Mechernich – A visit of great symbolic and spiritual significance marked last week at the mother house of Communio in Christo in Mechernich: His Eminence Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, Major Archbishop-Catholicos and head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church based in Trivandrum, India, paid a moving short visit to the community at the mother house on Bleiberg.
The cardinal's stay in Mechernich coincided with the annual meeting of the Syro-Malankara communities in Germany, which took place this year on the Venusberg in Bonn. Despite his busy schedule, Cardinal Cleemis did not miss the opportunity to visit Communio in Christo again – seven years after his last stay in Mechernich.
The cardinal priest, who was elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI on 24 November 2012 with the titular church of San Gregorio VII, was received with great warmth at Bleiberg in Mechernich. During the approximately two-hour meeting, there was an intensive exchange with the leadership of Communio, focusing on the growing partnership between the Indian Church and the community in Mechernich.
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Cardinal Cleemis honoured the almost two decades of cooperation, which is based on a special decision made 17 years ago: At that time, the Grand Archbishop sent his then secretary, Father Jaison Thazhathil, to serve in the Communio in Christo - a step that became the basis of a long-term and fruitful cooperation.
Since then, numerous Syro-Malankan priests have taken up their pastoral ministry in Europe, often prepared and accompanied by Communio. "This cooperation is a blessing - not only for our Church in India, but also for the Church in Europe," emphasised Cardinal Cleemis. With its language courses, cultural orientation and liturgical training, the Communio in Christo makes an important contribution to the integration of priests into the European context.
The Cardinal particularly emphasised the commitment of Norbert Arnold, Managing Director of the social work of Communio in Christo. His tireless commitment in the management of the community's social organisations was exemplary. Cardinal Cleemis also expressed his thanks and appreciation to the numerous Indian religious sisters and lay employees who are involved in care and pastoral work and thus provide a living testimony of Christian charity.
"The visit was not only a gesture of solidarity, but also a strong sign of a living world church in which cultural diversity and a common mission go hand in hand," said Father Jaison Thazhathil, who is now Superior General of the Ordo Communionis in Christo. "Compassion, service and communion", said the Cardinal, are the pillars of this international partnership - and a model for intercultural cooperation in the Catholic Church worldwide.
pp/Agentur ProfiPress
