Pope Francis' Message to Bishops of India Trusting "the Church in India will continue to be a sign of hope to the entire nation" and "open wide its doors to welcome the poor"

Pope Francis sent a message to the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) meeting for its Plenary Assembly calling on the bishops to prioritize the poor and vulnerable and implement the fruits of the synodal path...
The Latin-rite bishops of India are meeting for their 36th Plenary Assembly.
In a message addressed to the assembly taking place in the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, Odisha State, the Pope said he prayed that their 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.”

In a message read out by Archbishop George Antonysamy, the Vice President of the CCBI, 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 Holy Father added.
The assembly was inaugurated by Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, who also presided over the solemn Eucharistic Celebration marking the event’s commencement. Archbishop John Barwa, S.V.D., welcomed the bishops and dignitaries to Odisha, describing it as the land of vibrant tribal cultures.

In his presidential address, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, the President of the CCBI and of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, highlighted the growing challenges to Christian living and religious freedom in India.

Topics of the Plenary Assembly

Under theme "Discerning Synodal Paths for the Mission," the assembly of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) brings together 204 bishops of the Latin Church in India to reflect on the mission of the Church. After a three-day spiritual retreat, the gathering will continue until February 4, focusing on ten priorities: formation and synodal way of life; children and families; youth, digital technology, and social media; laity and engagement in public life; Basic Ecclesial Communities; poverty and equitable economy; ecology, climate, and justice; migrants, refugees, indigenous peoples, and Dalits; women and gender justice; ecumenism, interreligious dialogue, and peacebuilding.

Bishops will also review biennial reports from 16 Commissions, six Departments, four Apostolates and 14 Regional Bishops Councils, providing a comprehensive overview of the CCBI’s work. The assembly will elect new Office Bearers for the Episcopal Conference.

The CCBI, the largest National Episcopal Conference in Asia and the fourth largest globally, represents 132 Dioceses and 209 Bishops. This Plenary Assembly is poised to be a landmark event, fostering collaboration and renewal as the Church discerns its future path in mission and synodality.

Source: https://ccbi.in/open-wide-the-doors-to-welcome-the-poor-and-the-vulnerable-pope-francis-to-indian-bishops/