Archdiocese of Guwahati Hosts 24th Pastoral Conference

Guwahati, Assam, Sept. 17, 2025: The Archdiocese of Guwahati hosted its 24th Pastoral Conference on Tuesday, September 16, at the Northeast Social Forum premises in Guwahati, Assam. A total of 287 participants from across the region, including Archbishop John Moolachira, members of the Archdiocesan Curia and Tribunal Council, priests, religious, and laity, attended the conference to deliberate on liturgy, marriage, and laity rights.

The conference commenced in the morning with an inaugural session held amid persistent rain, setting a reflective tone for the day. 

The first major session on liturgy was led by Fr. Raphael Maiong, former Regional Secretary for Liturgy, who highlighted the importance of adhering strictly to liturgical norms. He emphasised that Mass readings must come exclusively from the Lectionary and discouraged the use of alternative sources. He also reminded priests to refrain from extending their hands during the penitential rite or before the Gospel reading, as these are reserved ministerial gestures. Responding to an inquiry from Archbishop Moolachira, Fr. Maiong clarified that a processional cross should remain in the sacristy if a large crucifix is already displayed at the altar.

Following Fr. Maiong's session, Archbishop Moolachira released "For the Common Good: Convergence of Thoughts in Our Scientific World", a book by Fr. Dr. M.D. Joseph. The volume explores themes of love articulated by former Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and philosopher Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. Highlighting the book’s purpose, Fr. John Paul Savarimuthu, procurator of the Guwahati Archdiocese, stated that it seeks to inspire a vision of global harmony by bridging science, philosophy, and faith. 

During the same session, Fr. Alex, Secretary of the Archdiocese Education Commission, felicitated 10 top-performing students from Class X and Class XII, presenting them with cash awards of ₹20,000 and ₹30,000, respectively.

In the afternoon, Fr. K.D. Joy, a canonist, spoke on the sacramental nature of marriage and highlighted the government’s registration requirements. A panel discussion followed, featuring archdiocesan and Salesian canonists, who examined the rights and obligations of the laity regarding temporal goods. Fr. Raj Kapoor, Financial Administrator of the Archdiocese, urged priests and laity to respond generously to the ten obligatory collections requested by the universal Church.

Archbishop Moolachira then invited all the participants to submit prayer request cards bearing the names of 20 non-Christians, urging prayers for their conversion.

Fr. K.D Joy wrapped up the event with a recollection talk titled “Mystery Hidden Through the Ages”. He reflected on the struggles facing the Christian community in the country and urged participants to offer their suffering for the conversion of non-Christians. 

The conference ended with Eucharistic adoration, confessions, and a fellowship dinner, marking the event as both intellectually engaging and spiritually enriching.

By NESCOM

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