Pope Leo XIV received a delegation from the Syro-Malankara Church on June 15 on the occasion of its first convention for clergy and laity residing in Europe, urging them to preserve and promote their identity, particularly within the context of the diaspora in Europe and the United States.
The origins of this Church lie in the Christian tradition of India, specifically in the state of Kerala, and trace back to the Christians evangelized by the Apostle Thomas in the first century.
After greeting the bishops present and highlighting the spiritual renewal of this Church in preparation for the centenary of its reunion with the Catholic Church in 1930, he said the Syro-Malankara Church as "your Church has always been a beacon of evangelical energy and apostolic charity, bringing social justice, education, and integral human development to those on the margins of society."
In his address, the pope also noted that this Church began to grow rapidly beyond ethnic or linguistic boundaries, initially in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu as the fruit of evangelization efforts begun in 1934.
In this vein, he highlighted the need for "an urgent commitment" to preserving and promoting "the inestimable treasures incarnated by all the Eastern Churches," especially within the growing diaspora.
The pope underscored the presence of these faithful in the United States, just as Benedict XVI and Pope Francis had done.
Along the same lines, he addressed in particular Bishop Kuriakose Mar Osthathios, whom he recently appointed as apostolic visitator for the Syro-Malankara faithful residing in Europe.
His responsibility includes, according to the pontiff, "surveying the current state of pastoral care with a view to making proposals to the local bishops and to the Holy See for the spiritual good of the faithful."
He also recalled having asked the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches to help him "to evaluate the best ways to establish firm and enduring foundations" so that future generations of Syro-Malankara faithful may continue to deepen their friendship with the Lord Jesus through their own traditions, thereby contributing to the good of the entire Catholic Church.
In this regard, he asked them to promote greater awareness about "the precious identity of the Syro-Malankara Church" and the "experience of its unique heritage."
Noting that the St. Thomas Christians of India, considered one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, have a "well-deserved reputation for devout families from which arise many vocations to the priesthood and religious life," Leo XIV prayed that a steadfast faith "may continue to thrive in your homes and your hearts, particularly in those of the young."
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
