The Jharkhand Regional Seminar, focused on the Year of Learning the Four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council, took place from July 10-12, 2024, at the Social Development Centre in Ranchi. This event was a key preparatory activity for the upcoming Jubilee 2025 celebrations.
Archbishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi, President of the JHAAN Regional Bishops' Council, inaugurated the seminar. In his address, he emphasised the Church's preparations for Jubilee 2025, integrating the celebration with the synodal journey and the pastoral plan of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI). Archbishop Aind remarked, "Our Mother Church is getting ready to celebrate the Jubilee 2025. At the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) we are integrating it with the synodal journey and the pastoral plan. In the present seminar we will introduce ourselves to the Four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council."
Bishop Anand Jojo of Hazaribag, the Convenor, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of the Four Constitutions in revitalising liturgical life and the ministry of the Word of God. He stated, "In the light of the Four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council we will focus more on redefining our liturgical life in the parishes and rededicating ourselves to the ministry of the word of God."
The seminar sessions were jointly facilitated by Rev. Dr. Moncy Nellikunnel SDB, Executive Secretary to the CCBI Commission for Liturgy, and Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, Executive Secretary to the CCBI Commission for Liturgy and National Coordinator for Jubilee 2025. Their combined expertise provided deep insights into the application of the Council’s teachings.
The seminar saw the participation of 124 individuals, including priests, religious, catechists, and young men and women from eight dioceses of the region. The event was partially funded by Communio, an initiative by the CCBI to support local churches in rural India. Additionally, the seminar was celebrated as part of the CCBI Jubilee Yātra to the region.
This seminar successfully contributed to the ongoing formation and spiritual preparation of the local Church, aligning with the broader vision and pastoral priorities of the CCBI as it journeys towards Jubilee 2025.
Photos credits: Fr. Sameer, Hazaribag