Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, marked 25 years of episcopal ministry with a silver jubilee celebration in Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram, on August 22, 2026.
The ceremony brought together Church leaders, clergy, religious, public officials and representatives of the faithful to honor Cardinal Cleemis’ pastoral journey and his contribution to the Church and wider society.
The celebration took place in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala in southern India, where the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church has its headquarters. The Eastern Catholic Church, rooted in the Malankara Christian tradition of Kerala, also serves communities in other parts of India and in countries around the world.
The jubilee highlighted Cardinal Cleemis’ ministry as successor to Archbishop Mar Ivanios and his leadership of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church through periods of social and ecclesial change. His ministry has also included engagement in dialogue and efforts to promote fraternity and reconciliation beyond the boundaries of the Church.
Inaugurating the felicitation ceremony , Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan hailed Cardinal Cleemis as a “guiding light” whose ministry continues to inspire people through faith, wisdom, fraternity and reconciliation.
Speaking with personal warmth, the chief minister said he attended the celebration not only as chief minister but also “as a brother of Cardinal Cleemis.”
“Whenever I have visited him, he has showered me with love and affection, given me confidence and provided the strength to face crises,” the chief minister said, describing Cardinal Cleemis as a pastor whose concern extends to everyone he encounters.
The chief minister praised Cardinal Cleemis’ ability to bring calm and harmony to difficult situations, saying his words and actions can help ease tensions in the Church, spiritual life and public sphere.
Drawing on the biblical vision of light in Isaiah 60, the chief minister portrayed Cardinal Cleemis as a leader who helps people move beyond ignorance, uncertainty and despair toward wisdom and hope.
The chief minister also referred to the First Letter of St. Paul to Timothy, highlighting integrity, faith and a clear conscience as qualities expected of Church leaders. He said Cardinal Cleemis has embodied these values through his pastoral ministry and public witness.
The chief minister expressed hope that Cardinal Cleemis would continue to offer moral leadership, confidence and hope to Christians and society amid growing social uncertainty. He also sought the Cardinal’s blessings as the state government addresses complex social challenges.
The celebration was attended by Union Minister Suresh Gopi, Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan, Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, Church leaders, clergy, religious and representatives of the faithful.
The silver jubilee thus served not only as a commemoration of 25 years of episcopal service but also as a public recognition of Cardinal Cleemis’ continuing commitment to faith, fraternity, reconciliation and the common good.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
