Kochi: Differences in holding Uniform Holy Mass and Church land sale controversy has led to the resignation of Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese apostolic vicar Antony Kariyil.
He had to step down following direction from the Vatican demanding his resignation. Vatican delegate Nuncio Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli held parleys with the Archbishop on Tuesday on the differences in Syro Malabar Church.
Antony Kariyil had defied the Vatican and the synod in the matters regarding Uniform Holy Mass. He had also challenged Major Archbishop Mar George Alencherry in the Church land transactions controversy, media reports said.
The Archdiocese Protection Committee and a section of priests have extended support to Kariyil. They demand the expulsion of Cardinal Mar George Alencherry. The priests and laity had passed a resolution regarding this on Monday.
The churches under Syro-Malabar Church have been following different ways of offering Mass. While a section of priests offer Mass facing the people, another does so facing the altar.
The Vatican Mass and directed the Kerala Catholic Church to implement a Uniform Holy Mass mode of offering at the earliest. The Church in all dioceses would have to perform the ritual facing the altar throughout the services.
