Bp. Vijayanandh Nedumpuram, CMI

I presented some suggestions in the Syro-Malabar Bishops Synod of 2020 based on my conviction that Jesus of Nazareth does not inspire his followers today. Some of the suggestions included considering urgently to make Syro-Malabar Church corruption-free, to practise simplicity in dresses, travels, and celebrations and to customise the transfer of the bishops.
It is our experience that although all preach about reducing celebrations and luxuries, in reality, they are on increase. We also need to seriously reflect upon the transfer of the bishops which was there before the Constantine era. For example, after serving 10 years in a diocese, transfer that Bishop to another diocese. If there is such a transfer then he may be able to use the experience and knowledge that he has already accumulated into the service of the new diocese. If there is such a system and custom of transfer of the Bishops then they will not be anxious about it.
Vatican II exhorted us to return to the sources. That is, to return to authentic sources. In the same way, the teachings and exhortations of Pope Francis are also very relevant for today’s Church. It is based on this context that I put forward these points.
It is also in this background that I suggested in front of the synod that there should be proper and comprehensive discussion in all the levels of the Church before doing the renewal of the mode of celebration of the Holy Qurbana. According to me, the changes in the mode of celebration of the Holy Qurbana can be implemented only after wide consultations with the priests and lay faithful. It is a time when Pope Francis has inaugurated the preparation for the synod on synodality. It points to the need for more dialogue and discussions. Holy Qurbana is a matter that requires detailed discussions with people at all levels of the Church.
We could have asked more time from the Vatican to implement the direction concerning the uniform mode of celebration of the Holy Qurbana. The Holy See had previously directed to put into practice the synodal form of celebration after proper discussion. Based on such direction, we could inform the Holy Father that there had not enough time to consult with at all the levels of the Church, and therefore we could request more time while allowing us to continue the present situation. Unfortunately, that did not happen. It is not right to say that the synod took the decision unanimously. It is a fact that the decision of the synod with regard to the celebration of mass was not unanimous.
The Holy Father has given two years for the discussion and consultation of the universal synod. He goes forward taking that much time to implement long term plans. There should be such kind of consultation at every level of the Church. This kind of collaborative consultative process should take place not only in the universal Church, but also in the particular Churches, Oriental Churches, Dioceses, parishes, and families.
Realising that the steps we have taken so far were not right, we should be ready to take new steps in this matter. I don’t say that it is easy. But it is possible. Then only, we, the children of St. Thomas will be able to fulfil the evangelisation in its true sense.
It is a clear fact that the Eucharistic celebration in the mission territories can be done only by realising their particular situation. I do not think that anybody will have doubt about it. There needs to have inculturation. We need to understand each place, people, their culture, and needs because we create and celebrate liturgy for them.
Without respecting the people and understanding their traditions and demands, if we enforce or impose something on them, then that is not right. Such enforcement or imposition will not take place properly. I won’t say that this consultation with the people and taking their opinion is easy, but even then, we should try to do it.
The Church has lost the vitality and energy of the incarnated, crucified, and resurrected Christ in the post-Constantine period. Vatican II exhorted to retrieve this vitality. Pope Francis at present is trying to do that. Now, we have got an opportunity to retrieve and foster the real spirit and vitality which was present in the pre-Constantine period but lost later. When we do that, the Kingdom of God will be fulfilled. We need to turn our attention to that.