Syro Malabar Church declares 2026 Year of Community Empowerment

Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil urges faithful to strengthen unity, social presence and mutual support as the Church launches a global initiative to address economic, social and community challenges.

KOCHI, Kerala (Indian Catholic News) — The Syro Malabar Church has declared 2026 the Year of Community Empowerment, urging Catholics to strengthen unity and social engagement as leaders reflect on economic, agricultural and social challenges facing the community.

The initiative follows consultations and studies examining issues affecting members of the Church in contemporary society.

“The decision to observe the Year of Community Empowerment was made in light of the suggestions that emerged from the deliberations on the growth of our population, challenges in the agricultural sector, our representation in economic, commercial, employment, and governmental sectors,” Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil of Ernakulam-Angamaly wrote in a circular to the faithful.

The circular, issued from the Major Archiepiscopal Curia at Mount St. Thomas in Kakkanad on Sept. 25, 2025, will be read in parishes and Church institutions across the Syro Malabar Church.

The decision was taken during the Synod of Bishops held in January 2025 after studies by the Church’s Public Affairs Commission and discussions at the Fifth Major Archiepiscopal Assembly in Palai in August 2024.

Church leaders said the yearlong observance aims to help Christians respond to social and economic realities while strengthening their collective presence in society.

Church mission linked to social responsibility

In the circular, Archbishop Thattil situates the initiative within the broader mission of the Church as articulated by the Second Vatican Council.

“The Church and the world are not two realities standing on opposite poles,” he wrote, explaining that while the Church does not adopt worldly values, it exists within society and serves its transformation.

“The mission of the Church is to prepare the world for the Kingdom of God,” the Major Archbishop of the Syro Malabar Church said. “This mission is not fulfilled merely by carrying out spiritual ministries.”

He added that the Church must also address the everyday struggles of its members.

“The Church must attend to the material needs of God’s people, as well as the challenges they face in their daily lives,” the major archbishop wrote.

Church leaders said the concept of “community empowerment” highlights the social dimension of Christian life and encourages believers to recognise their collective responsibilities.

Reflecting on the early Christian community described in Scripture, the circular calls on believers to deepen solidarity.

“We come to the realization that we must become a community that grows in noble Christian brotherhood — loving one another, supporting one another, and helping one another both spiritually and materially.”

Three phases planned for initiative

The programme will unfold in three phases: a preparatory phase, an implementation phase and a follow-up phase.

The preparatory phase began with the release of the circular and will continue through December 2025, focusing on awareness programmes at various levels of Church life.

“During this period, awareness on community-related themes must be created at every level — among priests, consecrated persons, seminarians, and laity,” the circular states.

Eparchies, parishes, seminaries and educational institutions have been encouraged to organise programmes to promote discussion and reflection on community challenges.

The Public Affairs Commission has also produced a handbook outlining the action plan and guidance for organising activities.

Participation encouraged across the Church

The second phase will begin on Jan. 6, 2026, the Feast of Denaha, when the programmes outlined in the handbook will be implemented. The Feast of Denaha is a major liturgical celebration in the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, held to commemorate Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River.

Some initiatives may produce results within the year itself, while others will take longer to develop, Church leaders said.

“Community empowerment is not a task to be concluded within a single year but one that should continue consistently,” the circular notes.

Each eparchy has been asked to establish a Community Empowerment Committee to coordinate activities involving clergy, consecrated persons and lay leaders.

Archbishop Thattil encouraged wide participation from across the Church, including family units, parish groups, youth movements, educators and professionals.

“I earnestly request everyone in our Church to take special interest and actively participate at their respective levels in the various activities of the Community Empowerment Year,” he wrote.

Drawing on the biblical story of rebuilding Jerusalem after exile, the major archbishop called on believers to work together.

“Likewise, when each member and each section of our community fully utilizes their abilities… our whole community will be strengthened,” he said, expressing hope the initiative will produce “enduring results.”