Dearly beloved in Christ,

It’s my pleasure to greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Moreover, I consider this opportunity a privilege to join the St. Thomas family as we enjoy the warmth of spiritual nourishment and fellowship together. Being united within a God-fearing community is wonderful for our mutual growth. Let us move forward with an optimistic approach, anticipating great things from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Church community must ensure that we rest in God’s presence to fulfill His purpose and plan. God the Creator has a grand design for each unique creation. Every person is special in His eyes and holds a distinct purpose. Too often, however, we fail to realize and recognize the true meaning behind our existence on this beautiful planet. Yet, we are called before God to fulfill this purpose and bear fruit.During this season, as we celebrate Father’s Day and Mother’s Day, we reflect on exploring and reaching toward our life goals with great expectations. When we truly toil for this great purpose, the guidance of the Spirit from above is inevitable, though it often goes unrecognized. For a child of God, the Holy Spirit must be our daily advocate.
July 3rd holds a special significance for the St. Thomas Family. It is a day to celebrate and rejoice, for St. Thomas is the apostle who brought the light of the Savior into this part of the world—to India, and particularly to our “God’s Own Country,” Kerala. That is how we received the light, but we must remember that we are called to reflect that light to everyone around us.

A purposeful life requires sharing and caring, both of which are essential for a thriving community. Yet, we often fail to practice this as effectively as God our Creator and Sustainer intended. For a purpose-filled existence, the family plays a vital role. We are united for a higher purpose, but our mutual responsibilities are often forgotten today. Individual rights, independence, and selfishness have begun to overtake the family unit—a clear sign of modern family breakdown. This eroding unity is visible every day in public life and actions.

The family is a miniature version of the Kingdom of God. We are called to visibly uphold this divine standard wherever we go; this is the true calling of the family institution. Therefore, every family must celebrate its unity daily. Our purpose in life must be fulfilled through the mission entrusted to us.

The nature of our mission relies entirely on our vision. Every family’s vision will look different, leading to different outcomes, because each family is brought together uniquely for a specific reason. This mission must align with the laws, rules, and plans of God as revealed through the Church, which is the body of God’s people. As the St. Thomas family comes together with a great purpose and the power of the Holy Spirit, let us live lives that please God. 

Let us press onward toward our ultimate goal: joining the heavenly banquet.

May God bless the St. Thomas family with abundant, manifold blessings. Let us come together, fold our hands in prayer, and grow stronger for God.

Lovingly,

Kochummen Achen

Vicar