Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil Invites Catholics to Embrace Digital Discipline

KOCHI, July 9, 2026: Calling on the faithful to renew their commitment to truth, family prayer and responsible use of technology, Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil has issued a pastoral letter ahead of the 2026 Dukrana–Sabhadinam (St. Thomas' Day) celebrations, urging Syro-Malabar Catholics to draw inspiration from the enduring witness of St. Thomas the Apostle.

Addressed to the bishops, priests, consecrated men and women, and lay faithful of the Syro-Malabar Church, the pastoral letter presents St. Thomas as a model of discipleship whose journey from doubt to faith continues to inspire Christians facing the moral and spiritual challenges of the digital age.

Reflecting on the Apostle's unwavering search for truth, the Major Archbishop said Christians are called to exercise discernment in an era marked by artificial intelligence, social media and the rapid circulation of information. Citing Pope Leo XIV's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, he reminded the faithful that technological progress must always remain at the service of the human person and safeguard the dignity of every individual.

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A significant focus of the letter is the ethical use of digital media. Archbishop Thattil cautioned against the spread of misinformation, hatred and defamatory content on social media, describing truthfulness as an essential Christian virtue. He urged Catholics to verify information before sharing it and to become credible witnesses to the Gospel through honesty, responsibility and respect for others in both digital and personal interactions.

The pastoral letter also places renewed emphasis on the Christian family as the first school of faith. Encouraging families to reclaim time for prayer and meaningful relationships, the Major Archbishop proposed regular periods of "digital fasting," including keeping mobile phones away during meals and setting aside time each day for family prayer. He reminded parents of their responsibility to transmit the faith to their children while helping them navigate technology with wisdom and moral responsibility.

Turning to the wider social context, Archbishop Thattil expressed concern over growing violence among young people, drug abuse, neglect of the elderly and other threats to human dignity. He urged the faithful to become instruments of justice, peace and fraternity, witnessing to the Gospel through compassionate service and active concern for the vulnerable.

The Major Archbishop also appealed for deeper ecclesial communion, reminding the faithful that differences of opinion should never weaken the unity of the Church. Noting that 2026 is being observed as the Year of Community Empowerment, he encouraged parishes and institutions to implement initiatives approved by the Syro-Malabar Synod to strengthen community life, foster participation and enhance the Church's missionary presence.

As part of this missionary vision, Archbishop Thattil announced the launch of Jeevan Jyothi, a Major Archiepiscopal initiative designed to coordinate and strengthen the evangelising mission of lay missionaries throughout the Syro-Malabar Church. He also welcomed the development of a pilgrimage centre near the tomb of St. Thomas at Santhome, Mylapore, under the leadership of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Hosur, inviting the faithful to support the project as a visible expression of devotion to the Apostle of India.

Concluding the pastoral letter, the Major Archbishop invited Catholics to imitate St. Thomas by bearing witness to Christ through lives marked by truth, faith, justice and perseverance. In a world often clouded by confusion and division, he said, such steadfast fidelity to the Gospel is a form of daily martyrdom that speaks powerfully to contemporary society.

The pastoral letter will be read during the Holy Qurbana in all parish churches, religious houses, educational institutions, formation centres and major seminaries of the Syro-Malabar Church during the Dukrana–Sabhadinam observances.

By Catholic Connect Reporter