The broader goal is to address contemporary challenges, including gaps in scriptural understanding. The text acknowledges that “deep Christ experience through the Bible is lacking among the faithful,” calling for a renewed emphasis on Scripture to strengthen faith and identity.

The editorial concludes by framing the present moment as significant for the Church’s future. “This year, marked as the year of the declaration of Archbishop Mar Ivanios as venerable… is a blessed one for the Syro Malankara Catholic Church in a very special way.”