The joint meeting of the deputy secretaries of the Regional Bishops’ Councils secretaries of the CBCI offices / councils, Core Team and Resident Priests was held at the CBCI Centre, New Delhi on 6th and 7th November 2017. His Excellency Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, Secretary General of the CBCI welcomed all present for the meeting, especially His Eminence Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, the CBCI President, His Grace Mar Andrews Thazhath, Vice President I of CBCI and His Grace Most Rev. Filipe Neri Ferrao, Vice President II of CBCI. In his inaugural address, His Beatitude Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, the CBCI President emphasized the need for the Church to be strengthened in the present situation of our beloved country. He particularly reemphasized the message of the Holy Father Pope Francis to the Church to continue to pray and to evangelize. Praying and Evangelizing are the two most important dimensions of the Church.
The whole meeting and consultation were an annual exercise of the CBCI. Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, CBCI Secretary General constantly emphasized the need of proper networking among the various units of the Church and effective communication. Deputy Secretaries of the fourteen Regional Bishops’ Councils also participated in the meeting and presented the reports of each regional Bishops’ Councils. All the regional reports in fact reflected very strongly the diversities of not only culture, language and approach, but also diversity of the problems and challenges facing the Church in India today. In the midst of the kaleidoscope of the diversity, what outshined are the richness, and the zealous and enthusiastic efforts being taken by the Church and the Church personnel at different levels and different corners of the country. Certainly there are areas of concern and areas that need to be improved.
This time, the consultation had also another added purpose to prepare the entire CBCI for the forthcoming Plenary so effectively that the CBCI remains an effective catalyst not only for the Church in India, but also for the society at large and the people of this country. The Church in India recognizes its responsibility towards her beloved country, especially to every citizen who needs more than ever everything that is required of him / her to live a life in human dignity, mutual respect and freedom that the Indian Constitution guarantees.
His Grace Mar Andrews Thazhath and His Grace Most Rev. Filipe Neri Ferrao effectively guided the discussions and put in also valuable suggestions while appreciating all participants for their positive contributions. His Excellency Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, CBCI Secretary General led the consultation to its logical conclusions. At the end, Msgr. S. Jayanathan, the Deputy Secretary of Karnataka region thanked His Eminence Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, CBCI President, His Grace Mar Andrews Thazhath, Vice President I of CBCI, His Grace Most Rev. Filipe Neri Ferrao, Vice President II of CBCI and His Excellency Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas SFX, CBCI Secretary General for organizing very efficiently and effectively the entire meeting. He also thanked Msgr. Joseph Chinnayyan, the Deputy Secretary General and Rev. Fr. David, the Secretary to the Secretary General for their support and concern in organizing the said meeting.
Reported by: Fr. John Ponnore
