Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo, in an open letter, expressed fears that the family, as an institution, faced enormous threat from modern technology.
Called the pastoral letter, and issued on the occasion of Advent, the fourth Sunday before Christmas, Toppo's message in Hindi was read out to thousands of the faithful at Roman Catholic Churches across the state during Sunday Mass.
"Families today are under immense threat from consumerism and products of modern technology. The younger generation are becoming engrossed with modern technology and getting distracted by things of lesser importance. Family ties are now at stake," went Toppo's letter, translated from the original Hindi.
Toppo himself is away in Rome to attend the plenary assembly meeting at the Vatican. He is slated to return to Ranchi on December 11, well in time for Christmas.
But, his beautifully worded letter struck a chord with the listeners.
"Every threat to the families is a threat to society. God calls upon us to recognise the danger that threatens our families. As we step into the month of Christmas, join me to overcome these problems and protect the families from harm," Toppo's letter read.
The cardinal added that the family was god's most beautiful creation. "It is a school of solidarity and sharing," he said.
"The family is the domestic church where Jesus grows in the love of a married couple, in the lives of their children. Our life is a gift from god, so it's important that it be used in good and fruitful manner," the cardinal's pastoral letter adds.
"Families should take time to rest and pray together and should set examples of holiness. It is where we first learn how to pray. When the family prays together, it stays together. It is here that we come to know about god, to grow into men and women of faith, to see ourselves as members of god's greater family, the church. In the family we learn how to love, forgive, to be generous and open, not closed and selfish. That is why families are so important in god's plan," the letter suggested.
Jesus sacrificed himself for the salvation of mankind. His crucifixion teaches us to be concerned for one another, and not remain aloof and indifferent, the letter added.
