Kochi
In a peculiar order issued by the Catholic Bishop of Thamarassery of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Reverend Fr Aji Puthiyaparambil has been subjected to severe restrictions, including the deprivation of rights and freedom. The order, issued by Bishop Remigiose Innchananiyil, prohibits the priest from conducting any public priestly duties, limiting him to celebrating the Divine Eucharist only in the private chapel at the Diocesan Priests Home. The restrictions extend to curtailing Fr Aji’s freedom of speech and movement, preventing him from engaging with the media or making any writings in mass media. The priest, undeterred by the ban, expressed his unwavering faith in Christ, stating that the challenges he faces are akin to the trials and tribulations faced by disciples of Jesus Christ. Fr Aji Puthiyaparambil found himself in trouble after raising concerns about alleged wrongdoings by higher-ups within the Church. Following his suspension, which sparked support from the laity, the Church revoked the suspension. However, a Tribunal was later constituted by Bishop Remigiose Innchananiyil to conduct a trial against the priest. The recently imposed restrictions will remain in place until the ongoing Church trial concludes and issues its final report. A section of the laity, supportive of Fr Aji, is contemplating seeking legal recourse in a court of law, considering the unusual nature of the restrictions imposed by the Church.
