By Matters India Reporter
New Delhi, May 8, 2026: The Vatican has praised the National Synodal Assembly of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), describing it as “a powerful witness” for both the Church and society. The assembly was held May 1–3 in Bengaluru.
In a message to Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão of Goa, Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod Secretariat in Rome, commended the Church in India for gathering as “Synodal Pilgrims of Hope” and for walking together in a spirit of listening, discernment, and communion.
Calling synodality “the walking together of Christians with Christ and towards God’s Kingdom, in union with all humanity,” Cardinal Grech said the willingness of bishops, clergy, religious, and lay faithful to listen to the Holy Spirit together “is already a sign of hope.”
The Vatican message emphasized that the National Synodal Assembly is not merely an event, but “a powerful witness” of the Church as the People of God journeying together toward the fulfilment of God’s Kingdom.
“Synodality not only transforms ecclesial life, but also has a prophetic force for society, becoming a true antidote to polarizations and divisions,” Cardinal Grech wrote.
Praising the synodal journey of the Church in India, he noted that a community capable of “listening, discerning, and moving forward together can become a leaven of hope in a world that longs for reconciliation, justice, and peace.”
Cardinal Grech also informed the CCBI that the Synod Secretariat in Rome will soon publish a document to guide local Churches and Bishops’ Conferences in preparation for the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly in Rome. He expressed hope that the document would support the Church in India in continuing its synodal journey.
Concluding his message, Cardinal Grech expressed gratitude to the bishops and faithful of India for their “leadership and pastoral dedication” during this “moment of grace,” and entrusted the assembly to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church.
(Photo courtesy of Conference of Catholic Bishops of India)