Updated on: 19-Aug-2013
All India Catholic Union Calls for Greater Lay Participation in Church

 Kolkata: The All India Catholic Union, representing the Christ’s faithful of the country, has expressed its great joy at the fresh air that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has breathed into the Universal Catholic Church. Asia’s oldest Laity organization has also expressed its happiness at the enlarged role that the Holy Father has called for men, women and youth in the Church.

 These statements have greatly enthused the Faithful in India in all the three Rites, Latin, Syro Malabar and Syro Malankara. The people are now expecting that the Bishops in India will also take similar steps  to encourage  Lay participation in the many organs and structures of the church, specially in matters of finance, management of temporal goods, and in public life.

 At the end of its two day Working Committee and General Body meetings, and two days of the concluding session of the year-long process of the Laity Assembly, the AICU leadership demanded that Bishops implement Canon Law provisions for the participation of the Laity in Finance and other committees. The Bishops should also ensure that every Diocese and parish has a Catholic Association in addition to a Pastoral Council. There is sufficient talent among the faithful to assist the clergy in the transparent functioning of these institutions.
Mr. Eugene Gonsalves, National President, presided over the four day meetings. National Vice President Mr. Lancy D’ Cunha, Secretary General Mr Elias Vaz and Dr. John Dayal Past President of AICU were also present. The Archbishop of Calcutta, Most Reverend Thomas D’Souza inaugurated the meeting and Archbishop of Nagpur, Most Rev Abraham Viruthakulangara inaugurated the National Laity Assembly. West Bengal Minorities Commission Vice-Chairperson Prof. Maria Fernandes, Mr. M.G. Devasahayam, IAS Retd., Mr. Sunil Lucas, National President of SIGNIS addressed the Assembly.

 The historical Laity Assembly began in New Delhi on 30 June 2012. Regional sessions were held in Mangalore, Mumbai, Trichy, Guwahati, Vijayawada, Ernakulum with the concluding session in Kolkata. The report is expected to be released in Goa later this year.

 The Laity Assembly is requesting the Holy Father to review Canon Laws to further empower Christ’s Faithful, and to see that the good practices in the Oriental Rites and in the Latin rite are implemented in all dioceses. The Canon law must also be made more gender just, specially on matters relating to marriages.

 Resolutions in the Annual General Meeting stressed the need for security of minorities, and justice to victims of communal and other violence. It noted the lack of proper justice to the victims of the 2008 anti Christian violence in Kandhamal in Orissa and called upon the government to take necessary steps for fresh investigation and trial of murder and other heinous crimes. AICU  also called upon the government  to ensure the safety and security of Indian fishermen, many of whom are Christians,  who are being harassed by the Sri Lankan Navy.

 The AICU AGM reiterated its demand that the Government respond to the public Interest Litigation in the Supreme Court on Dalit Christians  so that they are given the Scheduled caste rights taken away by the 1950 Presidential Order.   The Government must also immediately appoint a committee on the pattern of the Justice Sachar committee for Muslims to assess the socio economic situation of Christians, specially the Dalits, the Tribals and other marginalized groups in various arts of the country.

 The Catholic union expressed ts anguish at the tremendous loss of human life in the natural calamity in Uttarakhand, and conveyed its condolences to the families of the Victims. The Union noted the gallantry of Indian Air force helicopter pilot Wing Commander  Darryl Castelino who laid down his life while rescuing the victims.

 The AICU reaffirmed its opposition to capital punishment and said that there must be reforms in the criminal justice dispensation system and in the police to ensure that there was no victimization of religious minorities.

 The country’s apex Catholic Lay organization called upon the Catholic Bishops’  Conference of India to take the All India Catholic Union in confidence in its various programmes and commissions so that the common people feel a sense of participation and fulfillment in the works of the church as commended in the Canon law.

 The Catholic union also congratulated the government for putting the famous religious shrine town of Vailankanni  on the rail map of India. This will benefit millions of devout of all communities who visit the shrine every year.

 

Other Notices

09-Aug-2017 Erection of the new Eparchy of Parassala and Appointment of New Bishops for Syro-Malankara Church.
08-Aug-2017Prot. 772/ GenSec2017 (3-b-10/CBCI-GC)
17-Jul-2017Religious leaders condemn lynching, call for rule of law to restore peace and communal harmony India
11-Jul-2017Press Release on Violence in the Country
24-Mar-2015The CBCI President Cardinal Baselios Cleemis recalls a series of Consultations held last week at the
24-Mar-2015The CBCI President Cardinal Baselios Cleemis shares his experiences meeting with the Sisters at Ran
16-Mar-2015CBCI condemns the incident in West Bengal
24-Feb-2015CBCI denounces the statement on Mother Teresa
14-Feb-2015Most Rev. Thomas Bhalerao, SJ, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Nashik passed away
06-Feb-2015140 Bishops to lead candle light procession for peace and harmony
02-Feb-2015Govt silence on ghar wapsi irks Cardinal
21-Jan-2015Government urged to uphold the Secular nature of India
23-Dec-2014Erection of the new Diocese of Kuzhithurai and appointment of Rev. Fr. Jerome DhasVaruvel, SDB as i
20-Dec-2014Christians Unitedly Voice their Concern
03-Dec-2014Appointment of the new Bishop of Jammu-Srinagar
21-Nov-2014CBCI invites the Church in India to thank the Lord for the gift of the new Saints
17-Nov-2014CBCI welcomes Governments's decision to send a Delegation to Vatican for the Cannonization of two In
12-Nov-2014CBCI Deplores the blasphemous news item published in yesterday’s “Times of India” regarding the lif
06-Nov-2014THE NCW IS ABUSING WOMEN
06-Nov-2014Book on Church and Sustainable Development Published
16-Oct-2014Bishop Patrick D’Souza Dies
06-Oct-2014Mother Teresa Chair at IGNOU – Clarification from the CBCI
04-Oct-2014Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) Appeal for Peace
04-Oct-2014The CBCI Expresses Solidarity with Flood Victims of J&K
18-Sep-2014Pope Francis calls for Prayer for the upcoming Synod of Bishops
11-Sep-2014The CBCI Expresses Solidarity with Flood Victims of J&K
30-Aug-2014New Archbishop for Tellicherry
30-Aug-2014Bishop of Satna Resigns
07-Aug-2014Clarion Call to Join Black Day
01-Aug-2014New Bishop Appointed for Chanda Diocese
01-Aug-2014Resignation of Bishop Agnelo Gracias Accepted
01-Aug-2014Aug 10 Being Observed as Black Day to Demand Justice for Dalit Christians and Muslims
24-Jul-2014Rector Appointed for Khristo Jyoti Mohavidyaloyo Seminary in Sambalpur
24-Jul-2014Rector Appointed for Morning Star College
24-Jul-2014New Auxiliary Bishop Appointed for Syro-Malabar Chicago Diocese
21-Jul-2014Theologian and Salesian Priest Fr Sebastian Karotemprel Dies
20-Jul-2014Priest Appointed Consultor to Vatican Office
20-Jul-2014Auxiliary Bishop for Ranchi Appointed
13-Jul-2014Appointment of new Bishop of Bareilly
13-Jul-2014Appointment of new Bishop of Muzaffarpur
05-Jul-2014Andhra Pradesh Bishops launch web network for dalit youth
05-Jul-2014The official prayer of World Youth Day 2016, which entrusts humanity and the young to divine mercy,
05-Jul-2014Pope Francis talks about corruption, pedophilia and his upcoming trips to Asia in new interview.
01-Jul-2014Seek the essential and proclaim the Gospel, Especially to the least among us: Pope Francis
01-Jul-2014What is wrong with rights?
20-Jun-2014Christian couple hacked to death in India
20-Jun-2014Catholic Community Felicitates Telangana Deputy Chief Minister
02-Jun-2014Cardinal Lourdusamy passed away this morning.
28-May-2014 Pope Francis to visit Sri Lanka and the Philippines
24-May-2014The CBCI National Centres get new Directors
24-May-2014The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India greets Shri Narendra Modi on the eve of assuming the offic
20-May-2014Pope at Mass: We are not Christian without the Church
20-May-2014Fifty Years of Promoting Interreligious Dialogue
20-May-2014CBCI President Congratulates the BJP for its Victory
09-May-2014 Re-structuring the CBCI Offices
06-May-2014Auxiliary Bishop Appointed for Ranchi
01-May-2014The two canonised Popes united in their love for the Church: Carmelite Prioress
01-May-2014Cardinal Oswald Votes; Lauds India’s Democracy
28-Apr-2014Homily of Pope Francis Mass of Canonization, 27 April 2014
28-Apr-2014Pope Francis: 'popes of 20th century' witness, teach of God's mercy
28-Apr-2014Saints John XXIII and John Paul II: men of courage
28-Apr-2014Saints John XXIII and John Paul II
28-Apr-2014New Bishop Appointed for Nepal
24-Apr-2014Tripura’s First Indigenous Diocesan Priest Ordained
14-Apr-2014THE NEW OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE CBCI, RECEIVED IN PRIVATE AUDIENCE BY THE RASHTRAPATI AND THE APOSTOLI
14-Apr-2014Cardinal Gracias Makes Pilgrimage to Mark Canonization of John Paul II and John XXIII
14-Apr-2014Capuchin Moral Theologian Felicitated
04-Apr-2014CBCI President Stress Church’s Commitment to Serve, Accelerate Restructuring Process
04-Apr-2014APFC SUBMITS MEMORANDUM TO POLITICAL PARTIES
04-Apr-2014General Body Meeting of AP Federation of Churches Held
31-Mar-2014 Faith and Social Action Must be Rooted in Option for the Poor: Archbishop Stanislaus
28-Mar-2014Fr. Job Kozhamthadam and Prof. Gracious Thomas Honoured
25-Mar-2014Romero- an icon of justice and heroic faith: Archbishop Concessao
22-Mar-2014Archbishop William Calls Christians in Bihar to Work for a Just Society
22-Mar-2014Delhi Celebrates First Anniversary of the Pontificate of Pope Francis
20-Mar-2014New Bishop for Shimoga Appointed
15-Mar-2014Odisha Church welcomes verdict on nun’s rape case
14-Mar-2014Catholic priest wins national literary award
14-Mar-2014Let’s Thank God for Pope Francis: Cardinal Oswald Gracias
11-Mar-2014Church attendance is proportional to priest's credibility: Study
11-Mar-2014Happiness and the Priesthood: Pontifical University Course Explores Psychological Wellbeing of Pries
11-Mar-2014Caritas Launches Prize for Women Working to End World Hunger
07-Mar-2014Church needs better bishops- evangelists, men of prayer, not CEOs
07-Mar-2014Medical Experts Approve Miracle Attributed to Fulton Sheen's Prayers
07-Mar-2014Pope's Reflection on Mercy as He Meets With Priests of Rome : "Mercy. Think of the many priests who
28-Feb-2014Pope says bishops should be evangelists and men of prayer, not CEOs
28-Feb-2014Church Leaders Study Media Challenges
23-Feb-2014The Pope to new cardinals: The church needs us to build peace with our works
23-Feb-2014CBCI requests Government of India to invite Pope Francis to visit India
23-Feb-2014Pope Francis appoints 19 new cardinals in Rome ceremony
23-Feb-2014'The Church needs your courage,' Pope tells new cardinals
14-Feb-2014Book on Human Dignity in Catholic Social Thought Released
13-Feb-2014CBCI Office Bearers
13-Feb-2014CBCI XXXI PLENARY ASSEMBLY – FINAL STATEMENT
10-Feb-2014Healing Ministry Week 2014: February 10-16
08-Feb-2014CBCI Plenary – Pala
08-Feb-2014CBCI Plenary – Pala
06-Feb-201431st CBCI Plenary Assembly Study and Discuss Renewal of Church and Society
04-Feb-2014World Day of Consecrated Life Observed
04-Feb-2014 Archbishop Menamparampil Appointed Apostolic Administrator of Jowai
01-Feb-2014New Bishop Appointed for Kannur
31-Jan-2014Pope Francis' Address to Trustees of the University of Notre Dame (U.S.A.)
31-Jan-2014Pope Francis: A Christian without the Church is 'An Absurd Dichotomy'
31-Jan-2014Vatican to Publish Manual on Ecclesiastical Coats of Arms
31-Jan-2014Vatican Spokesman Censures 'Rolling Stone' Article on Pope
24-Jan-2014Pope Francis' Message to World Economic Forum
22-Jan-2014Jharkhand Tribal Christians to Celebrate Week of Prayer for Unity
21-Jan-2014 Evangelization Intention - Christian Unity
18-Jan-2014Sandesha confers 10 Social Communication Awards
14-Jan-2014Pope to Priests: Those who waste their energy in vanity do so much harm to the Church
14-Jan-2014Observations on the new Cardinals-elect
14-Jan-2014A closer look at the cardinals to be
14-Jan-201450 Golden Quotes on Human Dignity
12-Jan-2014New Syro Malabar Diocese in Australia Established
05-Jan-2014Pope announces papal visit to Holy Land
05-Jan-2014Two Nuns Receive Missionary Mandate
03-Jan-2014Vatican - Pastoral care workers killed in 2013
30-Dec-2013Bangladesh Archbishop Calls for Calm in Face of 'Terrorist Attacks, Arson and Hatred'
28-Dec-2013New Diocese Erected, Bishop Appointed
22-Dec-2013Is the bone relic in Goan church that of Queen of Georgia?
22-Dec-2013 Muslim MPs send letter to PMO, seek SC status for Dalit Christians and Muslims
18-Dec-2013Ancient Mumbai Crucifix desecrated. A wound for the entire population: Card. Gracias
18-Dec-2013Ancient Mumbai Crucifix desecrated. A wound for the entire population: Card. Gracias
18-Dec-2013The Church wishes Pope Francis Happy Birthday; Card. Oswald Recalls Mother Teresa
18-Dec-2013Pope Celebrates 77th Birthday
18-Dec-2013Anniversary of Church Observed
13-Dec-2013Evangelii Gaudium challenges the people of Mumbai: Mumbai Pastor
12-Dec-2013Cardinal Oswald Gracias condemns the Police action against the Dalit Rally
12-Dec-2013Religious minority leaders urge PM Manmohan Singh for equal rights for Dalits
11-Dec-2013Archbishop arrested, nuns wounded in Dalit parliament march
11-Dec-2013Pope Francis Chosen Person of the Year by TIME Magazine
11-Dec-2013ICPA Celebrates Golden Jubilee, Confers Awards
11-Dec-2013Supreme Court rules homosexuality is a crime. Gays are not criminals: Cardinal Gracias
10-Dec-2013Message of Condolence from Cardinal Oswald Gracias
09-Dec-2013New Bishop for Balasore
09-Dec-2013Jharkhand's biggest Catholic church turns 114
09-Dec-2013TNPCRI Hold Training Programme for Social Work Coordinators
04-Dec-2013Pope invites Indian priest, nun’s killer to Rome
02-Dec-2013Syro-Malabar APP Launched
02-Dec-2013The Year of Faith Concludes
30-Nov-2013Pope Dedicates 2015 "Year of Consecrated Life"
30-Nov-2013World aids day message from the catholic healthcare network of India, December 1, 2013
20-Nov-2013Blessed Vaz’s canonization reaches crucial stage
19-Nov-2013Church needs to move toward renewal and change: CCI
19-Nov-2013Western Ghats: protests in Kerala; Cardinal writes to govt
19-Nov-2013Vatican announces three highlights before the Year of Faith comes to a close
19-Nov-2013 Pope Francis is 'Number One' on the Internet
18-Nov-2013Honorary doctorate for former Guwahati Archbishop
15-Nov-2013Cardinal Gracias inaugurates CCI meet on Vatican II
14-Nov-2013Fr. Paul Puthanangady Dies
14-Nov-2013 Confession renews grace of baptism, pope says at audience
14-Nov-2013Over 600 priests, nuns attend faith convention
14-Nov-2013Rickshaw pullers keep Faith Year
12-Nov-2013Latin, Syrian dioceses ink agreement for coexistence
12-Nov-2013Goa Catholics to accommodate 2,000 delegates in their homes
04-Nov-2013 Mysore Priests Conferred Award by Newspapers Association of India
02-Nov-2013Year of Faith Procession Attracts Thousands
01-Nov-2013Mother Teresa Award goes to biker-turned-activist fighting to free child soldiers
30-Oct-2013Priest Publishes English Novel - Kenosis – Story of A Bleeding Heart
30-Oct-2013Cedric Prakash Conferred ‘Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice’
30-Oct-2013Migrant Catholic Community of Mumbai Celebrate their Faith
29-Oct-2013Pope Francis thanks his predecessor for the “Jesus of Nazareth” trilogy, and awards the Ratzinger pr
29-Oct-2013Message to Hindus for the feast of Deepavali
23-Oct-2013Promote Integral and Solidary Humanism, JPDO-CBCI tells activists in Jharkhand
19-Oct-2013 World Mission Day - Catholic Church Statics 2013
19-Oct-2013Cardinal Oswald Gracias calls on Smt. Sonia Gandhi
18-Oct-2013Church groups rush to help flood victims
17-Oct-2013Appointment of Most Rev. Raphy Manjaly, Bishop of Varanasi, as Bishop of Allahabad.
12-Oct-2013CBCI Plenary Assembly Rescheduled
09-Oct-2013Mumbai Archdiocese Launch Petition for Women Safety
08-Oct-2013Mass in Memory of Thomas Aquino d’ Sequeira Held
08-Oct-2013Dr. Felix Podimattam to Figure in Limca Book of Records
08-Oct-2013Small Christian Communities to Celebrate Year of Faith Conclusion
07-Oct-2013National Seminar on Communications for Theology Students Held
07-Oct-2013Catholic Higher Education Society Stress Values in Higher Education
02-Oct-2013CBCI-JPD Office calls for Social Activism in Andhra Pradesh
01-Oct-2013Hindi broadcaster from India receives Vatican Radio award
01-Oct-2013Council of Cardinals Begin Meeting in Rome; Cardinal Gracias of India among the Eight
01-Oct-2013World Day of Catechists - Pope Asks Catechists to Awaken Memory of God in Others
01-Oct-2013Pope to International Meeting for Peace: 'There Can Be No Religious Justification for Violence'
01-Oct-2013John XXIII and John Paul II To Be Canonized on April 27th
01-Oct-2013Pope: Communication to be at the service of an authentic culture of encounter
01-Oct-2013Cardinal Alencherry Blesses Tallest Statue of Divine Mercy
30-Sep-2013Karnataka CM Visits Bishop ; Thanks the Christian Community for Support
25-Sep-2013Christian community in India protests Peshawar Massacre
25-Sep-2013National Catechetical Conference Held
24-Sep-2013CBCI - Office for Laity conduct Seminar for North East Region
23-Sep-2013CBCI Condemns the Bomb Blast at All Saints Church, Peshawar
23-Sep-2013Be agents of social transformation: Delhi Archbishop
23-Sep-2013Suicide bomber attacks Pakistan church, 78 dead
20-Sep-2013"Day of Catechists" To Be Held in Rome
20-Sep-2013Francis' Address to New Bishops on Pilgrimage in Rome
12-Sep-2013Francis' Message on Church's Concept of Family "The future of society, and concretely of Italian soc
12-Sep-2013Court Upholds Disputed Bandel Church Land Ownership
11-Sep-2013Archbishop Peter Paul Prabhu passed away.
10-Sep-2013RIP, Fr. Thomas d’Aquino Sequeira
08-Sep-2013PRINCIPLES FOR A JUST SOLUTION TO THE CONFLICT IN SYRIA
08-Sep-2013FRANCIS: WAR IS ALWAYS A DEFEAT FOR HUMANITY
08-Sep-2013UN Dedicates International Day of Charity to Blessed Mother Teresa - September 5th
03-Sep-2013Fr Joseph Chinnayyan appointed CBCI Spokesperson and PRO
03-Sep-2013Archbishop Pietro Parolin to be new secretary of state
03-Sep-2013Catholicos Moran Baselios Marthoma Paulose Ii to Visit Pope Francis
03-Sep-20135th Anniversary of Kandhamal Riots: Activists Call for Stringent Laws against Communalism
03-Sep-2013Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace
02-Sep-2013 Court Verdict Favours Minority Educational Institutions
29-Aug-2013US Bishops' Statement on Today's 50th Anniversary of 'I Have a Dream' Speech
29-Aug-2013Adivasi group to agitate for removal of ‘tribal’ Virgin Mary statue
23-Aug-2013Appointment of Rev. Fr. Jose Puthenveettil as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angam
19-Aug-2013Catholic Church in Egypt Release Statement on Violent Protests
19-Aug-2013Pope Francis: 'Faith and Violence Are Incompatible' Prays for Victims of Violence in Egypt, Ferry Di
19-Aug-2013Egypt: at least 60 churches attacked in 4 days of violence
19-Aug-2013Youths revive dying musical instrument
09-Aug-2013International Day of Indigenous Peoples
09-Aug-2013August 10th -Black Day for Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims
07-Aug-2013Pope Francis Greets the Muslims around the World on ‘Id ul-Fitr’
04-Aug-2013Pala to Host CBCI General Assembly 2014
31-Jul-2013Communique on World Peace Day
31-Jul-2013Admiration for the Faith of Young Pilgrims
31-Jul-20135,000 Youth Offer Themselves for Priesthood and Religious Life
31-Jul-2013Pope Francis Chooses Theme for World Day of Peace
31-Jul-2013WYD: Reflections
31-Jul-2013Domestic workers demand comprehensive legislation
29-Jul-2013Krakow to Host World Youth Day 2016
29-Jul-2013The Experience of WYD must not stay " locked up"
26-Jul-2013Ukraine Marks 1,025 Years of Christianity
26-Jul-2013Pope Francis: "Put in Faith, Hope, And Love!"
26-Jul-2013Pope Meets with Argentinian Youth
24-Jul-2013Other Pontifical Acts
24-Jul-2013Inaguration ofthe 28th World Youth Day
22-Jul-2013CBCI - JPD Office Fosters Lay Leadership for Just Odisha