Latin Archdiocese Synod to be announced in July

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Latin Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram is convening a Synod for the first time for charting out a path for progress in the years ahead.The constitution of the new Synod will be announced during the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Archdiocese beginning on July 24. The Synod is being convened with the approval of Pope Benedict XVI with an eye on comprehensive development of the Archdiocese and aimed at its growth and progress, Vicar-General Monsignor Eugene Pereira said.The platinum jubilee celebrations will lay stress on increasing church attendance, raising awareness on the Gospel and strengthening the Church’s activities to curb the use of liquor and tobacco. Charity programmes such as construction of 75 homes for the poor have also been planned during the one-year-long celebrations. The celebrations at the parish-level began on July 1 with a Holy Mass, jubilee prayer and other rituals. Archbishop Dr M Soosai Pakiam will preside over the Archdiocese-level celebrations opening on July 24 at the Bishop Pereira Hall.Mayor K Chandrika, Hibi Eden MLA, Chief Information Commissioner Siby Mathews and Palayam Imam Jamaludeen Mankada will also be present. Later, the Pontifical Holy Mass will be held at the St Joseph’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Palayam, during which the Synod is to be announced.