Kochi: Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil, the head of the Syro-Malabar Church, has issued a detailed circular addressing all Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Consecrated Men and Women, and Lay Faithful of the Church, offering theological and pastoral guidance in light of the new Vatican document on Marian devotion. The circular comes following the publication of the Doctrinal Note titled “Mother of the Faithful People” (Mater Populi Fidelis), released by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and approved by Pope Leo XIV. This document, which reexamines certain expressions and titles attributed to the Blessed Virgin Mary, has generated wide discussion among clergy, theologians, and laity around the world.
The Major Archbishop’s circular seeks to clarify the Church’s position, respond to misinterpretations circulating on social media, and reaffirm the Catholic Church’s enduring reverence for the Mother of God. Archbishop Thattil reminded the faithful that the Vatican’s clarification does not reduce the honour due to Mary but seeks to prevent theological confusion that may obscure the unique role of Christ as Redeemer.
Archbishop Thattil firmly stated that the fundamental teachings of the Church regarding the Blessed Virgin Mary remain unaltered. The Catholic Church continues to uphold and proclaim four infallible Marian dogmas: that Mary is the Mother of God (Theotokos), that she remained Ever Virgin, that she was Immaculately Conceived, and that she was Assumed Body and Soul into Heaven. These four truths form the heart of Marian doctrine and are not subject to change.
The Archbishop pointed out that the new Vatican document does not represent a “step backward” or a reduction in honour toward Mary. Rather, it provides clarification in areas where devotional language, used out of deep love and piety, may have become theologically imprecise. “The Note does not diminish the Mother’s role,” Archbishop Thattil emphasized. “It only helps us express our faith in language that remains consistent with the central truth of our salvation that Jesus Christ alone is the Redeemer of humankind.”
He reiterated that Mary’s spiritual motherhood her motherly care for all believers remains the cornerstone of Marian devotion. Through her obedience and faith, she became the Mother of the Incarnate Word, and by extension, the spiritual mother of all the faithful.
The circular provides a thorough explanation of why the term “co-redemptrix” is to be avoided in official Church usage. Archbishop Thattil explained that while many Marian devotees have historically used the title as an expression of their deep love and gratitude toward the Virgin Mary, the Church has never officially defined or proclaimed this title as part of its doctrine.
According to the Archbishop, the Vatican’s Doctrinal Note cautions that the use of “co-redemptrix” can lead to serious theological misunderstandings. It may unintentionally suggest that the redemptive act of Christ is incomplete without Mary’s participation, or that salvation is the result of a joint effort between Jesus and Mary. Such interpretations, he warned, could undermine the unique and all-sufficient sacrifice of Christ on the Cross.
“The Church recognizes that Mary cooperated in the divine plan of salvation through her faith, obedience, and consent,” the Archbishop wrote. “However, describing her as ‘co-redemptrix’ could give the mistaken impression that she shares equally in Christ’s redemptive role, which would contradict the very essence of Christian belief.”
The circular clarifies that Mary’s cooperation in salvation was real but subordinate. She is honoured as the faithful disciple and mother who stood beneath the Cross, participating in Christ’s suffering through love, not through equivalence of redemptive power.
Archbishop Thattil also addressed the use of other Marian titles such as “Mother of Graces” and “Mediatrix.” He explained that while these expressions have long been part of the Church’s devotional life, they must be understood in the correct theological context.
The title “Mother of Graces,” he said, might lead some to believe that all graces originate from Mary herself. In reality, God alone is the source of every grace, and it is through the merits of Christ and the sacraments of the Church that grace flows to humanity. Mary’s maternal intercession accompanies these graces but does not replace their divine source. “To preserve the integrity of this mystery,” the Archbishop noted, “the Vatican document recommends using such titles with prudence.”
Likewise, the word “Mediatrix” has deep theological roots but must be used carefully. The Archbishop affirmed that the Church believes Mary intercedes powerfully for the faithful before God, yet it also teaches that Christ is the one and only mediator between God and humanity. The Doctrinal Note emphasizes that referring to Mary as “Mediatrix” must never imply that she acts on an equal level with Christ.
“Jesus Christ, being both fully divine and fully human, is the sole mediator who bridges heaven and earth,” Archbishop Thattil explained. “Mary’s intercession flows from her maternal love, not from divine authority. It is therefore essential to maintain this distinction to safeguard the truth of the Gospel.”
While the document discourages certain titles, the Major Archbishop stressed that it in no way lessens Mary’s significance in the divine plan of salvation. On the contrary, it reaffirms her essential role as the model of faith, obedience, and discipleship.
“Mary’s dignity is not found in equality with her Son, but in her total surrender to God’s will,” he said. “By freely consenting to become the Mother of Jesus, she became a participant in God’s plan for humanity’s redemption. Her cooperation was unique a model of humble faith for every believer.”
Archbishop Thattil noted that this doctrinal clarity enhances true Marian devotion, helping the faithful to focus their love for the Virgin Mother in ways that always point toward Christ. “The Blessed Mother leads us to Jesus, never away from Him,” he wrote. “Her greatness lies in her willingness to say ‘yes’ to God, to stand by her Son even at the foot of the Cross, and to continue interceding for the Church throughout the ages.”
Reassuring the faithful, Archbishop Thattil stated that the Church’s devotional life remains untouched by the new guidelines. Prayers and devotions such as the Holy Rosary, Marian novenas, scapular devotion, and traditional hymns continue to occupy a cherished place in the Catholic spiritual tradition.
“The Blessed Virgin Mary continues to receive the highest form of veneration in the Church, known as hyperdulia,” the circular emphasized. “This form of honour is greater than that given to any saint, yet infinitely below the worship due to God alone.”
He added that Mary remains the symbol and mother of the Church, an exemplar of perfect discipleship who encourages believers to walk in faith, humility, and perseverance. “If Mary has been assumed into heaven, then the whole Church that imitates her faith and obedience is likewise called to share in that eternal glory,” Archbishop Thattil wrote.
In his concluding appeal, the Major Archbishop warned against the spread of misinformation and sensational interpretations on social media that misrepresent the Vatican’s intent. He urged clergy, theologians, and the faithful to approach this teaching with maturity, discernment, and fidelity to Church tradition.
“The Doctrinal Note is not a rejection of Marian devotion,” he affirmed. “It is a reaffirmation of the correct theological understanding of Mary’s role always in harmony with the central truth of our faith: Christ is the one Redeemer and Mediator.”
He called upon all members of the Syro-Malabar Church to continue honouring the Blessed Virgin Mary with deep love and faith, guided by the wisdom of the Church’s teaching authority. “Let us remain vigilant against false teachings and divisive interpretations,” he wrote. “May our devotion to the Holy Mother always reflect the truth, beauty, and purity of her relationship with her Son.”
The circular concludes with a pastoral blessing: “May Almighty God bless you abundantly through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother and Queen. May she continue to protect and guide our Church in faith and unity.”
The letter was issued from the Major Archiepiscopal Curia at Mount St. Thomas, Kakkanad, on November 8, 2025, marking an important moment of pastoral clarification for Marian devotion in the Syro-Malabar Church.