Verapoly opens faith formation year with focus on peace, Scripture

KOCHI, Kerala (Indian Catholic News) — Verapoly Archdiocese has launched its 2026–2027 Faith Formation Year with a call for Catholics to become “an instrument of your peace,” drawing inspiration from St. Francis of Assisi and emphasizing Scripture, charity and care for creation.

In a pastoral letter dated May 24, Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparambil of Verapoly announced that the faith formation program would begin May 31 and adopt the prayer of St. Francis as its guiding theme. The initiative coincides with a special year dedicated to the saint and the 800th anniversary of his death.

The archbishop said the observance seeks to deepen understanding of St. Francis’ spiritual life, humility, compassion for the poor and love for creation. He noted that the theme is particularly relevant at a time when many parts of the world continue to experience conflict and insecurity.

“The primary thing we must attain through faith formation is the realization that each one of us is God’s beloved son or daughter,” Archbishop Kalathiparambil wrote. He said Christians are called to establish “love, mercy, compassion, forgiveness and peace” in society.

The pastoral letter also highlights environmental responsibility, urging Catholics to recognize their duty to safeguard creation and maintain the balance of nature, a concern closely associated with the witness of St. Francis.

‘Bible is the firm foundation’

Scripture remains central to the archdiocese’s catechetical efforts. Families are encouraged to handwrite the Gospel of Matthew and offer it in their parishes on Aug. 15. The archdiocese will also conduct the Monsignor Immanuel Lopes Memorial Bible Quiz based on the Gospel of John.

“The Holy Bible is the firm foundation,” the archbishop wrote, encouraging the faithful to read, write, study and live the Word of God. He said the goal of the Bible initiatives is to help Catholics “read the Holy Bible, study it and make it the firm foundation of life.”

Archbishop Kalathiparambil encouraged participation in Sunday Mass, catechetical classes and charitable outreach. He also warned against influences that can weaken faith, including substance abuse, harmful associations and excessive use of social media.

Special emphasis during the year will be placed on learning basic prayers and translating faith into action through works of mercy. Quoting James 2:17, the archbishop reminded Catholics that “faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.”

The letter also invites the faithful to support the archdiocese’s Sneha Bhavan housing project, which assists families without homes or land. Through fundraising and charitable initiatives planned for August and September, Catholics are encouraged to help provide housing for vulnerable families.

The letter concludes with thanks to priests, religious, catechists, teachers and volunteers involved in faith formation and invokes God’s blessing on all beginning the new catechetical year. The archbishop directed that the pastoral letter be read at Sunday Masses on May 31.

Full pastoral letter available: original Malayalam and AI‑generated English translation.