Major Archbishop George Alencherry of the Syro-Malabar Church along with some of its members met Pope Benedict XVI at Rome yesterday, reported online Indian catholic news. The link is below. Major ArchBishop George Alencherry was elevated as the Major Archbishop of the Syro Malabar Catholic Church in Kerala which is the second largest sui juris church among the 22 autonomous Catholic Churches that are in union with Rome. Syro Malabar Catholic Church in size is second only to Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and is a major source of priestly and other religious vocations for the Catholic Church.
Archbishop George Alencherry was selected by Pope Benedict XVI as the head of the Syro Malabr Catholic Church after the demise of his predecessor Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil. Late Major Archbishop Vithayathil was elevated to the rank of the Cardinals by the predecessor of Pope Benedict XVI and he had participated in the election of the current Pope.
It is not a requirement for a Major Archbishop to be given the title Cardinal and Major Archbishop is not given the title of the Cardinal yet by the current Pope. Plainly speaking, the head of an autonomous Catholic Church is of a higher rank than of a Cardinal. It is also reported that some of the heads of the few sui juri churches have refused the title cardinal since the rank of Cardinal is below the rank of their title as the head of the autonomous Catholic Church.
While congratulating Major Archbishop for his new role I also wish him all success. He has a great job to do as the shepherd of the Syro Malabar Church. We the faithful look up to him as our mentor and guide in matters of faith and morals in union with Rome. May the Holy Spirit guide him and fulfill all His plans for the Church in India.
http://www.cathnewsindia.com/2011/10/18/major-archbishop-alencherry-meets-pope/
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