Syro Malabar Church must help youth hear God’s call

KOCHI, Kerala (Indian Catholic News) — The head of the Syro Malabar Church said vocations are “not merely a personal choice” but a call from God that families and the wider Church must actively nurture through prayer, faith and encouragement.

Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil of Ernakulam-Angamaly, head of the Eastern Catholic Church based in the southern Indian state of Kerala, said parents and communities share responsibility for helping young people discern religious vocations and respond courageously to God’s call.

“A vocation is not merely a personal choice; rather, it is a loving invitation formed in the heart of God from all eternity,” Archbishop Thattil wrote in a reflection published May 10 in Syro Malabar Vision, the publication of the Syro Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Curia.

Quoting the biblical passage from Jeremiah, he wrote: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I consecrated you.”

Archbishop Thattil said vocations remain central to the Church’s missionary mission and evangelization efforts, particularly at a time when the Church needs “willing labourers ready to carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth.”

He stressed that Christian families are the “first nursery of vocations” and called on parents to foster homes where children can hear and respond to God’s voice.

“Families, which are a small image of the Church, must nurture an atmosphere conducive to recognizing God’s voice,” he wrote.

The major archbishop said prayer and authentic Christian witness within families play a decisive role in inspiring young people toward priestly and consecrated life.

“The fervent prayer and authentic faith life of parents first awaken in children the desire to seek God’s will,” he wrote.

Families called to encourage vocations

Archbishop Thattil cited recent popes in encouraging young Catholics to embrace religious vocations without fear.

Recalling the words of Pope John Paul II, he wrote: “Do not be afraid to think about your vocation. Open the doors of your life to Christ. Make room in your hearts for His love. In following Christ, you lose nothing; rather, you gain everything.”

He also quoted Pope Francis, who described vocation as “a great adventure with Christ,” and said the Church must invite younger generations into that journey.

“Our parishes and homes must become places that enable young hearts to hear the gentle voice of God amid the noise of the world,” Thattil wrote.

He said priestly and consecrated life should not be viewed as a profession but as “a profound love for Christ.”

The archbishop also cited Pope Benedict XVI, writing: “God calls us not primarily to do great things, but to be with Him.”

Archbishop Thattil said fostering vocations is essential for the future and renewal of the Church.

“New vocations are essential for the Church’s mission of proclaiming the Gospel. They bring renewal and vibrant growth to the Church,” he wrote.

Calling for collective responsibility, he concluded: “Let us come together in prayer, accepting this great responsibility, so that our children may be empowered to say ‘yes’ to God’s call.”