Vailankanni: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), is having its 25th General Body Meeting from February 5th to 10th 2013, at Vailankanni. The main focus of discussion and deliberation is about pastoral plan for the Church in India. It is a subject that certainly attains the very heart of the functioning and services of church’s mission in our motherland.
As for the Church in India is concerned, this year is marked by three mega events: First, “Year of Faith” an initiative launched by the Pope Benedict XVI to help Catholics deepen their faith. Secondly, the 50th Anniversary of the Inauguration of the II Vatican Council to widen their knowledge of faith. Finally, the world synod of bishops on sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.
In this context, the members of the CCBI, are fully aware of the democratic strength, economic development and socio-cultural vibrancy of our country. Politically, the year 2012 was full of high voltage of political activities with the Jan Lokpal Bill, India against corruption, communalism and gender – inequality. We witnessed a recent outcry by the whole nation in the shocking event of the Delhi gang-rape. We need more rigorous laws to render speedy justice to victims. The changing and challenging situations in our country due to consumerism, casteism and religious-intolerance call for a clear –cut plan, policy and practices for our services in India.
122 bishops, 30 secretaries and experts are on the second day reflecting on the broad-based moral, spiritual, educational, social and people-oriented action plans. Cardinal Telespore Toppo. the President of CCBI, shared his reflection on the theme, “ Church, a worshipping and praying community”. He said “ it is worship that gathers people, brings them together and builds them in faith and love”.
The whole proceeding is gearing towards evolving a vision, mission, objectives and concrete plan of action for the service of all people without discrimination of caste, creed and cult.
There are two important events that grace this occasion. The Silver Jubilee Year of the CCBI of its founding, and the Golden Jubilee Year of the elevation of the Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Health Vailankanni as Minor Basilica in 1962. On 10th February, the newly constructed Morning Star Church will be blessed by the Papal Legate Cardinal Fernando Filoni, Prefect for the Congregation of the Evangelization of Peoples.