(Deepl Translation)

Mechernich – Bishop Dr. Mathews Mar Polycarpos from the Diocese of Mavelikara in the Indian state of Kerala, another bishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, visited Mechernich and the Ordo Communionis in Christo there. The community welcomed the former Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Trivandrum, born in 1955, during the Angelus prayer in the monastery's founding chapel.

The bishop, who has known the family of the Mechernich Superior General, Father Jaison Thazhathil, since childhood, was accompanied by his nephew, Father Jobin Joy, who is studying at the Pallottine College in Vallendar near Koblenz. They had all met again at the reunion celebrations of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in Frankfurt. During the celebrations, Superior General Father Jaison Thazhathil invited the bishop to visit Mechernich.

A decades-old wish

“Ever since I heard about it, it has been my wish to visit the Communio in Mechernich myself,” said the bishop in conversation with managing director Norbert Arnold, who introduced him to the social welfare organization, and deacon Manfred Lang, who introduced him to the order. The bishop, who was deeply impressed by the long-term care and hospice “Stella Maris,” recalled that the Communio was founded by a charismatic, saintly woman, Mother Marie Therese.

Mathew Manakkarakavil, his baptismal name, studied at the seminaries in Trivandrum and Vadavathoor in Kottayam. On December 18, 1983, he received the sacrament of Holy Orders. After further studies in India and at the Institut Catholique de Paris, he received his doctorate in French literature from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli in 2010. He worked in parish ministry, as a teacher, and as a school principal. Before his appointment as bishop, he was protosyncellus of the Archdiocese of Trivandrum.

On May 7, 2022, Pope Francis confirmed his election as auxiliary bishop and appointed him titular bishop of Canatha. The Major Archbishop of Trivandrum, Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Katholikos, consecrated him bishop on July 15 of the same year in St. Mary's Cathedral of the Major Archdiocese. The co-consecrators were the Archbishop of Tiruvalla, Dr. Thomas Mar Koorilos, and the Bishop of Mavelikara, Dr. Joshua Mar Ignathios. On May 30, 2025, he was appointed diocesan bishop of Mavelikara.

Counter-model to euthanasia

Deacon Lang, the deputy superior of Communio in Christo, praised the close relationship and support of the Syro-Malankara Church for Communio. “I am delighted that you in India have paid special attention to us, to General Superior Jaison Thazhathil, who comes from your archdiocese, and to our work worldwide with 250 members.”

The aim is to support one another and remain united in prayer and active works of charity. Communio is home to priests, sisters, families, and lay people in a wide variety of professions and walks of life. It is not just another religious order, but a spiritual home for all.

Norbert Arnold, managing director and chairman of the social welfare organization Communio in Christo e.V., also explained to Bishop Dr. Mathews Mar Polycarpos the particular challenge of dealing with death and dying in Europe: “We try to offer an alternative and a counter-model to active euthanasia by providing extremely loving and caring support to people in the final stages of their lives.” 

pp/Agentur ProfiPress