(ZENIT News / Rome, 06.24.2024).- During two sessions held on June 14 and 19, an initial agreement was reached involving representatives of the archdiocese that has contested the liturgical reform of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. The agreement initially allowed the archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly to continue celebrating the Mass according to the pre-2021 rite, but under the condition that one Sunday Mass in each parish would be celebrated according to the newly approved rite.
However, this agreement was short-lived. It has come to light that the situation has reverted to what it was before June 14 and 19. According to representatives of the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese, the agreement was unilaterally modified.
According to a note received by ZENIT, the modification consists of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church’s higher hierarchy viewing this concession as transitory and not as a definitive measure. The Catholics of Ernakulam-Angamaly (who comprise 10% of the total Syro-Malabar community) understood that the pre-reform Mass would be considered the official rite in the archdiocesan territory. They also requested the withdrawal of the excommunication threat, which remains in effect and has a deadline of July 3. The Decree states that if the new approved rite is not adopted in all Masses by July 3, the priests will face excommunication.
In response, about 400 priests have submitted a case to the Dicastery for Legislative Texts, seeking to nullify the letter threatening excommunication. They argue that the agreement was unilaterally altered, leaving no room for further discussions.
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