Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil urges renewal after synod, addressing violence against Christians, demographic decline, migration, liturgical unity, priestly formation and expanding pastoral care for faithful in India and abroad.
KAKKANAD, Kerala (Indian Catholic News) — The head of the Syro Malabar Church has highlighted attacks on Christians, demographic decline, migration, liturgical tensions and pastoral challenges while urging renewal, unity and stronger missionary commitment following the bishops’ synod held in January.
In a post-synodal circular issued Jan. 10 after the First Session of the XXXIV Synod of the Syro Malabar Church, Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil of Ernakulam-Angamaly addressed bishops, clergy, consecrated religious and lay faithful about the Church’s priorities for the coming year.
The First Session of the XXXIV Synod of the Syro Malabar Church was held Jan. 6-10 at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad, the Major Archiepiscopal Curia of the Syro Malabar Church.
The circular also reflected on the conclusion of the universal Church’s Jubilee Year, calling on believers to sustain the spiritual renewal experienced during the celebration. Pope Francis officially inaugurated the 2025 Jubilee Year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope”, on 24 December 2024, and which concluded 6 January 2026.
“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,” Archbishop Thattil said.
“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’.”
He urged the faithful to preserve this spiritual vitality within their communities.
“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.”
Concerns over violence and social climate
The major archbishop said the Christmas season had coincided with rising anxiety for Christians in parts of India.
“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,” he wrote.
He cited attacks on Christian institutions and gatherings.
“Attacks on Christian churches and prayer groups — denying them even the rights guaranteed by our Constitution — cause deep pain and concern.”
He also warned against narratives that accuse Christian ministries of forced conversion.
“The spread of a culture of hatred, which misrepresents our charitable work as forced conversions, undermines the secular fabric of our nation.”
Despite these pressures, Archbishop Thattil encouraged believers to remain steadfast in their faith.
“The Church warmly encourages all its members who courageously live the joy of the Gospel amid opposition and persecution,” he wrote, quoting St. Paul: “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.”
Year of Community Empowerment
The synod also inaugurated the Year of Community Empowerment 2026, aimed at strengthening the faith and social engagement of Syro Malabar Catholics.
“The growth and vitality of the Church are rooted in the spiritual and social upliftment of each of her members,” Archbishop Thattil wrote.
He said the initiative was intended to awaken the faithful to their mission in society.
“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.”
The archbishop pointed to several social challenges facing the community, including declining population and large-scale migration abroad.
“The demographic decline that weakens our presence in public life must become a topic of serious discussion within our families,” he wrote.
He also warned that migration for work overseas can create difficulties for families.
“The reality of reckless migration from our community to foreign countries has driven many families into heavy financial burdens and a decline in faith.”
Instead, he urged greater economic initiative within the community.
“We need to explore the possibilities of becoming job creators and employers, rather than remaining merely jobseekers.”
Unity, formation and global mission
The synod also addressed ongoing tensions over the uniform mode of celebrating the Mass, particularly in the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly.
“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,” Archbishop Thattil said.
However, he acknowledged the difficulties surrounding implementation. “It is painful that the unity envisioned has not yet been fully realized.”
The decision, he noted, “approved by the Apostolic See, remains unchanged,” while calling on those involved to pursue reconciliation.
“I exhort all concerned to renounce the methods of protest that are unbecoming of Christians and to choose the path of reconciliation.”
The synod also approved reforms in seminary training, saying priestly formation must respond to contemporary needs.
“Priestly formation that ignites zeal for evangelization is a necessity of the times,” Archbishop Thattil wrote.
“Along with spiritual depth and theological competence, candidates for the priesthood must develop mental maturity, social responsibility, and proficiency in modern technologies.”
Looking ahead, the Church also plans to expand missionary efforts through a new lay initiative.
“To foster more lay missionaries capable of undertaking this mission… a lay missionary initiative titled ‘Jeevan Jyothi Syro Malabar Lay Missionary Movement’ is being launched,” the circular said.
Even as the Jubilee Year concludes, Archbishop Thattil encouraged the faithful to continue their spiritual journey.
Quoting Pope Leo XIV, he concluded: “The pilgrimage of hope continues even as the Jubilee Year ends.”
Discover more from Indian Catholic News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.