Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Saturday described Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, as a guiding light for society.
He was speaking after inaugurating the valedictory function of the Cardinal's episcopal silver jubilee held at Pattom here.
Satheesan said he was attending the event not as the chief minister but as a brother of Cardinal Cleemis.
"Whenever I have visited him, he has showered me with love and affection, given me confidence, and provided the energy to face all crises. I desire to say with pride that Cardinal is, in every sense of the word, like a brother to me. He is the same to everyone who knows him," he said.
Satheesan said Cardinal Cleemis, as the successor to Archbishop Mar Ivanios, had guided the Malankara Catholic Church through difficult times and continued to spread light everywhere.
"In the Church, in the spiritual realm, and in public life, wherever he intervenes, his mature actions and words bring warmth, love, and a sense of harmony to even the most tense environments. He always shares actions and words that make us feel the presence of a divine force within his heart," he said.
Referring to Chapter 60 of the Book of Isaiah in the Bible, Satheesan described Cardinal Cleemis as a light that guides society.
{{/usCountry}}Referring to Chapter 60 of the Book of Isaiah in the Bible, Satheesan described Cardinal Cleemis as a light that guides society.
{{/usCountry}}"I wish to specifically mention that he lives by shining in that light and sharing it with others. Literally, the words of Prophet Isaiah align with him and his deeds," he said.
Satheesan said the Bible spoke extensively about light, which removed darkness and ignorance and brought illumination and wisdom.
"His journey is driven by the grand mission of leading humanity out of darkness and ignorance toward the paths of wisdom," he said.
He also referred to the First Letter of St Paul to Timothy regarding how a leader of the Church should conduct himself.
"Cleemis Bava is someone who upholds both the essence of that faith and the duty of a clean conscience with equal dedication," he said.
Satheesan said the Cardinal had more missions ahead and sought his blessings as the government navigated complex pathways.
"Similarly, at a time when the Christian community across the country faces a deep sense of insecurity, I hope his leadership will guide them out of that anxiety, instil confidence, and lead them toward true paths of faith and hope," he said.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi, Health Minister K Muraleedharan and Shashi Tharoor MP attended the event.
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