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