India: Tamil Translation of Synod Final Document Released in Chennai

Archbishop George Antonysamy, President of the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council, released the Tamil translation of the final document of the 16th General Assembly on Synodality on September 21, 2025, at Nazarethpet, Chennai. The occasion also marked the 20th Episcopal Anniversary of the Archbishop.

For the Catholic Church in Tamil Nadu, the release is a significant step in the renewal journey of becoming a “Synodal Church.”

The 16th Synod of Bishops, convened in two sessions in October 2023 and October 2024 under the leadership of the late Pope Francis, reflected on the Church’s call to walk together in faith and mission. With the approval of the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council, the Synod’s core ideas were translated into Tamil to make them more accessible to the local faithful.

Fr. Francis Joseph, Joint Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council and coordinator of the publication, explained that the document highlights the themes of unity, participation, and mission, an invitation for all Catholics to journey together in building up the Church. He also thanked the professors of Good Shepherd Seminary, Coimbatore, for their dedicated work on the translation.

Priests present at the event emphasized that making the document available in Tamil will encourage wider participation in the synodal life of the Church among the people.

The publication was brought out by Nam Vazhvu Publications, which recently received recognition from the Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) for its contribution to Catholic media. The release ceremony was held with solemnity in the presence of bishops, priests, and Church leaders, underscoring the importance of the Synod’s message for the local Church.