Ernakulam-Angamaly, India — Tensions reached a breaking point at St. Sebastian’s Church in Prasadagiri, Varikkankunnu, on Saturday, after dissenting members of the congregation disrupted a unified Holy Mass, leading to an outbreak of violence. The clash underscores deep-seated divisions within the Syro-Malabar Archdiocese over church liturgical practices.
The confrontation erupted when several parishioners, reportedly led by the church’s former vicar Jerin Palathingal, obstructed the officiating priest, Father John Thottuppuram, as he proceeded with the Mass. The altercation led to Father Thottuppuram being physically shoved from the altar, with various church properties including microphones and vestments being damaged in the melee.
In the wake of the incident, the local Thalayolaparambu police have intervened, filing four cases based on complaints lodged by Father Thottuppuram against the aggressors. The police reports indicate that injuries were sustained during the incident, and four individuals have subsequently been arrested.
Following the disturbance, the church premises were secured and temporarily closed to the public, authorities confirmed. This move was part of broader efforts to restore order and assess the situation.
The dispute centers on the introduction of a unified format for the Holy Mass, a change that has been met with resistance from a segment of the church community. Advocates for the unified Mass argue that it fosters greater unity and coherence in worship across the archdiocese. Conversely, opponents claim it suppresses local liturgical traditions that are central to their spiritual identity and heritage.
The friction has been festering, with dialogues between church officials and dissenting groups failing to yield a compromise. The archdiocese has publicly called for peace and reconciliation among its faithful, highlighting the need for dialogue and understanding to resolve the liturgical differences.
This incident at St. Sebastian’s is not isolated but part of a broader pattern of liturgical disputes that have occasionally flared into public view within the Syro-Malabar Church, reflecting wider tensions in a community grappling with tradition and reform.
As the church remains under lockdown, both church leaders and local authorities are calling for calm, urging all parties involved to seek a peaceful resolution through constructive dialogue. Meanwhile, community leaders and local government officials are also engaging in discussions to prevent such incidents from recurring and to bridge the divides within the congregation.
The events at St. Sebastian’s Church highlight the challenges faced by religious institutions as they navigate the fine line between tradition and the adaptation necessary in a rapidly changing world. As the situation develops, the community looks toward its leaders for guidance and a path forward that respects the diverse views within its faithful.