Unified mass row: Four priests of Kerala’s Ernakulam-Angamali archdiocese relieved of duty for disobeying transfer orders

Bosco Puthur, Apostolic Administrator of the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese in Kerala, has relieved four priests from their duties in the parishes where they are located after they disobeyed a transfer order issued by the Apostolic Administrator. was serving

The transfer orders were initially issued after priests disobeyed orders to implement the Synod-endorsed Unified Mass in their parishes of service. The Apostolic Administrator also warned priests that they would face further action, including excommunication, if they engaged in activities that aggravated the situation. A new priest has been appointed in their place.

The synodal decision for a unified Mass is supported by the Vatican and Pope Francis. The order is to implement a unified Mass in the Syro-Malabar Church, in an archdiocese where there are pockets of resistance against the Synod Mass liturgy.

Church sources said the four priests were previously ordered to transfer but continued to work as priests in the respective parishes. Bishop Puthur’s latest order is a follow-up on disobedience to church authority.

Accordingly, the priests of St. Martin de Porres Forane, Palarivattom, St. Mary’s Forane, Thripunithura, Matha Nagar Church, Kadawanthara and St. Mary’s Cathedral Church in the heart of Kochi have been relieved of their duties. Priests who move out of parishes are not given new responsibilities.

The forum opposes the movement

Meanwhile, the Athiropatha Praksha Samiti (Forum for Protection of the Archdiocese), a forum of priests rebelling against the unified Mass, said the bishop’s transfer was “in defiance of a court order”.

Senior priest and forum spokesman Josh Bhailikodath said in a statement that the apostolic administrator had thrown “respect for canon and civil law” to the winds.

“The Acting Administrator is a total failure and should step down immediately,” the forum added.