Unified mass row: Palarivattom church vicar relieved from duties due to non-compliance

Kochi: In a decisive move, Bishop Bosco Puthur, the Apostolic Administrator of the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly, has relieved Rev Fr Thomas Valookaran, Vicar of St Martin De Porres Church in Palarivattom, of his pastoral and administrative duties. The decision comes in response to Fr Valookaran's continued non-compliance with orders regarding the unified mass. The uniform mode of celebrating the Holy Qurbana was mandated by the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church and endorsed by Pope Francis.

According to reports, vicars of Tripunithura St Mary's Forane Church, Kadavanthara Matha Nagar Church and Ernakulam St Mary's Cathedral have also been relieved of their pastoral and administrative duties. Onmanorama is currently awaiting confirmation from church authorities.

Citing multiple canonical provisions, Bishop Puthur highlighted Fr Valookaran's alleged defiance, including obstructing the newly appointed Administrator, Rev Fr Zachrias Paranilam, from performing his duties. The bishop noted that such actions caused scandal among the faithful and disrupted the unity and harmony of the parish.

As per the Apostolic Administrator's directive:

• Fr Valookaran is prohibited from celebrating the Holy Qurbana or officiating any sacraments or ecclesiastical functions at St. Martin De Porres Church and its associated institutions.
• All liturgical and administrative responsibilities are now entrusted to Rev Fr Zachrias Paranilam.
• Fr Valookaran is required to hand over all parish accounts, records, and his office to the new Administrator immediately. He has been directed to vacate the premises and has been permitted to reside at Santhome Bhavan, Pothy, until further notice.

Bishop Puthur emphasised that any further attempts to hinder the Administrator’s ministry or non-compliance with this order will result in penalties under Canon Law, potentially including excommunication.