Kakkanad: In a stirring message delivered during the inauguration of the Dukrana Thirunal and the Syro-Malabar Church Day at Mount St. Thomas, Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil emphasized that the Church must be propelled by a vision of hope rather than being weighed down by present crises.
“The mission entrusted to the Church in these times is not to be paralyzed by the storms it encounters, but to walk steadfastly toward a future illuminated by hope,” the Major Archbishop said. He reminded the faithful that the Syro-Malabar Church’s enduring legacy and its vibrant global growth serve as powerful incentives to renew its missionary commitment with fresh vigor.
The annual celebration, held at the Syro-Malabar Church’s headquarters in Kakkanad, honors the martyrdom of St. Thomas the Apostle the evangelizer of India and reflects on the Church's historical and spiritual journey. Archbishop Thattil underscored the significance of the occasion as a moment to cherish the Church’s rich Eastern Christian heritage and to confidently chart new paths forward.
Highlighting the global presence and rising vocations within the Church, he noted, “The blossoming of priestly and religious vocations across continents is a testimony to God’s continued work through the Syro-Malabar community.”
The Church is entering a new pastoral initiative the Year of Community Empowerment. Archbishop Thattil urged all institutions and members to adopt a "life-giving" approach in their ministries and daily engagements. He emphasized the importance of communal strength and unity, especially through the growing missionary involvement of the laity, which he described as a fresh sign of renewal and vitality.
During the function, renowned cardiologist and Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Jose Chacko Periyapuram, head of cardiac surgery at Lisie Hospital, was honored for his professional excellence and dedicated service to the Church.
A host of Church dignitaries graced the event, including Curia Bishop Mar Sebastian Vaniyapurakkal, Sister Sneha Paul Superior General of St. Martha’s Congregation, Catholic Congress Global President Rajeev Kochuparambil, Beena Joshi Matruvedi Global President, SMYM Kerala Region President Alex Thomas, Curia Chancellor Rev. Dr. Abraham Kavilpurayodamtil, Vice Chancellor Fr. Prakash Mattathil, Assistant General of CST Brothers Br. Thomas Karondukadavil, and Binoy Palliparambil, International General Secretary of CML.
As part of the preparations for the Year of Community Empowerment as declared by the Syro-Malabar Bishops’ Committee Fr. James, Secretary of the Public Affairs Commission, presented the outline of the initiative during the conference at Kokkavayal.
The celebration began with the solemn Raza Qurbana Syro-Malabar Eucharistic liturgy, presided over by Major Archbishop Thattil, with concelebrants including Bishop Mar Sebastian Vaniyapurakkal and Fr. Dennis Patteruparanpil from the MCBS Sanatana Seminary, along with clergy from various dioceses.
The day concluded with colorful cultural performances showcasing the diverse expressions of the Church’s spiritual and cultural identity. Faithful from different dioceses, monastic orders, and lay movements participated enthusiastically, bringing the celebration to a joyful close with a communal meal.