Thiruvananthapuram: A historic milestone in the Malankara Catholic Church unfolded on Sunday as the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis, Major Archbishop of the Church, commenced at the St. Mary’s Major Arch-Eparchial Cathedral. The day began with a solemn Holy Mass, attended by hundreds of faithful and clergy. Following the liturgy, Cardinal Cleemis lit the Jubilee Candle, symbolizing 25 years of his episcopal service. The homily was delivered by Archbishop Thomas Mar Kurilos, while Bishops Joseph Mar Thomas, Yuhanon Mar Chrysostom, Mathews Mar Polycarpus, Anthony Mar Silvanos, and more than a hundred priests concelebrated.
The celebration recalls a remarkable journey that began on August 15, 2001, when Fr. Isaac Thottungal was consecrated as bishop under the name Isaac Mar Cleemis. His first responsibilities included serving as Auxiliary Bishop of Thiruvananthapuram and Apostolic Visitor to the Malankara faithful in North America and Europe. In 2003, he was appointed Bishop of Thiruvalla, a diocese that would later be raised to archdiocesan status in 2006, with him as its first Metropolitan Archbishop.
The turning point came in 2007, following the demise of Major Archbishop Cyril Mar Baselios Catholicos. On February 8, 2007, the Synod elected Isaac Mar Cleemis as the second Major Archbishop of the Malankara Catholic Church. He assumed the name Baselios Cleemis, and on March 5, 2007, was enthroned as the head of the Church.
His global recognition grew when Pope Benedict XVI created him Cardinal on October 24, 2012, making him not only the youngest bishop in the Indian Church at 41, but also the youngest cardinal in the worldwide Catholic Church at the time. His influence within the universal Church deepened as Pope Francis appointed him to the Congregation for the Eastern Churches and the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. He also participated in two papal conclaves, contributing to the election of successive popes.
Nationally, Cardinal Cleemis played a pivotal role as the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) from 2014 to 2018, guiding the Church through crucial years of dialogue and social engagement. He continues to serve as the President of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC), shaping the voice of the Catholic community in Kerala.
The Jubilee celebrations, marked by liturgical solemnity and community participation, will continue with a series of events honoring the Cardinal’s 25-year-long episcopal journey of leadership, service, and spiritual guidance.