Penang: Mar Raphael Thattil, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, issued a powerful call for a renewed spirit of reconciliation within the Asian Church as he addressed delegates gathered for the Great Pilgrimage of Hope in Penang. Speaking to bishops, clergy, religious, and lay representatives from across the continent, His Beatitude stressed that the Church’s mission in Asia must be rooted in unity, compassion, and a heart open to genuine healing.
In his keynote address, Mar Raphael Thattil said the Church is called to bear witness to its faith amid the continent’s rich tapestry of religions, languages, and cultures and must do so as a reconciled community capable of building bridges. He emphasized that Christian service becomes truly authentic when believers learn to recognize the presence of Christ in every human being, especially in those who suffer, struggle, or stand at the margins of society. “To see Christ in the poor and vulnerable,” he reminded the assembly, “is at the core of our mission on this continent.”
The Major Archbishop reflected on the restlessness often felt in pastoral and missionary efforts, noting that such tension should not be mistaken for instability or doubt. Instead, he described it as a sign of spiritual vitality an inner stirring that pushes the Church to innovate, adapt, and respond courageously to the challenges of the age. Creativity and boldness, he said, are essential for witnessing the Gospel in a world marked by rapid change and cultural diversity.
A significant portion of his message focused on the indispensable contribution of lay people. His Beatitude underlined that it is the laity who carry the Gospel message into the spaces where the Church cannot always reach directly workplaces, neighbourhoods, civic institutions, and public life. Through their everyday actions and personal integrity, he said, lay believers become “missionaries through their baptism,” shaping society with quiet yet transformative witness.
Mar Raphael Thattil also pointed to Asia’s profound spiritual traditions as a unique opportunity for deeper evangelization. The continent’s rich heritage, he said, provides fertile soil for a renewed encounter with Christ, allowing cultures to rediscover their spiritual roots and bear fruit that enriches both the Church and society. When the Gospel engages respectfully and creatively with Asia’s spiritual legacy, he added, it can spark new pathways for understanding, dialogue, and mission.
The Major Archbishop’s address set a hopeful and forward-looking tone for the pilgrimage, urging the Asian Church to walk together with confidence, reconciliation, and renewed purpose in the years ahead.