Archbishop Cyril Vasil's mission as papal envoy to the Siro-Malabar Church in India has concluded after two years. The mission aimed to resolve a liturgical dispute regarding the celebration of the Holy Qurbana. The dispute originated from a 2021 decision by the Siro-Malabar Synod to standardize the Eucharistic liturgy across its dioceses. Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese resisted the unified form, favoring a post-Vatican II adaptation. Archbishop Vasil' faced resistance, including physical hostility, during his efforts to mediate the conflict.
5 months ago
A long-standing and deeply divisive liturgical dispute within India's largest Eastern Catholic archdiocese, Ernakulam-Angamaly of the Siro-Malabar Church, has reached a formal resolution 1. The conflict centered on the celebration of the Holy Qurbana, the Eucharistic liturgy, specifically whether the priest should face the congregation throughout the service or turn towards the altar during the consecration 1.
The dispute originated from a 2021 decision by the Siro-Malabar Synod to standardize the Holy Qurbana across its 35 dioceses 1. While most archieparchies adopted the unified rite, which involved the priest facing the altar during the consecration, Ernakulam-Angamaly largely resisted, favoring the post-Vatican II practice of the priest facing the congregation for the entire liturgy 1. This disagreement escalated into significant protests and confrontations, threatening the unity of the ancient Church 1.
In August 2023, Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Cyril Vasil' as a special envoy to address the crisis 1. Despite his expertise in Eastern Church traditions and diplomacy, Archbishop Vasil' encountered fierce resistance, including physical hostility and public demonstrations against Vatican officials 1. Pope Francis responded with sanctions and a personal video message appealing for reconciliation, but tensions persisted even after the installation of Archbishop Raphael Thattil in January 2024 1.
Under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis, Archbishop Vasil's mission concluded with a resolution 1. A new framework, announced on June 19, 2025, and effective July 3, allows priests in Ernakulam-Angamaly to continue celebrating Mass facing the congregation, while also requiring them to offer at least one weekly Mass using the unified synodal rite 1. This dual-practice approach, rather than forced conformity, is seen as a crucial turning point, averting a potential schism 1.
The Vatican's Dicastery for the Eastern Churches announced the conclusion of Archbishop Vasil's role, with Pope Leo XIV expressing gratitude for his efforts 1. The resolution is framed not as a victory but as a triumph of dialogue and communion, aligning with Pope Leo XIV's vision for a Church that honors tradition while fostering unity and diversity 1. Although the immediate conflict has subsided, the healing process for the wounds inflicted during the dispute is expected to take time, with some faithful still viewing the compromise differently 1.
How does liturgy impact Church unity and authority?
The liturgy, particularly the Eucharist, profoundly impacts Church unity by serving as both a sign and a cause of communion among the faithful and with Christ . It is considered the "source and summit of the Christian life" and the heart of parish life, drawing together all members of the community .
In summary, the liturgy, centered on the Eucharist, is fundamental to the Church's unity, bringing believers into intimate communion with Christ and with each other, transcending human divisions. It also reinforces ecclesial authority through the role of bishops and priests in ensuring faithful celebration and fostering communion.