(ZENIT News / Rome, 06.22.2024).- In a dramatic turn of events, the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, which had been teetering on the brink of schism, has reached a compromise regarding its liturgical practices. The church authorities had issued a pastoral letter on June 9, mandating that priests and parishioners adopt the Mass format approved in 2021 by July 4 or face excommunication.
However, a significant breakthrough occurred during a meeting on June 19, where both sides made concessions. The compromise allows the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly to continue celebrating the Mass in its traditional form, while also mandating that each parish celebrate one Mass every Sunday according to the new reform. This agreement, pending Vatican approval, marks a pivotal moment in resolving the liturgical dispute.
The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, an Eastern Catholic Church in full communion with the Pope, boasts a membership of 5 million, predominantly in India. Notably, one-tenth of these members reside in the contentious archdiocese.
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