A Catholic priest in India has launched an indefinite hunger strike against his Eastern-rite Church’s demand that all priests stop celebra-ting Mass facing the congregation in order to have uniformity in the liturgy. Father Babu Joseph Kalathil of Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese started his fast in the arch-bishop’s house on Jan. 12. He said the synod’s decision meant priests turning to the altar during Eucharistic prayer, which was not acceptable to him and his supporters. Fr Kalathil represented the priests of the archdiocese who pledge their full support to him. He followed by Fr Tom Mullanchira and two laymen Prakash P. John and N.O. Thomas continued the fast until Abp Kariyil CMI gave word that Mass facing the people will be followed in the archdiocese. Priests have accused Card. Alencherry and the bishops who support him of causing a rift between priests and the laity by insisting on a uniform liturgy. “If the synod continues with its adamant stand, the archdiocese with more than 500,000 followers will be in turmoil and the future of the church will also be at stake,” he said.
Spanish bishops speak out after leaks of their meeting with Leo XIV
The executive committee of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference, (CEE, by its Spanish acronym) meeting in Madrid this week, issued an official statement regarding the leaks
