Kochi: It has been decided to continue the present mode of celebrating the Holy Mass in the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese. Vatican authorities granted permission to continue the existing mode after a meeting with Pope Francis. Metropolitan Vicar Mar Antony Kariyil issued a circular in this regard.

Amid the mounting protests of devotees and priests, it was decided to implement the uniform mass celebration in Syro-Malabar Church from Sunday onwards. The believers in various churches have intensified protests against this move.

Metropolitan Vicar Mar Antony Kariyil of Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese had gone to Vatican to meet the Pope and talked with him for about 45 minutes. Mon Fr Antony Narikkulam also attended the meeting.

The priests had held talks with the devotees of some parishes where they expressed interest to follow the new way of mass celebration. The new method is likely to be followed in places where at least 80 percent of the devotees are in support of it.

The Synod informed that the new method will be implemented after Easter. The people have decided to organize protests in churches where the mass celebration is likely to be held in the new mode on Sunday.