Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil has urged Syro-Malabar Catholics to use digital technology responsibly, remain faithful to the truth, and strengthen family prayer in a pastoral letter issued ahead of the 2026 Dukrana–Sabhadinam (St. Thomas’ Day) celebrations.
The pastoral letter, addressed to bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful, presents St. Thomas the Apostle as a model of faith and courage. It encourages Catholics to follow his example by living as faithful witnesses to Christ in today’s world.
Highlighting the challenges of the digital age, the Major Archbishop called on people to use social media with honesty and responsibility. He warned against spreading false information, hatred and harmful content online, urging everyone to verify facts before sharing them. Referring to Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, he said technology should always respect human dignity and serve the common good.
The letter also stresses the importance of Christian families as the first place where faith is nurtured. Parents were encouraged to spend more quality time with their children through daily family prayer and by observing periods of “digital fasting,” such as keeping mobile phones away during meals.
Expressing concern over issues such as youth violence, drug abuse and neglect of the elderly, the Major Archbishop called on Catholics to become ambassadors of peace, justice and compassion through their daily lives. He also encouraged greater unity within the Church and announced Jeevan Jyothi, a new initiative to strengthen the missionary work of lay people across the Syro-Malabar Church. The pastoral letter will be read in all Syro-Malabar parishes and institutions during the Dukrana celebrations.
