Created: 31/Jan/2014
The February 5-12, 2014, 31st general body meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) is being held at Alphonsian Pastoral Institute, Arunapuram, Diocese of Palai, Kottayam, Kerala, INDIA.The theme of this biennial assembly is “Renewed Church for a Renewed Society-responding to the call of Second Vatican Council” . Over 180 Bishops from all over the India are expected to participate in this assembly.
The week-long event is meant to facilitate a coordinated study of issues affecting the Church in India and the adoption of a common policy for effective action.. CBCI is permanent catholic hierarchy of the catholic Chuch in India. The CBCI headquarters was shifted from Bangalore to Delhi in 1962. The CBCI is an umbrella organization of all the Catholic Bishops of India, belonging to the Latin, the Syro-Malabar and the Syro-Malankara Rites. The plenary assembly of the CBCI is held every 2 years. On February 5th, Nuncio Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio will lead the inaugural Mass. After the Presidential address by Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop Albert DSouza, CBCI secretary general will present the biennial report of the bishops’ body.
Cultural programs will be held at Alphonsian Pastoral Institute´s main auditorium every day. During the assembly all Bishops and particpants will visit Shrine of St. Alphonsa at Bharananghanam , St. Thomas Apostolic Seminary, Vadavathoor- Major seminary for Syro Malabar Church-, Mannanm ashramam, tomb of Blessed Chavara Kuriakose Elias and tomb of Blessed Theverparampil Kunjachan, Ramapuram.
A civic reception for the assembling ecclesiastical dignitaries is arranged at St. Thomas College Ground, Pala at 5.30 p.m. on Saturday, 8th Febriuary, 2014. Religious, political and civic leaders from the state will be present on the occasion.