Restoration and Revision of Syro-Malabar Holy Mass

Roman Pontiffs always took special interest to keep up and foster the ritual patrimony of the Syro Malabar Church. A commission was appointed in 1934 with a special mandate of restoring liturgy. Another commission was appointed in 1954. The restored text of Holy Mass, the book of rubrics and calendar called "ordo celebrationem" (1959) and the propria called "supplementum mysteriorum" (1960) were published. The restored Holy Mass was inaugurated in 1962. But considering the wish of the people, it was adapted in 1968. Soon attempts for further restoration started and directives were given from the Congregation for the Oriental Churches. The Syro-Malabar Qurbana was again restored to the pre-sixteenth century East Syrian Form in 1986 and the solemn Divine Liturgy was inaugurated in 1986 by Pope John Paul II. With minor adaptations through the permitted options the restored test came to be used in 1989. It is a fact that a great majority of bishops, priests, religious and laity are dissatisfied with the static nature, ambiguous phrases, style, language, monotonous prayers, rubrics etc.. of the present text.The Syro-Malabar Bishops in a joint pastoral letter in 1990 promised the members of the Church that the present text of he Holy Mass can be improved in the light of is use for five years. Its revision will have to follow the genuine liturgical traditions of our Church; but at the same time,it should be open to the requirements of cultural adaptation. Besides, before this revision, suggestions of the priests, religious and laity will be taken into consideration. (from Dr. Andrews Thazhath, The Quest for Identity, 1992)