Be Witnesses to Christ and Bearers of His Light | 03-07-2026
Be Witnesses to Christ and Bearers of His Light, Says
Prof. Dr. K. M. Francis
The Feast of Dukhrana, commemorating the martyrdom of St. Thomas the Apostle, was
celebrated with devotion at Mangalapuzha Seminary on 3 July 2026. The celebration was an
occasion for the seminary community to reflect on the apostolic witness of St. Thomas and
the missionary dimension of the Christian vocation.
Prof. Dr. K. M. Francis, addressing the Dukhrana academy on the theme “Who is the True
Missionary?”, emphasized that genuine missionary zeal flows from a deep knowledge and
love of Jesus Christ. He encouraged the seminarians to grow in their relationship with Christ,
to be prepared to respond to questions concerning their faith, and to proclaim the Gospel
through their lives.
Reflecting on St. Thomas, Prof. Dr. Francis highlighted the importance of both personal faith
and Christian community in encountering Christ. He also stressed that intellectual formation
has an important role in mission, enabling believers to understand their faith more deeply and
communicate it meaningfully in the contemporary world. He urged the seminarians to
become “light-bearers” of Christ, carrying the Gospel into every sphere of life.
The academy was presided over by Fr. Jose Kakkallil, who delivered the presidential
address. Br. Alan Kottanelloor delivered the message of the day, and the third-year
philosophers presented a musical performance as part of the programme.
The celebrations began with the solemn celebration of the Raza Qurbana. The Dukhrana
observance concluded as a meaningful occasion for the seminarians to renew their
commitment to the missionary call and to follow the example of St. Thomas in witnessing to
Christ.