By Tessy Jacob
Bhubaneswar, Jan 28, 2025: Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli on January 28 urged India’s Latin rite bishops to become the disciples of Christ and not just his fans.
When Jesus worked miracles, he had many fans watching him, but only a few chose to follow him generally, said the nuncio in his homily at the opening Mass of the 36th plenary assembly of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI).
The CCBI, the largest national episcopal conference in Asia and the fourth largest globally, represents 132 dioceses and 209 bishops in India.
The January 28-February 4 plenary on the theme, “Discerning synodal pathways for mission,” is being held at the Xavier Institute of Management University in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha state in eastern India.
The plenary is poised to be a landmark event, fostering collaboration and renewal as the Church discerns its future path in mission and synodality, says a press statement issued by the conference’s deputy secretary general Father Stephen Alathara.
Reminding the bishop that that their episcopal mission in India, the nuncio urged them to pray to the Holy Spirit for a greater opening to respond faithfully to the tasks and responsibilities of the Church.
The nuncio referred to the Gospel of the day, where Jesus denounces his sentimental attachments with his mother and embraces universal brotherhood, symbolically opening the door to people of all ethnicities and social statuses. He pointed out that unity comes from journeying together.
The nuncio applauded the Indian Church’s contribution towards the development of society. The current challenge of the Church is to engage with those who are deeply afflicted through climate change, poverty, and digital media, and those who remain excluded from our ecclesiastical structure, he said.
Archbishop Girelli expressed his concern about the emerging challenges in India. He affirmed that India is a land of the young, but finding a job for all is a challenge, and that leads to migration. He stressed that the church has a role to play in addressing the causes of migration.
In a message to the assembly, Pope Francis called on the Indian bishops to prioritize the poor and the vulnerable in their ministry urging them to open the doors of the Church. The message read out by CCBI vice president Archbishop George Antonysamy, the Pope expressed his prayerful support for the bishops’ deliberations. He encouraged them to guide the local Churches in implementing the fruits of the synodal journey.
“I pray that your deliberations may assist the local churches to discern how best to implement the fruits of the synodal path and inspire many more of the faithful in their vocation to be missionary disciples,” the Pope stated.
Referring to the Jubilee Year, the Pope expressed confidence in the Church in India, emphasizing its role as a beacon of hope. “He trusts that, 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 Pope added.
In his welcoming address, Archbishop John Barwa of Cuttack Bhubaneswar, the host, explained the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of Odisha and asserted that the values of Odisha complement the values of CCBI, where everyone seeks unity, brotherhood, and spiritual harmony. The archbishop expressed hope that the values of light can illuminate the paths of transforming the communities.
CCBI president Cardinal Filipe Neri referred to the recent appointment of Cardinal Jacob Koovakad as the prefect of the Dicastery of Interreligious Dialogue as an example of Pope Francis’ interest towards the Indian Church and the need for interreligious dialogue. He said making Koovakad a cardinal was a special honor to the Indian Church.
The CCBI president reminded the bishops that the hierarchy is not for power but for service, and the Church has a responsibility towards migrants and those in the periphery. There is a need to use the logic of encounter rather than the logic of confrontation as pilgrims of hope, he stressed.
Cardinal Ferrão, who is also the president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, highlighted the growing challenges to Christian living and religious freedom in India.
“India faces significant challenges in Christian living and religious freedom,” said Cardinal Ferrão. He noted the enactment of anti-conversion laws in 18 States and the increasing number of reported incidents of violence against Christians. He called for solidarity, prayer, and concerted action to uphold the dignity and freedom of the Church.
“Despite the adversities, the Church in India remains vibrant and steadfast,” he pointed out.
Beautiful words are uttered by the Catholic authorities (Nuncio, Cardinals, arch/bishops) during conferences and plenary meetings. But.. “what happens to those words later?” is a million-dollar question. ALL in the Catholic Church, including the Pope and Nuncio, must become the followers of Jesus instead of remaining just as WORSHIPPERS. Jesus is a person to be followed and not an object of worship. It is sad to note that these Catholic authorities have converted Jesus into a “commercial commodity” for their selfish survival. The ignorant laity PAY, PRAY and OBEY. This is the irony in the Catholic Church.