Mananthavady: His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the Major Archbishop-Catholicos of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, made a significant two-day pastoral visit to St. Norbert Priory in Mananthavady on May 31 and June 1, 2025. The visit was marked by deep spiritual reflection, warm fellowship, and a renewed commitment to the religious life by the Norbertine community.

Upon arrival, His Beatitude was warmly received by Rev. Fr. Francis Allumpuram, representing the Norbertine fathers and brothers. The community expressed immense honor and joy in hosting such a distinguished spiritual leader. The atmosphere was one of reverence and anticipation as the members gathered to welcome the Major Archbishop-Catholicos, whose presence brought a fresh wave of spiritual enthusiasm to the priory.

During the gathering, Cardinal Cleemis delivered a powerful and deeply moving spiritual exhortation to the assembled Norbertine community. He called upon them to rise as “a Norbertine army to protect the Church,” emphasizing the urgent need for religious communities to stand firm in their faith in today’s challenging times. The Cardinal stressed that the strength and resilience required for such a mission must be fundamentally rooted in a vibrant and ongoing Eucharistic life, highlighting the Holy Eucharist as the source and summit of their spiritual vitality.

He underscored the vital role the Norbertine community plays in safeguarding the Church’s mission and traditions, encouraging each member to live out their vocation with renewed zeal and unwavering dedication. His Beatitude reminded the community that their spiritual weapons are prayer, fidelity, and unity, and that their witness should inspire hope and courage among the faithful.

The visit provided ample opportunity for personal interaction, prayer, and spiritual dialogue between the Cardinal and the Norbertine fathers and brothers. His Beatitude’s presence was not only an occasion for encouragement but also a call to deeper introspection and communal renewal.

As the visit drew to a close, Fr. Vigil Kizhakkarakkattu expressed a heartfelt vote of thanks on behalf of the Norbertine community. He conveyed profound gratitude to His Beatitude for his inspiring words, pastoral care, and the renewed sense of mission instilled in all present. Fr. Vigil assured the Cardinal of the community’s steadfast commitment to their charism and to living out their calling with greater passion and fidelity in response to the challenges outlined during the visit.

This pastoral encounter at St. Norbert Priory emerged as a profound moment of unity, spiritual reinforcement, and encouragement for the Norbertines. It strengthened their resolve to serve the Church and the faithful with courage and faithfulness, nourished by a deeper connection to the Eucharist and to their shared mission.

The visit of His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos thus left an indelible mark on the Norbertine community, inspiring them to embrace their role as both contemplatives and active guardians of the Church’s spiritual heritage in the modern world.