- 11 November, 2026
KOCHI, November 11, 2026: Monsignor Antony Narikulam is set to return as Vicar of St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam, following a ruling by the Apostolic Signatura, the supreme judicial authority of the Catholic Church. He will formally assume charge on November 12, according to a circular issued by the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocesan Chancery on November 10.
The decision marks a significant development in the prolonged ecclesiastical dispute in the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese, particularly concerning the disciplinary measures taken against priests who opposed the mandatory implementation of the Syro-Malabar Church's uniform mode of celebrating the Holy Qurbana.
The reappointment follows the canonical proceedings initiated after Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, then Apostolic Administrator of the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese, ordered Msgr Narikulam's removal from the Basilica on July 4, 2023. The order relieved him of his responsibilities as vicar of St Mary's Cathedral Basilica and appointed him Vicar of St Mary's Forane Church, Moozhikulam, with immediate effect.
The action came amid escalating tensions over the implementation of the uniform mode of the Holy Qurbana, approved by the Syro-Malabar Synod in 2021. Under this arrangement, the priest faces the congregation during the Liturgy of the Word and turns towards the altar during the Eucharistic Prayer.
A substantial section of priests and faithful in the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese opposed the compulsory implementation of the arrangement and maintained their preference for celebrating the Eucharist facing the congregation throughout.
As Basilica vicar, Msgr Nariculam found himself at the centre of the confrontation. Archbishop Thazhath had directed him to reopen the Basilica and ensure the celebration of the Holy Qurbana in the uniform mode. Nariculam informed the Apostolic Administrator that he was unable to implement the directive because of resistance from priests and parishioners. He also called for dialogue to address the differences and restore confidence between the ecclesiastical leadership and the local Church.
On June 24, 2023, Archbishop Thazhath warned the Basilica's parish council of disciplinary action for refusing to comply with the Synod's directives. Nariculam was subsequently relieved of his office on July 4.
He challenged the transfer through the Church's canonical judicial system, approaching the Apostolic Signatura for redress. The proceedings became part of the wider controversy over the disciplinary measures adopted against clergy in the archdiocese.
Apostolic Signatura intervention
The latest development also comes against the background of the Apostolic Signatura's intervention in the disciplinary tribunal established in the archdiocese in December 2024 to deal with priests accused of disobeying ecclesiastical directives concerning the uniform liturgy.
The tribunal's proceedings came under scrutiny over alleged procedural irregularities. Following an appeal by its presiding judge, Fr James Mathew Pampara, the Apostolic Signatura intervened on October 1, 2025, suspending proceedings in the special tribunal, prohibiting the initiation of new cases and directing that the relevant files be submitted for examination.
The two pending cases were subsequently referred to the ordinary Metropolitan Tribunal of the archdiocese for examination. After the cases were dealt with under the directions of the Apostolic Signatura, Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil issued a decree on September 30, 2026, dissolving the special tribunal.
The developments represented an important intervention by the Church's highest judicial authority in ensuring that ecclesiastical disciplinary proceedings conform to the requirements of canon law.
A changing approach to the liturgical dispute
The reappointment of Msgr Narikulam also comes amid renewed efforts to address the liturgical differences that have deeply divided the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese.
In August 2026, the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church reaffirmed the agreement reached in June 2025, allowing parishes in the archdiocese to continue celebrating the Holy Qurbana with the priest facing the congregation throughout, while requiring at least one celebration in the uniform mode on Sundays and holy days of obligation.
The arrangement was seen as an attempt to accommodate the pastoral concerns of the archdiocese while maintaining the Synod's position on liturgical uniformity.
St Mary's Cathedral Basilica, the principal church of the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese, had remained closed for an extended period during the confrontation. Its reopening and the subsequent resumption of public worship marked important stages in efforts to restore normal ecclesiastical life.
Msgr Nariculam's return as vicar is therefore a significant development in a dispute that has involved successive ecclesiastical decrees, canonical appeals, judicial interventions and prolonged tensions among clergy and faithful.
His assumption of office on November 12 will bring him back to the pastoral leadership of the Basilica more than three years after his removal. The development also renews attention on the role of canonical justice and due process in resolving internal disputes within the Catholic Church.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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