Diocesan Priests Forum Hold National Seminar
Bangalore (CBCI News): Sixty five priests representing the diocesan priests from all over the country gathered today in Bangalore for the XI National Council and annual meeting of the Conference of Diocesan Priests of India (CDPI).
The meeting marked by joy and enthusiasm of the members of the eleven year old organization discussed the theme: “Revisiting Vatican II: Ministry and Life of Priests in the Light of the Aggiornamento of Vatican II” .The CDPI is an organ of the CCBI Commission fir vocations, seminaries, clergy and religious. It was begun in 2002.
Bishop Thomas Antony Vazhapilly, the Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Clergy & Religious and Patron of CDPI, presided over the inaugural session. He called for living faith in conscious and active ways. He said it is easier to have Faith in Jesus but difficult to have the Faith of Jesus.
Thomas Menamparampil SDB, Archbishop Emeritus of Guwahati gave the keynote address: “The Aggiornamento of Vatican II Its Relevance for Today’s India” emphasizing the need to hold out to the world today and invited the delegates to pay attention to attitudes and cultures. In his words, “The meeting of CDPI in Bangalore is a beautiful occasion for priests who are already dedicated to the betterment of society to strengthen their motivation. He said all beneficial activities in which priests are engaged stem from their spiritual rootedness.”
Fr. D. Alphonse of the dioceses of Kottar, the Director of the TNBLC addressed the priests on the Significance and Challenges to the Third Millennial Church. He recommended dialogue as the new way of life and evangelization. He invited the participants to take Servant Leadership Model of Jesus and reach out to others in love and service. Fr. Lawrence Culas of the Archdiocese Trivandrum and the Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Catechetics also spoke in the seminar.
Earlier Fr. Francis Scaria of the Diocese of Bhopal, the national President of the CDPI, welcomed the participants. He said, “Diocesan priests are pivotal players in implementing the teachings of the Vatican Council II. It is, therefore, important for us priests to understand the Conciliar Vision and renewal.