XXXiv syond, session I
Mar Raphel Thattil the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church to the Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Consecrated Men and Women and Lay Faithful of the Syro-Malabar Church. May the Grace of our Lord be with you all!
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The Jubilee Year, which granted us a profound spiritual experience of the infinite mercy and abundant blessings of our Lord, has now come to a close. Together, let us lift our hearts in gratitude to God Almighty for the spiritual renewal and grace-filled experiences bestowed upon us during this Year of Grace, celebrated under the motto ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. We have to continue to preserve and nurture the spiritual vitality gained during the Jubilee Year within our families and communities, and strive to live as authentic witnesses to the love of Christ.
The Christmas season, which echoes a message of peace and joy around the world, has sadly become a time of fear and unrest in parts of our motherland, India. Attacks on Christian churches and prayer groups – denying them even the rights guaranteed by our Constitution – cause deep pain and concern. The spread of a culture of hatred, which misrepresents our charitable work as forced conversions, undermines the secular fabric of our nation. The transformative power of Christ’s love, who drew all people to himself through his sacrifice on the cross, is manifested in our educational and charitable ministries. The Church warmly encourages all its members who courageously live the joy of the Gospel amid opposition and persecution. May the words of the Apostle Paul strengthen us: “Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, in the power of God” (2 Tim 1:8).
Moving forward through Empowerment
The Session of the Synod commenced on 6th January with the solemn inauguration of the Year of Community Empowerment 2026. The growth and vitality of the Church are rooted in the spiritual and social upliftment of each of her members. The Year of Community Empowerment observed by the Syro-Malabar Church is not merely a celebration, but a conscious effort to awaken our faithful to their mission, to strengthen them for this task, and thereby to permeate all spheres of public life with the teachings of Christ. Only when the members of the Church, especially families and parishes, remain deeply aware of their faith and identity, they will we be able to fulfil our evangelical mission in society. The words of Pope Leo XIV: “Christians have no enemies, only brothers and sisters. Even when they do not understand each other, they remain brothers”, underline the reality that universal fraternity is our true goal.
The primary objective of the observance of the Community Empowerment Year is to equip families, especially young people, to face the challenges of the modern world with courage and confidence. The demographic decline that weakens our presence in public life must become a topic of serious discussion within our families. Active participation in public administration and politics is part of our civic responsibility. We shall not forget the dictum, ‘democracy depends on the constant vigilance of citizens’. The reality of reckless migration from our community to foreign countries has driven many families into heavy financial burdens and a decline in faith. We need to explore the possibilities of becoming job creators and employers, rather than remaining merely job seekers. Although agriculture is often considered unprofitable, it is encouraging to note that exemplary initiatives in some eparchies have demonstrated that scientific farming can generate employment for many. I urge everyone to take up the action plans of the Community Empowerment Year to overcome the challenges of our times.
Apostolic Visitor for the Gulf Region
For a long time, we have been striving to establish pastoral structures proper to our Church for the Syro-Malabar faithful in the Gulf region. The appointment of an Apostolic Visitor by the Apostolic See for the Syro-Malabar faithful in the Arabian Peninsula marks a decisive step forward in the life and growth of our Church. The primary responsibility of the Apostolic Visitor is to prepare a comprehensive study report, in dialogue with the local communities of our faithful and the existing pastoral structures, and to submit it to the Apostolic See in view of the erection of appropriate pastoral structures for the Syro-Malabar faithful in the Gulf region. I gratefully remember all Syro-Malabar faithful in the Gulf region who, despite limitations, make sacrifices to preserve the liturgical tradition of their mother Church. I request them to extend their wholehearted support to Rev. Fr. Jolly Vadakken, the Apostolic Visitor appointed by the Apostolic See.
Towards Unity through Reconciliation
The Synod resolved to implement the uniform mode of celebration in our Church, being convinced that a united community has the power to shape the course of history and that unity in the celebration of liturgy is an expression of deep-rooted fraternity among the faithful. However, it is painful that the unity envisioned has not yet been fully realized. The Synod views with empathy the efforts being made to implement step by step the decision of the Synod on the uniform mode of celebration of the Holy Qurbana in the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly. The decision of the Synod on the uniform mode of celebration of the Holy Qurbana, approved by the Apostolic See, remains unchanged. The Church remembers with special gratitude those eparchies and individuals who willingly embraced, supported, and implemented the uniform mode of celebration. In the particular situation of the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly, all are earnestly requested to cooperate with the Synod’s decision to implement the uniform mode of celebration step by step. I exhort all concerned to renounce the methods of protest that are unbecoming of Christians and to choose the path of reconciliation.
Timely Renewal of Seminary Formation
The Synod of Bishops discerned that, in changing circumstances, it is imperative to renew priestly formation in a timely manner in order to make the Church’s mission more effective. Priestly formation that ignites zeal for evangelization is a necessity of the times. Along with spiritual depth and theological competence, candidates for the priesthood must develop mental maturity, social responsibility, and proficiency in modern technologies. Scientific research and in-depth studies on priestly formation have been conducted for several years under the guidance of the Synod. In the light of these studies, and following extensive discussion and consultation, the Synod has finalized a renewed formation programme. As the first phase of its implementation, the Synod has approved certain fundamental reforms in the minor seminary formation and entrusted the Commission for Clergy with the responsibility of implementing them with the participation and collaboration of all concerned.
Marching Forward in Pastoral Care and Evangelization
As the Syro-Malabar Church continues to expand its pastoral structures by erecting new Archeparchies outside the State of Kerala, our responsibility to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world continues to grow. While remaining firmly rooted in the heritage and spirituality of our Church, we are called to engage in meaningful dialogue with diverse cultures and to proclaim the love of Christ universally. To foster more lay missionaries capable of undertaking this mission and to form Church members in such a way that they are proud of their faith and their Church, a lay missionary initiative titled ‘Jeevan Jyothi Syro-Malabar Lay Missionary Movement’ is being launched. As evangelization is our primary mission, families must show a special interest in promoting vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated life.
Although the Jubilee Year of Incarnation is concluded, let us continue to nurture the seeds of hope and mercy sown in our hearts during this grace-filled time. May the words of Pope Leo XIV inspire us: “The pilgrimage of hope continues even as the Jubilee Year ends.”
Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil
