Year of Parish Renewal

The Year of Parish Renewal (2026) is a special pastoral initiative of the Archdiocese of Colombo, inspired by the synodal vision of the Church, calling all parishes to renewal in faith, communion, and mission. Guided by the theme “Behold, I am making all things new” (Rev. 21:5), this year focuses on strengthening parish life through family visits, active participation of the laity, the formation of Parish Pastoral Councils, and the growth of Small Christian Communities. It is a call to journey together as a listening, praying, and missionary Church, responding with hope to the pastoral challenges of our time.

Pastoral Letter of His Eminence

Logo

Analysis and Theology

The theological symbolism is primarily centered around themes of renewal, covenant, community, and the Parish Church as a sanctuary.

Design Elements and Their Meaning

Noah’s Ark is shown as a simple, house-like Church with a cross on top, navigating forward on water, representing the Parish Church as a safe haven of Salvation. Just as the Ark saved living creatures from the flood (Genesis 6:19-20), the Church in every Parish offers refuge, guidance, and eternal life for every Christian who sails under her protection. It emphasizes the foundational, enduring nature of the Church. The waves of blue water keeping the Ark Church structure afloat is a symbol of Baptism, the cleansing waters of renewal and regeneration. Water is a universal symbol of life, purification, and the symbol for the Sacrament of Baptism, which initiates one into the Christian community and signals a new life, fitting to the theme of renewal.

The Rainbow, a prominent, full rainbow arching over the structure is a Biblical symbol of the Covenant of Hope. The rainbow is the biblical sign of God's covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:13). In this context, it symbolizes God's faithful promise to His people and a sign of hope for a fruitful, renewed future for the parish. At the end of the rainbow is a white cloud shaped dove. White is the summation of the seven-fold light spectrum in nature—the collection of all seven colors.

A descending white cloud shape dove, swirling clockwise on the right side, above the ark on the one hand symbolizes the Holy Spirit and on the other the Blessed Virgin Mary. The rain cloud Elijah saw rising from the sea on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:44), was interpreted by Carmelite tradition as a prefiguration of Mary, signifying her purity and the grace she brings to the world as the Mother of God. This symbol represents the dawn of a new age, guided by the power of the Holy Spirit, the primary agent of sanctification and renewal within the Church. Mary is a symbol for the Church as Woman and Mother, who was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35) and in whose womb humanity was born a new in the person of Christ the new Adam.

The Cross placed atop the roof of the ark, symbolizes Christ's centrality. The Cross is the ultimate symbol of Christian faith, redemption, and sacrifice. Its placement at the highest point signifies that Jesus Christ is the head and foundation of the Church (Colossians 1:18) who is the source of all renewal.

The three stylized human figures, arms linked and raised in celebration and praise, positioned inside the ark’s open church is a symbol of the ever-growing Christian community. They are colored Red, Green, and Blue, for diversity. The figures represent the parish community—diverse yet united in faith and worship. Their raised hands denote praise, worship, and active commitment to the renewal process. The ark is oriented towards the dawn of a new light shown by the yellow sky which is a symbol of the rising sun who is Christ the light of the world.

Overarching Theology of the Logo

The combined elements articulate a theology of Eschatological Hope grounded in the Paschal Mystery and Community. Renewal symbolized by the Rainbow (Covenant) and Ark (Salvation) frame the renewal as a movement initiated by God's promise and anchored in the safety of the Church and the Parish. The "Year of Parish Renewal" is not just a human effort but a response to God's enduring faithfulness. The cross reminds us of the Christocentric Mission. It ensures that the renewal effort remains focused on the mission and teaching of Christ. True renewal is a call to rediscover the Gospel. The three human figures remind us of Synodality and Community. Their linked hands stress that parish renewal is a communal, participatory effort—a “walking together” (synodos). The vitality of the Church rests on the unity in diversity and the active involvement of all its members, guided by the Holy Spirit. Renewal is a rebaptism. The Water recalls the call of every baptized person to live a life of continuous conversion, becoming a "new creation" in Christ. The parish is the local setting where this new life is nurtured and lived out.