Open doors to welcome poor and vulnerable: Pope to Indian Bishops

By Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara
Bellevision Media Network

• 36th Plenary Assembly of CCBI draws 204 Bishops in India to reflect on Church’s mission

 

29 Jan 2025: Pope Francis has called on the Indian Bishops to prioritise the poor and the vulnerable in their ministry, urging them to open wide the doors of the Church.

 

The pope’s message to the 36th Plenary Assembly of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) in the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar was read out by Archbishop George Antonysamy, the Vice President of the CCBI, Expressing his prayerful support for the Bishops’ deliberations, he encouraged them to guide the local Churches in implementing the fruits of the synodal journey.

 

 

Referring to the Jubilee Year, the Pope expressed confidence in the Church in India, emphasising its role as a beacon of hope.

 

“In this Jubilee Year, the Church in India will continue to be a sign of hope to the entire nation, always seeking to open wide its doors to welcome the poor and most vulnerable, so that all may have the hope of a better future,” the Holy Father added.

 

The assembly was inaugurated on Tuesday by Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, who also presided over the solemn Eucharistic Celebration marking the event’s commencement.

 

Archbishop of Delhi Anil Couto (Secretary General of the CCBI) presented the annual report, while Rev. Dr Antony Uvari, S.J., Vice Chancellor of XIM University, delivered the felicitation message. Rev. Dr Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, proposed the vote of thanks.

 

The assembly also welcomed the newly appointed Bishops and observed a moment of prayerful silence for the departed members of the Conference.

 

With the theme “Discerning Synodal Pathways for Mission,” the assembly has drawn 204 Bishops of the Latin Church in India to reflect on the Church’s mission.

 

The Bishops will also review biennial reports from 16 Commissions, six Departments, four Apostolates and 14 Regional Bishops Councils, providing a comprehensive overview of the CCBI’s work. The assembly will elect new office bearers for the Episcopal Conference.

 

The CCBI, the largest National Episcopal Conference in Asia and the fourth largest globally, represents 132 Dioceses and 209 Bishops. This Plenary Assembly is poised to be a landmark event, fostering collaboration and renewal as the Church discerns its future path in mission and synodality.