Bengaluru, India – February 3, 2024 - In a momentous occasion at the 36th General Body Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), Indian bishops (of the Latin Church, Syro-Malabar Church, and Syro-Malankara Church) studied the 35 Council Notebooks, published by the Dicastery for Evangelization: Section for Fundamental Questions regarding Evangelization in the World for the preparations towards the Ordinary Jubilee 2025, marking a significant milestone in the journey of the Catholic Church in India.
His Grace Most Rev. Andrews Thazhath, Archbishop of Thrissur Eparchy and the President of the CBCI, said, “The 35 Council Notebooks represent a journey of faith, reflection, and adaptation. They offer summary, background, and contextual reflections on the Second Vatican Council and the Four Constitutions. As we read these books and reflect, we also look forward to Jubilee 2025 with renewed hope and determination."
Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, the National Coordinator for the Ordinary Jubilee 2025, setting the context of the study of the Council Notebooks, presented the highlights of the 35 Council Notebooks. He remarked, “The Council Notebooks are a treasure house of the Church’s reflections over the years. They showcase the depth of our engagement with the world and our commitment to living out the Gospel in diverse contexts. As we prepare for the Ordinary Jubilee 2025, the insights from these Notebooks will guide our collective discernment and inspire renewed efforts towards the Church’s mission."
“The Ordinary Jubilee 2025 holds special significance as it calls the Catholic Church to a period of reflection, celebration, and renewal. The Council Notebooks will play a pivotal role in shaping the discussions and initiatives during this Jubilee year, providing a foundation for the Church's continued journey in India,” endorsed His Grace Most Rev. Dr. George Antonysamy, Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore and Vice-President of the CBCI.
Jubilee 2025, a momentous event on the ecclesiastical calendar, is poised to be a year of celebration, reflection, and renewal for the Catholic Church in India. The Council Notebooks will play a pivotal role in shaping the discussions and initiatives during Jubilee 2025, providing a foundation for the Church’s future endeavours.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) is the apex body of the Catholic Church in India, comprising of three Churches, representing the interests and concerns of the Catholic Bishops in the country. Committed to the service of the nation and humanity, CBCI plays a vital role in coordinating the activities of the Catholic Church and fostering unity among its members.
The 36th General Body gathered from 31 January to 7 February 2024, at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, reflects on “the Church’s response to the present socio-political realities of the country and artificial intelligence.” The occasion is marked by prayer, deliberation on current challenges, and a collective commitment to advancing the mission of the Church in the diverse and dynamic context of India.
The highlights of the 35 Council Notebooks were prepared by the National Facilitating Team of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), and the work is powered by Communio. The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India along with ATC Publishers has published the English Translation of the original in Italian.
[images: Ave Studios, Archdiocese of Bangalore]