Jubilee 2025 Workshop in Port Blair

Four-Day Workshop on 'Pilgrims of Hope on the Synodal Journey' Held in Diocese of Port Blair

From September 16-19, 2024, the Diocese of Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, hosted a four-day workshop titled 'Pilgrims of Hope on the Synodal Journey' at the Pastoral Centre. This significant event brought together 87 participants, including diocesan and religious priests, sisters in pastoral ministry, and lay people.

His Excellency Most Rev. Visuvasam Selvaraj, Bishop of Port Blair, inaugurated the workshop, emphasizing the essence of the synodal journey. "Our daily pastoral journey is a journey of faith, hope, and love; the motto of the Holy Year Jubilee 2025 invites us to journey together as pilgrims of hope," Bishop Selvaraj remarked.

The workshop was animated by Rev. Fr. Vignan Das Gangula and Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, members of the CCBI National Facilitating Team. Through their guidance, participants engaged in a dynamic process of reflection, discussion, and planning aimed at enriching the pastoral mission of the diocese.

Msgr. Albinus Barla, the Vicar General, highlighted the need for aligning pastoral priorities with the foundational principles set forth by the Four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council. "It is high time that we align our pastoral priorities with the priorities proposed by the Four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council," he stated, reinforcing the workshop's focus on renewal and revitalization.

Sr. Pushpa Minj SJA, President of the Diocesan CRI, praised the workshop's comprehensive approach. "The workshop was a moment of learning, planning, and praying," she expressed, acknowledging the collaborative spirit and deep engagement of all attendees.

This workshop marks a crucial step in the Diocese of Port Blair's commitment to the synodal journey, reinforcing a collective resolve to be 'pilgrims of hope' in the pursuit of faith, unity, and pastoral growth.

During the workshop, CCBI Pastoral Plan Mission 2023 was presented and introduced. 

Later, the CCBI Plenary Assembly 2025 Preparatory Document was taken for discussion, and the draft to the questions was arrived at.

The event was sponsored by Pontifical Mission Organizations India and Communio. 

The recently released, "Pilgrims of Hope on the Synodal Journey: A Handbook on Jubilee 2025 Preparations and Celebrations" authored by Stephen Alathara and Yesu Karunanidhi was used as a textbook for the workshop.

Photos courtesy: Fr. Vignan Das Gangula

CCBI hosts Webinar on Instrumentum Laboris - II

Conference of Catholic Bishops of India Hosts Webinar on 'Instrumentum Laboris - II' for the Synod October Session '24

The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) conducted a webinar on the Working Document 'Instrumentum Laboris - II,' focusing on 'How to be a Missionary Synodal Church?' This online event took place on Monday, 16 September 2024, from 6:00 pm to 6:55 pm via Google Meet.

The webinar aimed to unlock insights on lay participation, local churches, and living the mission in preparation for the Second Session of the XVI Ordinary Synod for a Synodal Church (2021-2024).

The event featured a presidential address by His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa-Daman and President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India. 

The keynote speaker was Rev. Prof. Dr. Merlin Rengith Ambrose, a faculty member at Saint Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bangalore, and Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Canon Law & Legislative Texts. Their addresses centered on the importance of synodality, emphasizing a collaborative and participatory approach to the Church's mission.

Special invitees included Archbishops and Bishops of the Conference, diocesan administrators, executive secretaries of various commissions, department heads, regional deputy secretaries, diocesan contact persons, priests, men and women religious, seminarians, formation houses, and professionals. Young people and all those resolved to embrace the synodal mission were also encouraged to participate.

"Very well summarised, and very well presented!," Archbishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi remarked.

The session provided a platform for deep reflection on the themes of communion, participation, and mission, fostering a spirit of collaboration and co-responsibility in the Church. This event marks a significant step in the CCBI's ongoing efforts to promote a synodal and missionary-oriented Church.

The event was convened by Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, National Coordinator for Synod for a Synodal Church, and Jubilee 2025. Earlier, Rev. Sr. Dr. Nathalie Becquart XMCJ, Undersecretary, Synod General Secretariat, writing to the Convenor said, "Congratulations on organising this event. It's truly encouraging to see such dedicated efforts to engage with and disseminate the work of the Synod. Your commitment to fostering understanding and dialogue around these crucial documents is commendable."

Mr. Charles Bertille of Porticus, from Malaysia, congratulated saying, "Thank you Frs. Merlin and Yesu for a very rich and fruitful program. Grateful to the Church in India and Cardinal Ferrão."

Fr. Ritchie Vincent, a priest of the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore commented, "Ever since Pope Francis took the chair of St. Peter, I've been eagerly awaiting deep, lasting changes that will help us become an increasingly Christ-like Church. I'm glad to see the Church moving in this direction. However, without building consensus before implementing these proposed changes, we risk losing the faithful."

287 logged-in participants from India, Malaysia, the Philippines, the USA, Finland, Italy, Germany, and Kenya attended the webinar.

Click here to view the recorded Webinar

Jubilee 2025 Bookmarks and Guideline Brochure

Jubilee 2025 Bookmarks and Guideline Brochure Released for Local Church Celebrations

Bengaluru, 10 September 2024 – His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, and President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), released the Jubilee 2025 Bookmarks and Guideline Brochure for local church celebrations. The release took place during the 95th Executive Committee Meet of the CCBI in Bengaluru.

Cardinal Ferrão said, “This brochure is a guide for local churches to help them celebrate Jubilee 2025 according to the guidelines from the Dicastery for Evangelization.” The bookmarks and brochure aim to help dioceses and parishes prepare for and participate in the Jubilee celebrations.

Pontifical Mission Organizations, India, sponsored the bookmarks and brochure, and also supported the Training of Trainers (ToTs) for Diocesan Contact Persons across the country. Rev. Dr. Ambrose Pitchaimuthu, National Director, was present for the occasion.

The brochure was prepared by Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, with input from the National Facilitating Team, regional representatives, and diocesan contact persons. It is based on the Bull of Indiction, Spes non Confundit, and guidelines from the Dicastery for Evangelization. 

Special gratitude was extended to His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization: Section for Fundamental Questions regarding Evangelization in the World, for his invaluable guidance.

The bookmarks and brochures are now available to all dioceses in India and will serve as vital resources for the clergy and the faithful as they prepare for this momentous Jubilee celebration.

Photos courtesy: Fr. Vignan Das Gangula

Handbook Release: Pilgrims of Hope on the Synodal Journey

Book Release: Pilgrims of Hope on the Synodal Journey: A Handbook on Jubilee 2025 Preparations and Celebrations

Bengaluru, 10 September 2024 – Pilgrims of Hope on the Synodal Journey: A Handbook on Jubilee 2025 Preparations and Celebrations, authored by Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara and Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, was officially launched today by His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman and President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI). The book release took place during the 95th Executive Committee Meet of the CCBI in Bengaluru.

Cardinal Ferrão, also a member of the Dicastery for Evangelization, praised the book for its contribution to the Church’s ongoing Synodal journey. In his address, he stated, “This handbook encourages a deeper connection to the Synodal process, fostering unity and renewal within the diverse Catholic Church in India.” He expressed his appreciation for the authors, recognizing the handbook as a vital resource for bishops, clergy, parish leaders, and the laity as they prepare for the Jubilee 2025 celebrations.

The book offers comprehensive guidance on how to engage actively in the preparations for the Jubilee 2025, a significant moment of grace and renewal for the global Catholic Church. It is intended to serve as a spiritual and practical tool, inspiring and equipping the faithful for meaningful participation in the Jubilee celebrations.

The launch of Pilgrims of Hope on the Synodal Journey comes at a crucial time, as the Church continues to walk the path of synodality and renewal under the vision of Pope Francis. This handbook provides a roadmap for deepening faith, fostering community, and celebrating the spirit of the Jubilee 2025.

The book is published by Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, and is distributed by ATC Publishers, Bengaluru. 

For orders please write to  ccbipublications@gmail.com or call Mobile: +91 988 67 30 224.

Gratitude to Mr. Nigel Fernandes, CEO, ATC Publishers.

Photos courtesy: Fr. Vignan Das Gangula

Jubilee Yātra at MMI and DMI

The Missionaries of Mary Immaculate (MMI) and the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI) celebrated a momentous Jubilee Yātra today at St. Thomas Mount, Chennai. This significant event brought together leaders from both congregations, marking a day of reflection, dialogue, and commitment to the principles of synodal leadership.

The Jubilee Yātra of the CCBI becomes meaningful as the DMI and MMI are already in the joy-filled celebrations of their Ruby Jubilee, Silver Jubilee, and of obtaining the status of Pontifical Right.

The event was graced by the presence of Rev. Fr. Z. Joseph William Parthiraj, MMI, the Superior General of the Missionaries of Mary Immaculate, and Rev. Sr. Lalitha, DMI, the Mother General of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, and the members of the General Council and Provincial / Regional Superiors, and newly-ordained Deacons. 

On behalf of Very Rev. Fr. J. E. Arul Raj, the esteemed Founder of the DMI, MMI, and AMI, they extended a warm welcome to Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, the National Coordinator for Synod and Jubilee 2025, who played a pivotal role in animating the leadership teams of both congregations.

The Jubilee Yātra centered around the theme of 'Synodal Leadership,' with discussions that emphasized its necessity in the contemporary Church. The sessions provided an in-depth exploration of the following key topics:

1. Synodal Leadership: Its Imperative. The discussions highlighted the urgent need for synodal leadership in fostering a Church that listens, discerns, and acts together. The imperative nature of this leadership model was emphasized as essential for the Church’s mission in today’s world.

2. Opportunities for Synodality: The participants explored the various opportunities that synodality presents for enhancing collaboration, inclusivity, and unity within the Church and the Religious Institute(s). The session focused on the ways in which synodal practices can be implemented at different levels of Church leadership.

3. Challenges to Synodal Leadership: The challenges that hinder the effective implementation of synodal leadership were candidly discussed. Issues such as resistance to change, cultural differences, and communication barriers were identified, along with strategies to overcome them.

4. Personal Efforts and Initiatives for Synodal Leadership: The final session encouraged personal reflection and the identification of individual contributions to fostering a synodal Church. Leaders were called to take proactive steps in their own contexts to promote a culture of synodality.

The day concluded with a renewed commitment from the leadership teams to embody the principles of synodal leadership in their ministries and communities. 

The Jubilee Yātra served as a significant milestone in the journey of the MMI and DMI, reinforcing their dedication to the vision of a more synodal and inclusive Church.

Jubilee Yātra in Kuzhithurai

The Diocese of Kuzhithurai welcomed the CCBI Jubilee Yātra, a visit of the CCBI National Facilitating Team for Jubilee 2025 to reach the synodal findings, Jubilee 2025 information, and CCBI XXXVI Plenary Assembly Preparatory Document, to the local churches. 

The event, held as a monthly recollection at the diocesan level, brought together 130 priests and religious for a day of spiritual reflection, renewal, and unity.

His Excellency, Most Rev. Dr. Albert Anastas, Bishop of Kuzhithurai, addressed the gathering, emphasising the importance of the synodal journey. "Let us walk together as pilgrims of hope on the synodal journey, celebrating our communion, promoting participation, and always focused on mission," he encouraged, setting a tone of unity and purpose for the day.

Msgr. S. Xavier Benedict, Vicar General of the Diocese, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of the upcoming Jubilee Year. "Jubilee 2025 is a time of renewal for the Universal Church and our local church,: he stated, calling on the diocesan community to embrace this period as an opportunity for spiritual growth and collective renewal.

Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, National Coordinator for Jubilee 2025, led the sessions, which focused on the synod, Jubilee 2025 preparations, and the CCBI Plenary Assembly Preparatory Document. His insights and guidance provided valuable direction as the Diocese prepares to engage fully in the Jubilee celebrations.

During the session, group chats were held to identify opportunities and challenges for synodality in the local Church. 

In the light of the Four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council, the participants identified their pastoral priorities and drew calls to action.

The CCBI Jubilee Yatra in Kuzhithurai encouraged collective commitment to walk together in faith, hope, and mission, as it joins the Universal Church in preparing for the momentous Jubilee Year 2025.

Later in the evening, the representatives of the Diocesan Pastoral Council came together to plan for the Jubilee 2025 dissemination, preparations, and celebrations.

At the end of the recollection, everyone went with enthusiasm and passion for Jubilee 2025. And each one carried a personal resolution - an effort or initiative - for the Holy Year.

Third Diocesan Contact Persons Training Program

The Third (and the Final) Diocesan Contact Persons Training Program successfully took place on 22-23 August 2024, in Kolkata. The event saw the participation of 51 Diocesan Contact Persons from across the country, marking a significant step in the ongoing preparations for Jubilee 2025.

His Grace Most Rev. Thomas D'Souza, Archbishop of Calcutta, delivered the presidential address, emphasising the importance of collaboration and mutual support among the Contact Persons. “Using the metaphor of the redwood,” the Archbishop remarked, “I would like to communicate that we need to network with each other for better stability and growth. Jubilee 2025 is a time of grace, renewal, and restoration.”

 

The training program featured insightful sessions facilitated by Sr. Lidwin Fernandes, Fr. Enoch Mackwan, and Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi, members of the CCBI National Facilitating Team for Jubilee 2025. Their guidance and expertise provided the participants with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively lead their dioceses in the spiritual journey towards the Jubilee.

 

The program was well-received, with participants expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to deepen their understanding and strengthen their roles in this critical period of renewal. The training sessions focused on fostering a spirit of unity, collaboration, and preparation for the forthcoming Jubilee, ensuring that every diocese is equipped to lead their faithful in a meaningful celebration of this holy occasion.

 

The event was sponsored by Pontifical Mission Organizations India, and Communio. During the training program, the participants were exposed to Catholic Connect App, and CCBI XXXVI Plenary Assembly Preparatory Document.

 

Msgr. Edward Kerketta, Diocesan Administrator of Bagdogra, presided over the valedictory session. Handing over the Jubilee 2025 lamp to the participants, he said, “Let us keep this light of hope alive in our hearts and in the hearts of every individual whom we encounter.”

 

Fr. Urgen Lepcha of Darjeeling proposed the vote of thanks. With the Jubilee 2025 hymn, the training came to a joyful close.