MUMBAI, Maharashtra (Indian Catholic News) — The Syro Malabar Catholic Archdiocese of Kalyan is pressing ahead with its Kalyan Eparchy Perspective Plan 2030, a sweeping pastoral strategy already in progress, designed to strengthen evangelization, faith formation, and community renewal as it prepares for its golden jubilee in 2038.
The KEPP 2023 sets out ten programmatic thrusts: new evangelization, faith formation, pastoral ministry, Christian family renewal, preservation of Syro Malabar identity, care for migrant families, strengthening church personnel, fostering Christian fellowship, expanding media ministry, and developing eparchial resources.
The plan is structured in phases: seven years of action, one year of planning, and another seven years of execution leading to the jubilee. It calls for restructuring at diocesan and operational levels, continuous development, and participatory assessment among priests and laity.
Retired Bishop Thomas Elavanal who initiated the plan in 2023 explained that it is rooted in synodality, a principle encouraged by Pope Francis. “Synodality requires being open to the experiences of all members of the Christian community, including those who are often excluded and discarded,” he wrote. The plan, he added, reflects “the teachings of the Catholic Church while considering also the ‘vox populi’ of the Eparchy.”
The plan echoes the eparchy’s first vision statement from 1991, which sought “to gather together all the members belonging to the Eparchy, to form them into a community of believers in deep faith, inculcating the oriental traditions and spiritual patrimonies… to be witnesses to Christ as individuals and as community.”
Ten priorities for renewal
The KEPP 2023 outlines ten major areas of pastoral focus, described as “core themes and programmatic thrusts.” These include new evangelization, faith formation, pastoral ministry, Christian family renewal, care for migrant families, preserving the Syro Malabar identity, strengthening church personnel, fostering fellowship, media ministry, and resource management.
The document stresses that “new evangelization” must reach beyond traditional boundaries, echoing Pope Francis’ call that “The Gospel is for everyone, not just for some.” Faith formation is described as both initial and ongoing, ensuring that “Christians are better equipped to ‘walk together,’ listen to one another, engage in dialogue, and participate in the mission of the Church.”
Family life is highlighted as central: “Christian Family: The Domestic Church” is named as a priority, with emphasis on nurturing relationships and pastoral care.
The plan also insists on preserving the Syro Malabar identity, calling it “a unique blend of Eastern Christian customs and Indian heritage.”
Media ministry is identified as a vital tool for evangelization, while resource development is framed as essential for sustainability.
Global resonance
With more than five million believers worldwide, the Syro-Malabar Church is one of the largest Eastern Catholic communities in communion with Rome. Its presence in India and abroad — including Europe, North America, Australia, and the Middle East — gives the plan international significance.
Pope Francis’ words, quoted in the document, underscore this universal mission: “Do not be afraid to go and bring Christ into every area of life, to the fringes of society, even to those who seem furthest away or indifferent.”
As the Archdiocese of Kalyan advances its Perspective Plan 2030, it stands as both a pastoral blueprint and a symbol of resilience for a migrant church that has grown into a vibrant community. Its emphasis on communion, evangelization, and identity preservation reflects the challenges and hopes of Eastern Catholic communities navigating modern urban realities.
Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil of Ernakulam-Angamaly, head of the Syro Malabar Church, praised the plan, calling it “a forward-thinking approach to the continued development of the eparchy.” He said it reflects “a deep understanding of the Church’s mission and purpose” and expressed confidence it would lead to “a more vibrant evangelization and communion of hearts.”
Read the Kalyan Eparchy Perspective Plan 2030
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