Catholic Priest Faces Unusual Restrictions Following Church Order

In an unusual order issued by the Catholic Bishop of Thamarassery in the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Rev Fr Aji Puthiyaparambil has been stripped of all rights and freedom, including the ability to conduct priestly duties in public.

The order, issued by Bishop Remigiose Innchananiyil, permits Puthiyaparambil to celebrate the Divine Eucharist only in the private chapel at the Diocesan Priest Home, with restricted movement and a ban on speaking to the media or making any writings in mass media.

The priest, unfazed by the restrictions, expressed faith in Christ and willingness to face the trials. Puthiyaparambil faced suspension when he raised issues about wrongdoings within the Church, but after support from the laity, his suspension was revoked. The current restrictions are in place until the ongoing trial by the Church tribunal concludes, prompting some among the laity to consider seeking legal recourse.