The inauguration of the Syro Malabar Community Strengthening Year 2026 is being carried out by Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil. Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany, Archbishop Mar Thomas Tharayil, Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, Rev. Fr Paul Puthuparambil, Sr.Rosily Jose Ozhukayil, Beena Joshi, Adv Sam Sunny and Rajeev Kochuparambil are seen alongside.
Kochi: Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil has said that a community firmly rooted in faith and united in purpose has the power to change the course of time and history. He was speaking while inaugurating a church initiative focused on strengthening community life within the Syro Malabar Church.
Addressing clergy, religious and lay faithful, Mar Raphael Thattil stressed that faith should not remain a private or isolated experience. He said Christian belief becomes meaningful when it is lived together and expressed through unity, service and concern for society.
The Major Archbishop pointed out that divisions weaken the witness of the Church, while unity gives strength and credibility to its mission. He called on families, parishes, youth groups and church institutions to work together with a shared vision, guided by prayer and mutual respect.
He also underlined the need for believers to develop a deep personal relationship with Christ, saying that true renewal begins within the heart and then flows into the community. According to him, such renewal helps the Church respond to social challenges with hope, compassion and courage.
Mar Raphael Thattil, who took office as Major Archbishop of the Syro Malabar Church in 2024, has consistently highlighted reconciliation and cooperation as key priorities of his leadership. In recent months, he has encouraged the faithful in India and abroad to remain united despite cultural and regional differences.
Concluding his message, the Major Archbishop reminded the gathering that history is shaped not only by power or wealth, but by communities that stand together in faith and love. He urged the faithful to become a living example of unity that can inspire society and future generations.