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