Francis of Assisi inspires Syro Malabar Church mission today

KOCHI, Kerala (Indian Catholic News) — The spirituality exemplified by Saint Francis of Assisi holds great significance for the life and mission of the Syro Malabar Church, guiding its witness through a Gospel-inspired way of life.

The Franciscan Jubilee Year is being observed from 10 January 2026 to 10 January 2027 to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi on October 3, 1226.

Reflecting on the commemoration in November 2026 issue of Syro-Malabar Vision, the publication of the Syro Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Curia, Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil of Ernakulam-Angamaly, head of the Syro Malabar Church, said “some lives do not remain confined to the pages of history; they continue to speak to every age and guide new generations.”

He described the saint as a “remarkable testimony of this kind,” adding that “he was a saint who touched the world through the simplicity of the Gospel and the power of love, transcending the dominance of material wealth and worldly power.”

According to the major archbishop, who wrote , “St. Francis of Assisi was a man who reoriented his life according to the values of the Gospel.” He noted that “his life challenges us to ask how visibly the love and mercy of Christ are reflected in our families, society, and public life.”

A witness to the poor and creation

Addressing economic realities, Archbishop Thattil observed that “Francis did not regard wealth itself as evil; rather, his life sought to free people from an unhealthy attachment to material possessions.” He stated that “his witness remains profoundly relevant in a world where, instead of serving humanity, wealth often turns people into its slaves.”

Emphasizing social responsibility, he affirmed that “Christian spirituality is not an expression of devotion detached from the realities of the poor.” Instead, “it is a Gospel-centred way of life that embraces the suffering of the poor as one’s own responsibility.” He added that “Francis revealed the depth of Christian fraternity by overcoming the tendency to judge people on the basis of their social status, health, or wealth.”

He highlighted that “helping the poor, the elderly, and others in need is not merely an act of social service; it is a testimony to our love for Christ.” Therefore, “the Church’s social services, charitable activities, and involvement in education and healthcare must draw their strength from this Gospel vision.”

Peace and ecological responsibility

On the topic of peace, Archbishop Thattil stated that “peace is not merely the absence of war.” Rather, “it is the creation of relationships founded on justice, mutual respect, forgiveness, and reconciliation.” He cited the traditional greeting “pax et bonum“, meaning “‘Peace and Goodness,'” as a “hallmark of Franciscan spirituality.”

Regarding environmental stewardship, he noted that “one of the principal reasons St. Francis of Assisi is specially venerated throughout the world is his love for all creation.” This is expressed in “his hymn, the Canticle of the Creatures.”

“Today, challenges such as climate change, deforestation, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and pollution threaten the very survival of humanity,” Thattil declared. “These crises cannot be viewed merely as scientific or economic problems; they also have moral and spiritual dimensions.” He warned that “sustainable development is impossible unless the attitude of treating nature as an object for exploitation changes.”

Renewal of the Church

Looking toward ecclesial renewal, Archbishop Thattil noted that “Francis had the courage to challenge the prevailing assumptions of his time.” Rather than “simply following the path to success defined by others, he sought to discern what God was asking of him.” Thus, “he began the renewal of the Church by first transforming his own life according to the example of Christ.”

Concluding his reflection, Archbishop Thattil urged that “the growth of the Church should not be measured solely by the expansion of its institutions and activities; its true fruitfulness is revealed in how effectively it brings the love and mercy of Christ to people.”

Archbishop Thattil reaffirmed that “St. Francis of Assisi was a saint who demonstrated the timeless power of the Gospel.”

Read the reflection.