VatChat in the Archdiocese of Nagpur

VatChat in the Archdiocese of Nagpur – An Interactive Learning of the Four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council

Nagpur, 26 September 2024 – The Pastoral Centre of the Archdiocese of Nagpur came alive today with VatChat, a significant event dedicated to the interactive learning of the Four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council. The gathering brought together over 300 participants, including clergy, men and women religious, lay faithful, seminarians, candidates in formation, and young people.

Presiding over the event, Very Rev. Fr. Antony D’Souza, Vicar General of the Archdiocese, delivered the Presidential Address, stating, "We have come together to open the treasure houses of the Second Vatican Council." His words set the tone for a day of deep reflection and engagement with the pivotal documents of the Council.

In his message to the organizing team, His Grace Most Rev. Elias Gonsalves, Archbishop of Nagpur, highlighted the importance of this initiative in the context of the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025. He remarked, “Jubilee 2025 is an occasion for personal and collective renewal; the learning of the Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council helps us understand how the Church initiated self-renewal.” This message resonated throughout the event, as participants explored how these foundational texts continue to shape the Church’s mission today.

A highlight of the day was the presentations by nine young speakers who vividly studied, analyzed, and brought to life the Four Constitutions—Sacrosanctum Concilium, Lumen Gentium, Dei Verbum, and Gaudium et Spes. These speakers skilfully bridged the gap between the theoretical and practical implications of the documents, drawing insights for contemporary life and ministry.

Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, National Coordinator for Jubilee 2025, commended the young speakers, saying, “The speakers have overcome the contextual, conceptual, and communicative barriers and have presented the kernel of the Constitutions. This learning is the point of arrival, and the point of departure.”

The event was meticulously organized under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Vivian Wilson Lobo, Diocesan Contact Person for the Jubilee. In collaboration with the Pallottine Animation Centre of Nagpur, the program was both insightful and engaging.

Ms. Ancina Santiago of St. Joseph’s School, Kamptee, who won recognition for her presentation, reflected, “The study of Sacrosanctum Concilium was a moment of soul-searching for me.”

Adding a significant moment to the day, the Jubilee 2025 Cross, prepared by the Christian Life Commission of the Archdiocese, was unveiled by the Vicar General. This unveiling coincided with the CCBI Jubilee Yātra, linking the event to broader celebrations of the Jubilee Year across India.

VatChat in Nagpur proved to be a powerful platform for renewing the Church’s understanding of the Second Vatican Council and preparing the faithful for the Jubilee 2025 celebrations, bringing together minds and hearts for the ongoing mission of the Church.

Photos courtesy: Rev. Dr. Vivian Wilson Lobo

Amravati Hosts CCBI Jubilee Yātra

The Diocese of Amravati joyfully hosted the CCBI Jubilee Yātra on Wednesday, 25 September 2024, under the leadership of His Excellency Most Rev. Malcolm Sequeira, Bishop of Amravati. 

In his presidential address, Bishop Sequeira called upon the faithful, saying, “Let us join the Universal Church in celebrating Jubilee 2025. Let us strive to journey together with each other.” His message echoed the spirit of unity and communion that the Jubilee celebration symbolizes.

The event, convened by Rev. Fr. A. Arockiasamy, Diocesan Contact Person, was attended by 150 clergy, religious men and women, and lay faithful from across the diocese. It served as a significant moment of reflection and preparation for the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025.

A key highlight of the day was the release of the Revised Directory of the Diocese, an important resource for pastoral coordination and communication within the diocese.

The participants were also introduced to the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI); Pontifical Mission Organisations - India; Communio, and Catholic Connect. These initiatives aim to enhance the Church's mission of evangelization, outreach, and communion with the faithful across India.

In light of the Four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council, pathways for future pastoral ministry were identified and explored. These guiding documents — Sacrosanctum Concilium, Lumen Gentium, Dei Verbum, and Gaudium et Spes — continue to serve as the foundation for the Church’s renewal in her mission.

The sessions were facilitated by Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, who guided the participants through meaningful discussions and reflections on the call to renewal in pastoral ministry.

The CCBI Jubilee Yātra in Amravati was a day of grace and inspiration, fostering a deeper sense of unity and mission as the Diocese looks ahead to the Jubilee Year 2025.

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