XXXIV SYNOD, SESSION II
Raphael 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 the Lord be with you all!
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,
The II Session of the XXXIV Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church was held from 17 to 28 August 2026 at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad, the Major Archiepiscopal Curia of the Syro-Mal- abar Church. The Synod deliberated in detail on various ways of renewing and strengthening the faith life and pastoral activities of the Church so as to respond more effectively to the challenges of our times. Marked by prayer, fraternity, and ecclesial communion, the Synod was a blessed occasion on which the Bishops, guided by the grace of the Holy Spir- it, sought together to discern the will of God. I gratefully remember all those who prayed for the success of the Synod.
Strengthening the Church Community
In continuation of the Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Assembly held at Pala in 2024, we are observing this year as the Year of Community Empower- ment. The realization that the spiritual and social strengthening of the members of the Church is essential for meeting the various challenges of the contemporary world led us to observe this special year. What binds the members of our commu- nity, scattered across various countries, into one community of believers is their communion with the Church and their sense of pride in belonging to it.
Demographic decline, a weakening of ecclesial spirit, the lack of interest among the younger generation in the agricultural and commercial sectors, and our insufficient presence in the main- stream of society are the major chal- lenges being faced by our community. These challenges should not frighten us but inspire us to discover new ways of responding to them. As the chosen peo- ple of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, we must strive to become more power- ful witnesses to the Gospel by deepening our spiritual convictions. At the same time, we must continue to make more diligent efforts to strengthen the young- er generation in faith and in their sense of belonging to the community, while helping them develop their talents and resources. The Synod observed that the various initiatives undertaken in our ep- archies during the Year of Community Empowerment would contribute greatly to strengthening both the Church and the community. I congratulate all those who are working selflessly toward this goal.
Deepening the Life of Faith
The faith formation and spiritual strengthening of families, young people, and children form an integral part of the Church’s pastoral care. It is undeniable that the faith and zeal of our faithful in the diaspora have contributed signifi- cantly to the growth of the Syro-Mala- bar Church throughout the world. It is a matter of joy that the majority of parents of the new generation strive to raise their children with the same fervour of faith that inspired their ancestors. However, in an age increasingly marked by cul- tural atheism and profoundly influenced by digital technologies, especially social media, which have become an integral part of daily life, the faith formation of our families assumes particular impor- tance. Our convictions concerning Jesus Christ, the one and only Saviour, and the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ, must be continually deepened and firm- ly rooted in our life of faith. I urge ev- eryone to organize pastoral activities in ways suited to the changing times and conducive to the faith formation of fam- ilies, young people, and children. At a time when our families face numerous challenges, including the erosion of val- ues, individualism, economic pressures, the widening gap between generations, and the influence of digital culture, we must prepare young people to recognize and cherish God’s call to family life and to receive worthily the graces of the Sac- rament of Marriage. At the same time, we must intensify our efforts against social evils such as alcohol and drug abuse, which destroy families and society, while promoting greater awareness of their harmful consequences.
Revival of Missionary Work
Since being granted the right to ex- ercise pastoral ministry and undertake evangelization throughout India, the Syro-Malabar Church has been carrying out its mission of evangelization amid many limitations. We must be convinced that to be a Christian also means to be an evangelizer (CCC 900). Since we have been commanded to “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation” (Mk 16:15), evangeliza- tion is an integral part of our life of faith. The right to profess, practise, and prop- agate any religion is guaranteed by Arti- cle 25 of the Constitution of India. The Church’s various fields of service arise from our faith but embrace everyone, irrespective of religious belief. However, we must also be aware of the efforts to hinder our life of faith and our charita- ble and educational ministries under the allegation of forced conversion are not in keeping with the secular character of India.
In accordance with the directives of the Major Archiepiscopal Assembly of 2024, a lay missionary movement called Jeevan Jyoti has been initiated in our Church. Jeevan Jyoti envisions a pro- gramme that will give fresh impetus to the missionary endeavours of the Church in view of the Great Jubilee of the Salvific Event in 2033. As part of this movement, we call for the initiation and strength- ening of missionary activities in every eparchy. The Church warmly greets all missionaries who bear witness to Jesus even in the most difficult life situations.
Challenges Requiring Resolution
The Synod Fathers had the opportu- nity to interact with several Members of Parliament and Members of the Legisla- tive Assembly from Kerala, to bring to one another’s attention the various prob- lems faced by the Church and society, and to explore possible solutions. Fol- lowing the necessary consultations, the people’s representatives were requested to ensure that the report of the Justice J. B. Koshy Commission is implemented within a definite timeframe, that a per- manent solution is found for the serious problems affecting the education sector, including the dispute concerning the ap- pointment of teachers, and that the long- standing issues related to Ecologically Sensitive Areas are resolved. Along with these matters, the Synod Fathers also ex- pressed their concern regarding the at- tempts of legislation that could adversely affect educational and social institutions operating in accordance with the law. It is deeply worrying that legal provisions are being introduced that adversely af- fect institutions functioning in accor- dance with the laws and constitutional rights of the country. At the same time, we must not forget that the Church has always remained the light of the world, even while journeying along difficult paths. Let us carry forward the Church’s mission at the heart of society with re- newed strength, overcoming crises and raising our voices in defence of truth, justice, and human dignity
Unity is Our Responsibility
Despite the crises and challenges we face, our hope rests in our Lord, to whom “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given” (Mt 28:18). As the people of the Lord (Ex 33:14), we must move forward with greater determina- tion. Unity at the altar was a significant step in our Church’s journey together. Efforts toward this unity began in 1999 with the realization that the different modes of celebrating the Holy Qurbana had seriously affected the sense of uni- ty within our Church. It is painful that this unity has not yet been fully realized. But we must understand that unity can never be achieved by hurting one anoth- er through our words. As Pope Leo XIV has exhorted us, “we must all, therefore, examine our conscience regarding the words we use, the prejudices we have and the explicit or implicit aggression that lies within them” (Magnifica Huma- nitas, 214).
Only constant prayer, personal re- pentance, and mutual reconciliation can lead us to lasting peace. While ac- knowledging the truth that there can be no peace without justice, everyone must realize that peace in the Church cannot be achieved through court cases. Sal- vation is attained not through victories and defeats but through obedience to the Crucified Lord. Relying on the grace of God, let us strive to become messengers of unity by accepting the guidance of our Eparchial Bishops. “The grace does not magically eliminate conflict, but instead it inspires active resistance to evil and an astonishing creativity in doing good (Magnifica Humanitas, 211). Let us strive to overcome our limitations by seeking new ways of engaging in acts of benevolence.
Priestly Formation in Tune with theTimes
Let us give thanks to Almighty God, who enriches the Church with vocations to the priesthood. The Synod discussed the various challenges faced by priests in the modern world and entrusted the Commission for Clergy with the respon- sibility of making the necessary inter- ventions in this regard. It is gratifying that the curriculum designed to renew the formation of seminarians in accor- dance with the needs of the times has already been introduced in the minor seminary. The Gospel will reach the ends of the earth only when priests, filled with the fervour of faith, are able to bear wit- ness to Christ as men of the Church.
The Church also gives thanks to God for vocations to consecrated life. How abundant are the blessings that God bestows upon us through consecrated communities! Consecrated persons, who serve sacrificially in the fields of charity, education, and missionary work, spread the fragrance of the Gospel throughout the world. Therefore, we must encourage vocations to consecrated life and pray for their growth. The meeting with the Ma- jor Superiors of the consecrated commu- nities held as part of the Synod was very fruitful.
Syro-Malabar Heritage and Research Centre
We have been able to open to the public the Heritage and Research Cen- tre, which promotes the preservation, teaching, and scholarly study of the an- cient and rich heritage of the Syro-Mal- abar Church. The St. Thomas Heritage Museum, established within this Centre, has come out as one of the important Christian museums in Kerala. Everyone is cordially invited to visit the Heritage and Research Centre and the Museum at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad.
Auxiliary Bishop for the Archeparchy of Kottayam
The appointment of Rev. Fr. Thomas Animoottil as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Kottayam is a matter of great joy for the entire Syro-Malabar Church. We pray that Fr. Thomas may receive the fullness of God’s blessings, and we extend to him our prayerful best wishes for his episcopal ministry.
Dear brothers and sisters,
This Synod, held under divine prov- idence, awakens within us a renewed sense of responsibility to form our Church in accordance with the will of God. Without being discouraged by cri- ses or shaken by challenges, let us move forward in faith, communion, and mis- sionary zeal, placing all our hope in the Lord.
The Synod expressed heartfelt soli- darity with the families of all those who are suffering because of the disasters caused by the monsoon rains in Kerala. It also shared in the sorrow of those who have lost their loved ones in the tragic natural disaster in Nepal, and continues to pray for all those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
Let us seek the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Thomas the Apostle, and all the saints and blessed of our Church, and entrust our Church and our families into the hands of the Lord. May the Holy Spirit guide us on our journey and bless us to bear witness to the Gospel with greater power as a Church united in Christ!
Given from the Major Archiepisco- pal Curia of the Syro-Malabar Church at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad, on 28 August 2026.
