Syro-Malankara Catholic Church Unveils Logo for the Year of the Word of God (2024-2025): A Year of Scripture and Spiritual Renewal

The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church has officially launched the logo for the Year of the Word of God (2024-2025), marking the beginning of a dedicated year focused on deepening the Church’s connection with Sacred Scripture. This initiative, beginning on September 21, 2024, and continuing through September 19, 2025, encourages the faithful to embrace the Word of God in all aspects of their lives, as the Church gears up for the centennial celebrations of the Reunion Movement in 2030.

This year-long celebration is not just a reminder of the importance of the Bible in personal and communal faith life but also a call for reflection, prayer, and renewed commitment to living according to the teachings of Christ. Through this initiative, the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church hopes to foster a greater understanding and application of biblical teachings across its community, with various spiritual programmes and activities being planned for every level of the faithful, from families to parishes.

Logo Unveiling and Its Deep Symbolism

At the heart of the logo is an open Bible with the image of Christ emerging from its pages, highlighting our profound belief that Christ is the living Word. This visual reinforces the truth that Sacred Scripture is not just text, but a living encounter with the person of Christ, guiding us in our faith. The Bible is illuminated by a divine light, symbolising the heavenly wisdom and truth that emanate from God’s Word. As believers, we are called to live in this light and let it transform our lives.

Hovering above the Bible is a dove, a timeless symbol of the Holy Spirit, whose guidance is essential in understanding and living out the Scriptures. This imagery connects with our own experience as Malankara Catholics, reminding us that the Holy Spirit is always present, helping us to grasp the true meaning of God’s Word and leading us to apply it in our daily challenges and joys.

The background of the logo, filled with the warm hues of an orange sky, evokes a sense of new beginnings and spiritual awakening. The image reminds us that as we immerse ourselves in the Word of God, we are brought closer to both the heavens and the world around us. The Church, through its teachings, stands as a mediator, helping us encounter the divine through Scripture and leading us to live it out in tangible ways.

Text and Central Message

The surrounding text in the logo, written in Malayalam, reflects our proud cultural and spiritual heritage. The phrase “Vachanavarthanam 2024-2025” (Year of the Word of God 2024-2025) is prominently placed, boldly declaring the focus of the year.

Below the logo, the words “Kurishil Vachanthil Vasikkuka” (Living in the Cross and the Word) carry a powerful message for every believer. It calls us to integrate the Word of God into our daily lives and to live it out with the same faithfulness that Christ showed on the Cross. This message invites us not just to read the Bible, but to embody it, living its truths in all aspects of life. Additionally, the inscription “Punnareekku Shathabhdi Aghosham 2030” refers to the upcoming centenary celebrations of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church’s reunion with the Catholic Church, reminding us of the historical journey of our Church and its unwavering commitment to the Word of God.

Expanded Initiatives: Parish and Family-Level Celebrations

As part of this year’s celebrations, the Church has also organised parish-level Word of God inaugurations across all parishes on September 29, 2024, following the official Church-wide inauguration by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos. This event took place at Parassala Mar Ivanios Nagar (VPS Malankara HSS, Venganoor) on September 21, 2024, marking the 94th anniversary of the Reunion Movement.

On September 29, 2024, every parish of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church was entrusted to celebrate the inauguration of the Year of the Word of God during the Holy Qurbono. This parish-level celebration was designed to involve the faithful at the grassroots, ensuring that the Year of the Word reaches every corner of the Church.

In addition, family-level celebrations were launched the same evening with the enthronement of the Word of God during family prayers at 7:00 PM, reinforcing the message that Scripture should be central not only in Church life but also in every home. Families were invited to enthrone the Holy Bible in their homes, symbolising the importance of living in the Word of God within the family setting.

A Year of Scriptural Engagement and Renewal

The Year of the Word of God aims to make the Bible more accessible and relevant to all members of the Church. Through the upcoming months, various spiritual programmes and events will be organised to deepen the faithful’s engagement with Scripture. Among the highlighted activities are:

• Bible Reading and Reflection Initiatives: Regular Bible reading sessions will be conducted in families, parishes, and small groups to promote Lectio Divina (prayerful reading of Scripture). The Church encourages all families to come together for daily reading of the Word, fostering a prayerful environment where the teachings of Christ are discussed and lived out.
• Scripture-Based Retreats and Catechesis: Special retreats and catechetical programmes are being designed to focus on key biblical themes, such as discipleship, faith, love, and sacrifice. These sessions will provide opportunities for deeper reflection on how the Word of God can inspire and shape personal and communal lives.
• Children and Youth Programmes: Recognising the importance of Scripture in shaping the younger generation, the Church is planning Bible-related activities for children and youth. These include scripture quizzes, Bible-themed art competitions, and study groups, aimed at fostering a lifelong relationship with the Word among young people.
• Scripture in Liturgy and Prayer: The liturgical celebrations throughout this year will have a heightened focus on the Scriptures. From special Bible enthronements during Holy Qurbono to increased emphasis on Scriptural readings during homilies and prayers, the Church seeks to weave the Word more integrally into its liturgical life.
• Online Bible Apostolate and Resources: With the growing role of technology in evangelisation, the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church will offer digital resources for Bible study, prayers, and reflection. These materials, accessible through the Church’s online platforms, will help the faithful engage with Scripture even in their busy lives.

The Broader Context: Celebrating Our Reunion Journey

This initiative is not happening in isolation. The Year of the Word of God serves as a preparation for the grand centennial celebrations of our Church’s reunion with the Catholic Church in 2030. As we approach this milestone, the Church is focusing on deepening its spiritual foundation, with the Bible serving as the cornerstone of this journey.

The Church’s leadership, spearheaded by His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, aims to ensure that the upcoming centenary is not just a moment of reflection on the past, but a launching point for new spiritual growth, rooted in the Word of God. The Church encourages every Malankara Catholic to take this year as a time of personal renewal, diving deeper into the Scriptures and allowing them to guide both individual and communal life.

Conclusion: A Call to Live the Word

The unveiling of the Year of the Word of God logo and the subsequent celebrations at both parish and family levels represent significant moments for the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. This is not just a visual representation or a series of events, but a profound reminder and invitation for each of us to immerse ourselves more fully in the Word of God.

As we journey together towards the centenary of our reunion with the Catholic Church, let us be guided by the Scriptures, allowing them to transform our hearts and minds. This Year of the Word of God is a time to live out the teachings of the Bible in our homes, parishes, and communities, strengthening our faith and devotion as we prepare for this important milestone in our Church’s history.