Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil Urges Bishops Not to Lose Heart Amid Crises at Syro-Malabar Synod

New Delhi, August 18, 2025: The Syro-Malabar Major Archiepiscopal Church opened the second session of its 33rd Synod of Bishops on Monday at Mount St. Thomas, with Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil calling on bishops not to be discouraged in the face of crises and to remain steadfast in their mission of evangelisation.

The gathering began with meditations led by Mar Alex Tharamangalam, Auxiliary Bishop of Mananthavady, followed by the Holy Qurbana presided over by the Major Archbishop. At 2:30 p.m., he officially inaugurated the Synod by lighting the ceremonial lamp. A total of 52 bishops, including those serving in India and abroad as well as retired prelates, are participating in the session.

In his inaugural address, Major Archbishop Thattil welcomed the Synod Fathers into a spirit of episcopal communion and unity in the Holy Spirit. Reflecting on India’s 79th Independence Day, he acknowledged the nation’s progress but also lamented the persecution faced by religious minorities, particularly Christians, and the injustices endured by nuns in Chhattisgarh. He strongly condemned the increasing attacks by communal forces against Christians across the country.

He assured persecuted church communities that they are not alone and emphasised that the Church will continue to stand with them. Urging bishops not to retreat from the evangelising mission despite challenges, he called for renewed commitment to overcoming shortcomings in the Church’s pastoral work. He prayed that true freedom might be found through complete surrender to God’s will, drawing inspiration from the Blessed Virgin Mary, assumed into heaven.

The Major Archbishop further stressed the need for reflection on reforms in the Church’s pastoral style and structures. He expressed hope that the Synod would serve as a moment to discern urgent steps towards living out the Church’s ecumenical spirit in all aspects of its mission. He urged an open and generous approach in pastoral ministry to meet these needs.

Paying tribute to bishops celebrating jubilees of priesthood and episcopacy, he congratulated them and expressed gratitude for their faithful service. The Synod is scheduled to conclude on Friday, 29 August.

Source : CBCI

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