The five-day synod of the Varappuzha Archdiocese ended here on Sunday. The synod expressed concern over the challenges to secularism in the country and religious persecutions in different parts of the world.
The synod declared its total acceptance of Pope Francis’ declaration to take up the cause of and to side with the marginalised and the poor.
The synod’s recommendations include: “the archdiocese would work to provide quality and affordable healthcare, especially to the poor; lead activities in the care of the environment; make financial dealings transparent; set up committees with lay representatives in running archdiocesan institutions, which would also have ethics committees; explore scientific methods for disposal of bodies, especially in urban living complexes and limit the number of festival days in parish churches and end splurge and rivalry in conduct of these festivities.”
The synod, held after a gap of 119 years, emphasised the need for the Latin Catholic Community to work to get its legitimate recognition; to intensify social and political intervention and the need to provide housing for all, especially those who have been evicted from their homes for development projects. The synod also called for organised efforts to prevent the spread of the use of alcoholic drinks and intoxicants.
The concluding ceremonies of the synod were held at the Ashir Bhavan where Archbishop Susai Pakiam delivered the message. Archbishop Francis Kallarakkal, who presided at the synod, said the synod had turned into a historical event and it would yield good results for the Archdiocese and the Kerala society as a whole.
