The Syro-Malabar Evangelisation Team is a dynamic initiative that unites all evangelisation efforts
under one banner. In collaboration with the National Centre for Evangelisation (NCE) Australia,
we extend our reach beyond our community, contributing to the broader evangelisation needs
of the nation. Together, we support Australian communities, sharing our experiences and
responding to the Church’s call for mission and renewal.
Evangelisation – The Church’s Primary Call
Evangelisation is the heart of the Church’s mission, given directly by Jesus:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have
commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew
28:19-20).
Evangelisation must always be anchored in the person of Jesus Christ. Without Him, there is
no true evangelisation. As Pope Paul VI so powerfully said: “There is no true evangelisation if
the name, the teaching, the life, the promises, the Kingdom, and the mystery of Jesus of
Nazareth, the Son of God, are not proclaimed.” (Evangelii Nuntiandi, Pope Paul VI). Every
word we speak, every action we take in sharing the Gospel must radiate from Jesus Christ. He
is the heart and soul of all our missionary efforts, and without Him at the center, we lose the
essence of our calling.
Our Role as Instruments of God
Evangelisation isn’t just for the clergy—it’s for all of us! No matter where we are in our faith
journey, we are all called to spread the Good News. St. Paul’s experience reminds us, “Do not be
afraid, but speak and do not be silent” (Acts 18:9)
Remember, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being willing. It’s about sharing the joy of
knowing Christ, even in the midst of challenges. Together, we can bear witness to His love,
helping to light the way for others. “Lay people also fulfill their prophetic mission by evangelisation,
that is, the proclamation of Christ by word and the testimony of life.” (CCC 905)
This is a call from Christ. It offers a profound answer to our quest for true, pure, and everlasting
happiness. One of Jesus’s most explicit commands: “Go into all the world and proclaim the good
news to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15)
It is important to recognize that we are not the ones who convert others—conversion is the
work of God. We are simply His instruments, planting seeds along a person’s journey through
life, hoping that these seeds will blossom and bear fruit. Your voice, your life, can make a
difference!
Don’t wait, Act now
We, Catholics need to “interpret the signs of the times” (Matthew 16:3). Every moment we
wait is a moment lostin bringing others, including our loved ones, to the saving truth of Christ.
As Romans 13:11-12 urges, ” Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is already the
moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became
believers; the night is far gone; the day is near. Let us then throw off the works of darkness
and put on the armor of light”. Your ‘Yes’ to God today can transform lives, build His kingdom,
and light up the world with His love.
As a disciple of Christ, we must not only keep the faith and live on it, but also profess it,
confidently bear witness to it, and spread it: “All, however, must be prepared to confess Christ
before men and to follow Him along the way of the Cross, amidst the persecutions which the
Church never lacks.” Service and witness to the faith are necessary for salvation. As Matthew
10:32-33 says, “Everyone, therefore, who acknowledges Me before others, I also will
acknowledge before My Father in heaven; but whoever denies Me before others, I also will
deny before My Father in heaven” (CCC 1816).
The Holy Spirit works through us even in the smallest moments. So, be bold and share your
faith whenever possible. Each step, no matter how small, plays a vital role in leading others
toward Christ.
Reflection
What is stopping us from living our faith with joyful hearts?
As St. John Paul II wisely reminded us, ” The greatest deception, and the deepest source of
unhappiness, is the illusion of finding life by excluding God
Let’s think about some practical ways to deepen our faith in Christ, radiate that joy, and share
it with others(e.g. mission trips, sacraments, parish prayer groups, friendly conversations etc.)
Prayer
God of all people, thank you for choosing us to be your loving children and members of
catholic church. We pray that we may be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to go out into the
world and make disciples. Amen.
Under this evangelisation umbrella of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of the St. Thomas the
Apostle, let us all stand together and proclaim the good news in our country.
Fr Varghese Vithayathil MST
More reading…
What does the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and Second Vatican Council say about the role of
the laity in evangelization:
It is essential for salvation: CCC 1816
Right and duty to act individually or in groups: CCC 900
Christ works not only through the hierarchy but also through the laity: CCC 904
Laity Should Not Limit Their Activities to the Parish (Second Vatican Council, Decree on the
Apostolate of the Laity 3:10).
Bishops and priests work together with the laity for the church: (second Vatican council, decree on
the apostolate of the laity 5:25).
The Work of the Kingdom of God is the Duty of everyone in the Church. (Second Vatican Council,
Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity 1:3).
Fr Varghese Vithayathil MST
Director
