GENERAL KNOWLEDGE – CURRENT AFFAIRS & CATPLUS
[Based on Sathyadeepam, June - October 2013]
Compiled by Jenson Jacob Pellissery, St. Dominic’s Parish Sunday School, Aluva,
Part-1: June to August 2013
1. Slogan (Motto) of Sunday School Catechetical Year 2013-‟14 of Ernakulam – Angamaly Archdiocese –
“Faith expressing itself through Love” [Galatians 5:6]
2. First Encyclical of Pope Francis signed on 29th June 2013 – “The Light of Faith” [Lumen Fidei]
3. 266th Pope of the Church – Pope Francis [Elected & Papacy began on 13-3-2013; Papal Inauguration – 19th
March 2013]
4. Previous Name of Pope Francis – Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio S.J. (was the Cardinal of Buenos Aires)
5. Homeland of Pope Francis – Argentina (Buenos Aires) – (First Pope from Americas & First Jesuit Pope)
6. How is the year from October 11, 2012 (Golden Jubilee of the opening of 2nd Vatican Council & 20th
Anniversary of promulgation of CCC) to November 24, 2013 (Feast day of Christ the King) celebrated by the
Catholic Church? – Year of Faith (Annus Fidei)
7. Place to host General Assembly of CBCI in 2014 – Pala [Held from 19th to 26th February 2014; Theme: “
„Renewed Church for a Renewed Society‟ – Responding to the call of Vatican II”]
8. Theme of the 47th World Peace Day in 2014 [January 1] – “ Fraternity, the foundation and pathway to
peace”
9. Day observed as World Peace Day every year by the Catholic Church– January 1
10. Archbishop from Syro-Malabar Church who is appointed as Apostolic Nuncio to Bangladesh from 6th July
2013 – Archbishop George Kochery [Previously Apostolic Nuncio to Zimbabwe]
11. Bishop hailing from Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese and appointed as Auxiliary Bishop (Coadjutor Vicar
Apostolic) of Nekemte Apostolic Vicariate in Ethiopia on 28th June 2013 – Bishop Varghese Thottamkara C.M.
12. Bishop hailing from Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese and appointed as Bishop of Diphu diocese in Assam
on 26th July 2013 – Bishop Paul Mattekatt
13. Where will be the international celebration of the 29th World Youth Day in 2016 held? – Krakow, Poland
14. Where & when was the international celebration of the 28th World Youth Day held? - Rio De Janeiro, Brazil;
July 23-28, 2013 (Theme: “Go and make disciples of all the nations”-Mathew 28:19)
15. The largest Catholic nation in the world – Brazil
16. Who started the World Youth Day celebrations? – Pope John Paul II (in 1986)
17. Who was awarded with „Sabhashreshta Award‟ by Kerala Catholic Federation (Association of Laity
belonging to the 3 rites in Kerala) on 2nd May 2013 – Archbishop Mar Joseph Pawathil
18. Priest who was honoured by Syro-Malabar Church by giving the title „Vaidikaratnam‟ in 2012 – Fr. Jacob
Aeranat. [Passed away on 21st June 2013]
19. Indian Cardinal who passed away on 19th July 2013- Cardinal Simon Pimenta [Mumbai]
20. Venue of 51st International Eucharistic Congress held between 23rd and 29th May 2016 – Cebu,
Philippines; Theme: “Christ in You: Our hope of Glory”
21. Where in India was the 38th International Eucharistic Congress held? – Bombay [1964 November 28 –
December 6]
22. The historical event, the 1700th anniversary of which is commemorated in 2013 – Edict of Milan [Between
Roman Emperors Constantine & Lucinius in A.D. 313 February; Declared religious toleration for Christianity in
Roman Empire]
23. Recipients of Ratzinger Prize for Theology in 2013 – Rev. Richard A. Burridge (Anglican Biblical Scholar)
and Professor Christian Schaller (German lay theologian)
1|Page
24. Name of the group started by the Pontifical Academy for Life in June 2013 to expand its network of people
interested in promoting life around the world – “Friends for Life”
25. Pope whose 50th death anniversary was marked in June 2013 – Blessed Pope John XXIII [passed away on
3rd June 1963]
26. Encyclical, 50th anniversary of which was marked on 11-4-2013 -„Pacem in Terris‟ (Peace on Earth-Pope
John 23rd;1963)
27. Popes whose canonizations were approved by Pope Francis on 5th July 2013 – Bl.Pope John Paul II and
Bl.Pope John 23
28. Saints canonized by Pope Francis (his first canonization) on 12th May 2013 – St. Antonio Primaldo and his
companion martyrs, (813 martyrs called Martyrs of Otranto) killed by Ottoman Turks in Otranto, Italy on 14th
August 1480; St Laura Monteya of St Catherine of Siena (Colombia), St. Maria Guadalupe Garcia Zavala,
(Mexico)
29. The first Saint of Colombia – St. Laura Monteya (Canonized by Pope Francis on 12th May 2013)
30. Indian Cardinal in the 8-member advisory group, appointed by Pope Francis on 13th April, 2013, to advise
him in the governance of Universal Church & Roman Curia and to study a draft revision on Apostolic
Constitution „Pastor Bonus‟ – Cardinal Oswald Gracias (Co-ordinator of the Group – Cardinal Oscar Maradiaga
Rodriguez - Honduras)
31. Apostolic Constitution promulgated by Pope John Paul II on 28th June 1988, instituting a number of reforms
in running the Roman Curia – „Pastor Bonus‟
32. Name of the English translation of the book written by Pope Francis with Argentine Jewish Rabbi Abraham
Skorka, published on 19th April 2013- „On Heaven and Earth: Pope Francis on Faith, Family and the Church in
the 21st century‟ [The original book written in Spanish, “Sobre el cielo y la tierra”(= On Heaven and Earth) was
published on 17-11-2010 when Pope was the Archbishop of Buenos Aires; Translated to English by Alejandro
Bermudez and Howard Goodman]
33. Who is the author of the book „Francis: Pope of a New World‟? – Andrea Tornielli (Vatican Reporter)
34. U.S author of biography of Pope Francis entitled „Pope Francis‟ published on 10-4-13 (First in English)–
Mathew Bunson
35. Name of the residence of Pope Francis – St. Martha‟s House [Domus Sancta Marthae] 36. Summer
residence of Pope – Castel Gandolfo [Summer in Italy is in the months of July and August]
ST. DOMINIC’S PARISH SUNDAY SCHOOL, ALUVA
August 2013
37. Name of the monastery in Vatican city that serves as the residence of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI – „Mater
Ecclesiae‟
38. To whom did Pope Francis dedicate his Papal service? - Our Lady of Fatima [Fatima is located in Portugal]
39. To whom will Pope Francis dedicate the world on 13th October 2013? – Immaculate Heart of Mary
40. In which country is the famous pilgrim centre of our Lady of Lourdes located? – France
41. Name of the smart phone „App‟ (application) launched by Pope Francis on 20th May 2013 – “Missio”
42. Place declared by the Holy See where International Family Centre is to be founded - Nazareth
43. Place where the Papal conclave is held – Sistine Chapel, Vatican [Maximum strength of Conclave – 120
members]
44. Total number of Cardinals –202 (Of 202, 112 are below 80 years, i.e. eligible to vote in Conclave [as in
August 2013]
45. President of KCBC [Kerala Catholic Bishops‟ Conference] – Mar Andrews Thazhath [Thrissur]
46. President of CBCI [Catholic Bishops‟ Conference of India] – Cardinal Oswald Gracias [Mumbai]
2|Page
47. President of Conference of Catholic Bishops of India[CCBI – conference of Latin Bishops] – Cardinal
Oswald Gracias (Mumbai); elected in February 2013 [Also current President of CBCI & CCI and Secretary
General of FABC]
48. Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith – Archbishop Gerhard Ludwig Muller (Germany) (from
2/7/2012)
49. Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches – Cardinal Leonardo Sandri
50. Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican‟s Ambassador/Representative) to India – Cardinal Salvatore Pennacchio
51. The spokesman of Vatican– Fr. Federico Lombardi (also Director of Vatican Radio)
52. President of Vatican Bank [Institute for Works of Religion]–Ernst von Freyberg (German); Appointed in
Feb.2013
53. Official name of Vatican Bank - Institute for Works of Religion [IOR (in Italian) - Istituto per le Opere di
Religione]
54. Secretary of Pontifical Council for Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant people – Bishop Dr. Joseph
Kalathiparambil
55. Permanent Observer of the Holy See [Vatican] to the United Nations – Archbishop Dr. Francis Assisi
Chullikkat
56. Curia (Office) of the Catholic Church of Kerala – P.O.C.[Pastoral Orientation Centre], Kochi
57. Location of Curia (Office) of the Syro- Malabar Church – St. Thomas Mount, Kakkanad. 58. Curia Bishop of
Syro- Malabar Church – Mar Bosco Puthur
59. Last formed diocese of Syro- Malabar Church – Faridabad (May 2012) [First Bishop- Mar Kuriakose
Bharanikulangara]
60. First Mission Diocese of Syro-Malabar Church – Chanda diocese (1962 August 15)
61. Number of dioceses of Syro- Malabar Church – 30 [In Kerala - 18, Mission – 11, Chicago (USA) – 1]
62. Total number of dioceses in India – 166
63. Last formed diocese in India – Uduppi (Latin diocese) in July 2012 (First Bishop of Uduppi - Bishop Jerald
Isaac Lobo)
64. Pope who was declared „Venerable‟ by Pope Benedict XVI – Pope Paul VI [On 20th December 2012, Pope
Benedict XVI signed a decree approving the heroic virtues of Pope Paul VI, making him „Venerable‟]
65. Newspaper published from Vatican – L‟Osservatore Romano (meaning „Roman Observer‟ – established in
1861)
66. Fourth Cardinal of Syro-Malabar Church - Cardinal Mar George Alanchery (appointed on 18th February
2012)
67. First Cardinal from Kerala – Cardinal Mar Joseph Parecattil
68. First Cardinal from India – Cardinal Valerian Gracias [Bombay- expired]
69. Third Major Archbishop of Syro-Malabar Church – Mar George Alanchery (Coronation:29th May 2011)
70. First Major Archbishop of Syro-Malabar Church – Mar Antony Padiyara
71. Official Youth Movement of Catholic Church of Kerala – KCYM [Kerala Catholic Youth Movement]
72. Famous English writer whose cause for sainthood has been sought by opening investigation in July2013–
G.K.Chesterton
73. Italian Priest who was shot dead by Mafia on 15th September 1993 and was beatified on 25th May 2013 –
Blessed Fr. Giuseppe Pino Puglisi
74. Italian journalist who died in the Nazi concentration camp of Hersbruck, Germany, on 27th December 1944
and was beatified on 15th June 2013 – Blessed Odoardo Focherini
3|Page
75. Name of Costa Rican woman whose cure from brain aneurysm by the intercession of Blessed Pope John
Paul II was approved on 5th July 2013 as the second miracle for his canonization– Floribeth Mora Diaz
76. Feast Day of Blessed Pope John Paul II – October 22 [Day of his Papal inauguration in 1978]
77. When was Pope John Paul II beatified? – 1st May 2011
78. How many of the 266 Popes of Holy Church are Saints and Blessed? - Saints - 78, Blessed - 11
79. Bishop of Jagdalpur diocese in Chattisgarh appointed on 16th July 2013 – Bishop Joseph Kollamparampil
CMI
80. Bishop of Jalandhar diocese appointed from 4th August 2013 – Bishop Dr. Franco Mulakkal
81. Recipient of 2013 „Titus Brandsma‟ Award from Geneva-based International Christian Organization of
Media – Anto Akkara [Correspondent of Catholic News Service; Hails from Thrissur]
82. Recipient of 2013 Minority Rights Day Award of National Commission for Minorities– Fr. Ajay Kumar Singh
[Orissa] 83. Name of the Italian magazine that nominated Pope Francis as „Man of the Year‟ in 2013 – „Vanity
Fair‟
84. The Religious Congregation in Kerala that celebrates its centenary in 2013 – Congregation of the Holy
Family [CHF]; Founded by Blessed Mariam Thresia
85. Where is the World Congress of SIGNIS, the World Catholic Association for Communication, held between
20th – 25th October,2013? – Beirut, Lebanon (Theme: „Media for a culture of Peace: Creating Images with the
New Generation‟)
86. Place where the 12th National meeting of Catholic Council of India is held between 14th and 17th of
November, 2013 – Varanasi [Main Topic – “Renewed Church in the vision of Second Vatican Council”]
87. Name of the official annual directory [Yearbook] of the Holy See – „Annuario Pontificio‟ (Pontifical
Yearbook); Annuario Pontificio 2013 was released on 13th May 2013
88. Papacy period of Pope Benedict XVI – 19th April 2005 to 28th February 2013
89. Pope who resigned before Pope Benedict XVI –Pope Gregory XII (in 1415 to end Western Schism) [Pope
St Celestine V was the first Pope to establish canons for resignation; After issuing decree, he resigned in 1294,
to protect the Church]
ST. DOMINIC’S PARISH SUNDAY SCHOOL, ALUVA
August 2013
90. Name of the book published by Pope Benedict XVI on 21st November 2012 – „Jesus of Nazareth-The
Infancy Narratives‟ [3rd volume of „Jesus of Nazareth‟; Topic- Infancy and Childhood of Jesus]
91. Name of the Book launched by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI during World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid –
„YOUCAT‟
92. Language in which YOUCAT was originally published - German [on 25th March 2011 in Munich]
93. Saints declared as the Doctors of Catholic Church by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on 7th October 2012 St. John of Avila (Spain) & St. Hildegard of Bingen (Germany) [34th & 35th Doctors of Catholic Church
respectively]
94. 33rd Doctor of the Catholic Church – St. Little Therese (declared by Pope John Paul II on 17th October,
1997)
95. Patron of Catechism Teachers – St. Charles Borromeo [Feast: November 4]
96. Name of your Catechism Text - …………………………………
97. Name of the Vicar of your Parish – Rev. Fr. John Thekkan
CATPLUS
4|Page
98. What are the 3 reasons for celebration of Year of Faith by the Catholic Church? (1) Context of New
Evangelization (13th Synod convoked from Oct. 7-28, 2012 was based on New Evangelization. (2)Golden
Jubilee of 2nd Vatican Council (3) 20th Anniversary of promulgation of CCC on 11th October 1992.
99. Apostolic Letter produced by Pope Benedict XVI on October 11, 2011 for the indiction of Year of Faith (/for
the Golden Jubilee of opening of 2nd Vatican Council) – „Porta Fidei‟ [Door of Faith] – (Acts 14:27)
100. The topic of XIII Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops convoked in Rome from 7 to 28
October 2012 – “The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith”
101. When was Year of Faith observed earlier? –1967; Announced by Pope Paul VI via Apostolic Exhortation
“Petrum et Paulum Apostolos‟‟ issued on 22nd February 1967 marking the 19th centenary of the martyrdom of
St. Peter & St. Paul
102. 21st Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church – 2nd Vatican Council
103. Who convened Second Vatican Council? – Pope John XXIII
104. Name of the Papal Bull (Apostolic Constitution) issued by Pope John XXIII on 25th December 1961 to
convoke the Second Vatican Council – Humanae Salutis (Of Human Salvation)
105. Pope who opened the Second Vatican Council on 11th October, 1962 – Pope John 23
106. Where was the Second Vatican Council to be started according to Pope John XXIII? – Beside the tomb of
St. Peter.
107. About what did Pope John XXIII state as “the spontaneous flower of an unexpected spring”? –Second
Vatican Council
108. Who opened the second phase of Second Vatican Council? – Pope Paul VI on 29th September 1963
109. Pope who closed the Second Vatican Council on 8th December 1965 – Pope Paul VI
110. Archbishop of Ernakulam Archdiocese who participated in 2nd Vatican Council – Mar Joseph Pareckattil
111. Archbishop of Ernakulam Archdiocese who was a member in the Preparatory Commission for Oriental
Churches, formed prior to 2nd Vatican Council – Mar Joseph Parecattil
112. How many documents were produced by Second Vatican Council? – 16 [4 Constitutions, 9 Decrees &
3Declarations]
113. Meaning of the word „Decree‟ – Order, Judgement [Origin from Latin word „Decretum‟]
114. What are the ultimate goals of Second Vatican Council? – Defining fully the nature of the Church, Renewal
of the Church and Dialogue with the world.
115. Which book is known as Catechism Text of Second Vatican Council – CCC [Catechism of the Catholic
Church]
116. How does Second Vatican Council define Catechism? – „Teaching of principles of faith in an organized
way.‟
117. The most important book published in the Catechetical history of Holy Church – CCC (Catechism of
Catholic Church)
118. Who promulgated CCC? – Pope John Paul II; via Apostolic Constitution “Fidei Depositum” issued on 11th
October 1992
119. Who published CCC? - Pope John Paul II on 7th December 1992 120. In which language was CCC
originally published on 7th December 1992? – French (Later translated into other languages)
121. Define Year of Faith? - Year of Faith is the call for sincere and renewed repentance towards our Lord,
Saviour of world.
122. What is the response of man to the divine revelation? – Faith
123. Who is the supreme model of our faith? – Blessed Virgin Mary [CCC 273]
5|Page
124. By calling God “Father,” what are the two main things indicated by the language of faith? – 1.God is the
first origin of everything. 2. God is the transcendent authority.
125. What are the 5 levels through which a believer should pass to reach the universality of faith? 1.
Knowledge 2.Experience 3.Love 4.Personal Belief 5.Universal level of Faith
126. Our forefather who is called „Father of the faith‟ – Abraham
127. Book of Bible that describes the life of Abraham - Genesis
128. Hebrew root word that denotes Faith in Old Testament? - „Aman‟ [Meaning is „affirmed‟; „Amen‟ is
derived from „Aman‟. The name „Neman‟ also originated from‟Aman‟; Meaning of „Neman‟ is Right, Faithful]
129. Meaning of the Greek word „PISTIS‟ in New Testament – Faith [Verb of „Pistis‟ is “Pisteuo” that means „to
believe‟]
130. Evangelist who defines Christian faith as believing that Jesus is the resurrection and life? – St. John
131. Which book in Bible defines faith that “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what
we do not see.”? - Hebrew 11:1
132. Apostle who points out that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone and that faith
without deeds is dead? – St James [James 2:22&26]
133. Declaration of Second Vatican Council that defines faith as that arises out of one‟s own independent
decision – Dignitatis Humanae [Declaration on Religious Freedom]
134. What are the sources of Faith in Catholic Church? – Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition
ST. DOMINIC’S PARISH SUNDAY SCHOOL, ALUVA
August 2013
135. The Book about which the Catholic Church defines as “the speech of God as it is put down in writing under
the breath of the Holy Spirit”? - Sacred Scripture [Holy Bible] [CCC 81, Dei Verbum, No. 9]
136. Who is the author of the Sacred Scripture? – God [CCC 105]
137. What are the two senses of Sacred Scripture? Literal sense and Spiritual sense [CCC 115-117]
138. What are the 3 subdivisions of Spiritual sense of Sacred Scripture? – Allegorical sense, Moral sense &
Anagogical sense
139. What transmits in its entirety the Word of God which has been entrusted to the apostles by Christ the Lord
and the Holy Spirit, to the successors of the apostles? – Sacred Tradition
140. In which language are such Bible translations as Septuagint, Aquila, Symmachus and Hexapla written? –
Greek
141. Name of the Syrian translation of Bible – Peshitha
142. From which language was Syrian formed in the beginning of the first century AD? – Aramaic
143. Name of the Latin translation of Bible written in 4th century AD – Vulgate
144. Meaning of the Latin word „Vulgate‟ – Common, Popular.
145. Who was the main contributor in preparing the Latin Bible translation „Vulgate‟? – St. Jerome [according to
the request of Pope Damasus I]
146. Meaning of the Greek word „Evangelion‟ – Good News [Gospel]
147. Meaning of the word „Antichrist‟ – One who denies Jesus Christ. [1 John 2:22]
148. First and chief Sacrament of forgiveness of sins? – Baptism [CCC 977]
149. Sacrament that unites us with Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification? – Baptism [CCC
977]
150. What are the acts of the penitent in the Sacrament of Penance? – Contrition, Confession of sins and
Satisfaction
6|Page
151. Name of the books that are not the part of Canonical Bible but are considered valuable because reading
them is found helpful for Christians? – Apocrypha [called from 4th century AD]
152. How is the collection of 972 manuscripts that are the remaining copies of the Bible documents written
before AD 100 called? – Qumran Scrolls [or Dead Sea Scrolls; discovered between 1946 and 1956 at Khirbet
Qumran in West Bank]
153. Dogmatic Constitution of 2nd Vatican Council that qualifies Catholic Church as the Temple of God –
Lumen Gentium
154. What are the four stages in the canonization procedure in the Catholic Church? – 1.Servant of God 2.
Venerable 3.Blessed [Beatification] 4. Saint [Canonization]
155. Who is responsible to promote the cause for canonization of the candidate for sainthood? – Vice
Postulator
156. Name of the decree on the heroic virtues of the Servant of God promulgated to declare him/her as
Venerable – „Positio‟
157. Name of the Congregation that undertakes the Canonization procedures – Congregation for the Causes of
the Saints
158. How many miracles are normally required for Canonization? Two [One for Beatification and second for
Canonization]
159. Who called Church as Catholic Church? St. Ignatius of Antioch [AD 107]
160. Apostle of India – St. Thomas (declared by Pope Paul VI on 25th March, 1972: St. Thomas came to India
in AD 52) 161. Second Apostle of India – St. Francis Xavier
162. When and where did St. Thomas arrive in India? – AD 52; Kodungalloor (Musiris)
163. First International Pilgrim Centre in India – Malayattoor Kurisumudi (elevated in 2004)
164. The Churches in Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese, founded by St. Thomas – Kottakkavu,
Kokkamangalam.
165. Church called Half Church (Arappally) among the Seven and a half Churches founded by St. Thomas –
Thiruvithamcode 166. Date of Feast of Dukhrana – July 3 [St.Thomas‟ Day]
167. The year of martyrdom of St. Thomas? – AD 72 168. Meaning of the Syrian word „Dukhrana‟ –
Remembrance (memory)
169. First Pope to visit Kerala – Pope John Paul II [1986 February 7] 170. First Pope to visit India – Pope Paul
VI [1964 November 6]
171. Pope of Catechism/ Pope of Holy Eucharist – St. Pope Pius X [Feast : August 21]
172. Immaculate Conception of Blessed Virgin Mary declared as an Article of Faith on December 8, 1854 by
Pope Pius 9th
173. Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary was declared as an Article of Faith on November 1, 1950 by Pope Pius
12th
174. Archdioceses of Syro- Malabar Church – Ernakulam-Angamaly, Changanachery, Thrissur, Thalassery,
Kottayam.
175. Auxiliary Bishops of Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese - Mar Sebastian Adayanthrath & Mar Jose
Puthenveettil
176. Number of Foranes in Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese – 16
177. Whom is Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese dedicated to? – Sacred Heart of Jesus 178. Cathedral Church
of Ernakulam – Angamaly Archdiocese – St. Mary‟s Cathedral Basilica, Ernakulam
179. Basilicas in Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese – St. Mary‟s Basilica, Ernakulam; St. George‟s Basilica,
Angamaly.
7|Page
180. First Basilica in Kerala - St. Mary‟s Basilica, Ernakulam [Number of Basilicas in Kerala – 7] 181. Diocese
known as “Mother of dioceses in Kerala” – Archdiocese of Verapoly (Varapuzha) 182. First Catholic weekly
published in Kerala - Sathyadeepam (1927)
183. First Saint of India – St. Gonsalo Garcia [Feast: February 5]
184. First Woman Saint of India – St. Alphonsa [19th August, 1910 – 28th July, 1946][Canonized on 12th
October, 2008]
185. Birth place of St. Alphonsa – Kudamaloor (Tomb located at Bharananganam)
186. The saint who is known as „ Mother of Sufferings‟ – St. Alphonsa [Feast: July 28]
187. The first Indian layman beatified on 2nd December, 2012 – Blessed Devasahayam Pillai
188. The first layman from Syro-Malabar Church to be called Servant of God – Puthenparambil Thommachan
(Also popularly known as „Kerala Assisi‟- declared in July 2012)
189. The first printed book in the world – Holy Bible
190. Current President of Caritas Internationalis – Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga SDB [Honduras]
191. Current President of Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization – Cardinal Rino Fisichella
Part-II : September - October 2013
Compiled by Jenson Jacob, Aluva
1. Cardinal Secretary of State of Vatican – Archbishop Pietro Parolin (from 15th October 2013)
2. Popes who will be canonized on 27th April, 2014 – Bl. Pope John Paul II and Bl. Pope John XXIII
3. Theme of the Third Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to be convoked by Pope
Francis at Vatican from 5th to 19th October, 2014 – “The Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of
Evangelization” [Cardinal Peter Erdo is appointed by Pope Francis as Relator General of the Third
Extraordinary Assembly]
4. Who established the Synod of Bishops? – Pope Paul VI (on 15th September 1965)
5. Encyclical, the Golden Jubilee of which was celebrated in Vatican from 2nd to 4th October, 2013 – „Pacem in
Terris‟ („Peace on Earth‟, produced by Blessed Pope John XXIII on 11th April 1963)
6. New Auxiliary bishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese – Mar Jose Puthenveettil [Coronation: 21st Sept.
2013]
7. Keralite Priest who was appointed by Pope Francis as Relator in Congregation for the Causes of Saints on
16th Sept.2013 – Msgr. Paul Pallath [Hails from Pala; He is the first Indian to reach this position; A Relator
helps the Postulator in preparing the „Positio‟ that summarizes the life and virtues of the Servant of God being
considered for sainthood]
8. To whom did Pope Francis consecrate the world on 13th October 2013– Immaculate Heart of Mary
9. Theme of the Marian Day celebrated on 12th & 13th October 2013- “Blessed are you because you believed”
10. Whose death anniversary has been designated as International Day of Charity by U. N. – Bl. Mother
Theresa [Sept. 5]
11. Congregation elevated to the Major Archiepiscopal title in August 2013 – Congregation of Preshitharam
Sisters (CPS)
12. First Martyr of Indian Catholic Church – Blessed Devasahayam Pillai [First Indian layman to be beatified on
2-12-2012]
13. First native bishop appointed in India – Parambil Mar Chandy (Coronated on 1st February, 1663 in
Kaduthuruthi)
14. Keralite Bishop who had the honour of having elected as the youngest bishop in the world –Mar Antony
Padiyara(34 yrs)
8|Page
15. Youngest Cardinal in the Catholic Church – Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Catholicos [Ordained on 24-11-2012;
53 years]
16. Founder of Society of St.Vincent de Paul – Bl. Frederic Ozanam [His 200th birth anniversary is
commemorated in 2013]
17. Title of the International Pilgrimage of Families conducted in Vatican to the tomb of St. Peter as a part of
Year of Faith on 26th and 27th October, 2013 – “Families living in the joy of Faith”
18. Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith – Archbishop Gerhard Ludwig Muller (Germany) (from
2/7/2012) 19. Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches – Cardinal Leonardo Sandri
20. Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican‟s Ambassador/Representative) to India – Cardinal Salvatore Pennacchio
21. Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy appointed on 21st September 2013 – Archbishop Beniamino
Stella
22. Secretary General of Synod of Bishops appointed on 21st September 2013 – Archbishop Lorenzo
Baldisseri
23. Catholic Pious Association for children all over the world – Holy Childhood Association [Founded by Bishop
Charles de Forbin Janson in France in 1843; Global activities of Holy Childhood are led by Pontifical Mission
Societies]
24. Keralite Priest who was declared „Servant of God‟ on September 1, 2013 – Fr. George Vakayil
25. Franciscan Tertiary who was canonized by Pope Francis on 11th October 2013 – St. Angela da Foligno
26. Indian Nun who was declared „Venerable‟ by Pope Francis on 11th October 2013 – Sr. Maria Jane Wilson
27. Apostolic Letter of Bl. Pope John Paul II, the 25th anniversary of which was commemorated in 2013 –
„Mulieris Dignitatem‟ („Dignity and Vocation of Women‟ – produced on 15th August, 1988)
28. Romanian Martyr who was beatified on 31st August 2013 – Msgr. Vladimir Ghika
29. Dominican Priest who is regarded as the founder of Liberation Theology and who has met Pope Francis on
11th September 2013 – Fr. Gustavo Gutierrez
30. The oldest source of the Canon Law (Church Orders) – Didache
31. What is the study about the Fathers of the Church generally called? – Patrology (Patristics)
32. Place to host General Assembly of CBCI in 2014 – Pala [Held from 5th to 12th February 2014; Theme: “
„Renewed Church for a Renewed Society‟ – Responding to the call of Vatican II”]
33. Bishop of Allahabad appointed by Pope Francis on 17th October 2013 – Bishop Raphy Manjaly
34. Total number of Cardinals –201 (Of 201, 109 are below 80 years, i.e. eligible to vote in Conclave [as in
October 2013]
CATPLUS
35. What is the meaning of the word „Relic‟? – „remains‟ [ Derived from the Latin word „Reliquiae‟ meaning
„remains‟]
36. How many types of relics are there? – Three
37. What do you mean by First-class relics? – First-class relics are physical remains of the saint.
38. Examples of First-class relics? – Bone, Hair, Blood, Skull, Limb etc. of the saint.
39. Where are the First-class relics placed? – In the church.
40. Who issues the certificate attesting that the first-class relics are genuine? – Bishop of the diocese of the
saint.
41. Which class of relics do the vestments, materials, writing tools, furniture etc. owned or frequently used by
the saints belong to? – Second Class Relics.
42. Which class does any object that is touched to the physical remains of the saint or the materials used by the
saint belong to? – Third Class Relics.
9|Page
43. Which type of relics do the pilgrims get to take along with them? - Third Class Relics
October 2013
44. What is the name of the container in the church that holds the relic? – Theca
45. What is called as „little shrine of the saint‟? – Transparent reliquary in Theca having a viewing portal to
view the relic
46. Give examples from Bible connected with the veneration of relics? – Acts 19:10-12 – St. Paul; 2 Kings
13:20-21 – Elisha; Acts 5:15-16 – St. Peter.
47. Teachings of the Holy Church that influences the veneration of relics? – Section 25 of Council of Trent &
62nd Decree of 4th Lateran Council.
48. Name of the long tunic type liturgical vestment worn by the concelebrants – Kottina (Alb in Latin Tradition)
49. Liturgical Vestment that symbolizes wearing of the new man – Kottina
50. Name of the outermost liturgical vestment worn by priest during liturgical celebrations – Paina (Cappa in
Latin)
51. Liturgical vestment known as „Garment of justice‟? – Paina (Cappa)
52. Liturgical vestment that proclaims the pastoral duty of the priest? – Cappa (Paina)
53. Name of the belt like strip of cloth worn by celebrant over the Kottina at the waist – Zunara (Girdle) [Symbol
of chastity]
54. Name of the long humeral vestment worn by priests in the neck during liturgical services – Urara or Urala
(Stole in Latin Tradition). It is the symbol of the ministerial priesthood and chastity.
55. Name of the handcuffs worn by priests to keep the handcuffs of Kottina in order – „Zande‟ (Maniple)
56. Long cloth draped around the shoulders and used to cover the hands of the priest when carrying the
Monstrance and Ciborium –„Vedakustha‟ (Humeral Veil)
57. Name of the Eucharistic service book containing the prayers of Qurbana and directions for liturgy – Thaksa
(Text)
58. Name of the footed cup to hold sacramental wine during Holy Eucharist – Chalice[Casa (Hebrew), means
„drinking cup‟)
59. Small flat plate used to hold the Eucharistic Host – Paten or Diskos („Pilasa‟)
60. Name of the covered cup in which the Eucharistic hosts are stored – Ciborium [Custodia(Latin) means
„protecting‟]
61. Stiffened cards with white linen used to cover Paten and Chalice – „Kebalana‟ (Pall) [Kebalana means „to
receive‟]
62. Name of the cloth used to wipe the Chalice – „Sankeenju‟ (Purificator)
63. Name of square shaped linen veil used to cover the paten and chalice together in the liturgy as the symbol
of the tombstone of our Lord Jesus and as the kerchief with which His head was covered during burial –
Sosappa(Chalice Veil)
64. Name of the square white cloth upon which the chalice and paten are placed in Altar and Ciborium placed in
Tabernacle when the Eucharist is celebrated – „Kettana‟(Corporal)
65. Name of the vessel used to display the consecrated Eucharistic host, during Eucharistic adoration –
Monstrance
66. Round container in Monstrance, which is made of glass and gilded metal and holds the Host securely –
Lunula
67. What was the name of the Copper plates on which were inscribed the royal grants rewarded by the kings or
local rulers to the Christians in ancient Kerala? – Cheppedu [ Important Cheppedu – Tharisappally Cheppedu or
Quilon Copper Plates, Iravikarthan Cheppedu or Veeraraghava Pattayam, Knayi Thomman Cheppedu]
10 | P a g e
68. Name of the Universal Association that works in groups, each of which contains 20 members and each
member reciting each decade of Rosary every day and thus completing a full Rosary – Living Rosary
Association.
69. Who approved the Living Rosary Association on 27th January 1832? – Pope Gregory XVI
70. The form of Rosary recited by day and night throughout the year – Perpetual Rosary
71. Who initiated Perpetual Rosary and when? - Fr. Petronius Martini; on 1st January, 1635
72. Rosary recited to pray for peace in the world, calling to mind the missions in five continents which are
represented by five colours – Missionary Rosary [Yellow-Asia, Blue-Australia, White-Europe, Red-Americas &
Green-Africa]
73. Who inaugurated the Five-colour Missionary Rosary? – Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (in February
1951)
74. Priest who popularized Family Rosary? Where was it started? – Fr. Patrick Peyton; in New York
(popularized all over the world through meetings, Rosary Crusades and Rosary Theatre)
75. Popes who reminded the necessity of Family Rosary – Pope Pius IX, Pope Pius XI and Pope Pius XII
76. The form of Rosary that can be recited by anybody anywhere at any time – Daily Rosary
77. The form of Rosary having 6 decades, in which Apostles‟ Creed is recited at the end of each decade as
opposed to the „Glory be‟ and one „Our Father‟ and 3 „Hail Mary‟ are recited at the end of Rosary - Bridgettine
Rosary
78. Rosary recited to honour the Seven Sorrows of Blessed Virgin Mary- Bridgettine Rosary
79. The form of Rosary recited for 9 days in petition and in thanksgiving – Rosary Novena
80. The girl who started recital of Rosary Novena? – Fortuna Agrelli in her house in Naples on 16th February,
1884
81. Portuguese word used from 16th century to mention the visit of the church by believers with the belief in the
presence of Jesus in the Sacramental Bread (Host) – Visita [=Visitation - Also used to mention about the visit of
a Bishop to a Parish]
82. Pope who added the Luminous Mysteries to the Rosary – Pope John Paul II [through „Rosarium Virginis
Mariae‟-2002]
83. Saint who popularized the devotion to Rosary – St. Dominic [Feast: August 8]
84. Pope who declared October as the month for Rosary – Pope Leo XIII
85. Feasts Feast of Feasts (Grand feast of Christians) - Easter Feast of St. Thomas [Dukrana] –
Feast of Epiphany [Deneha] – January 6 Exaltation of the Cross – September 14
July 3
86. Feasts of Blessed Virgin Mary Feast of Solemnity of Mother of God– January 1 Feast of Annunciation –
March 25 Feast of her Immaculate Heart–
June 28 Feast of Assumption of our Lady –
August 15 Birth of Blessed Virgin Mary – September 8 Feast of Our Lady of Dolours –
September 15
Feast of our Lady of Mercy – September 24 Feast of our Lady of Rosary –
October 7 Feast of her
Presentation– November 21 Feast of Immaculate Conception –
December 8
*****
11 | P a g e