Bihar Regional Bishops' Council Adopts CCBI Pastoral Plan Mission 2033

Patna, November 28, 2024: The Bihar Regional Bishops' Council (BRBC) convened its annual joint meeting with the CRI, CDPI, and CCB on November 27th, 2024 at Navjyoti Niketan, Patna. During the meeting, the BRBC formally adopted the CCBI Pastoral Plan Mission 2033. Designed by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), the plan provides a roadmap for revitalizing the Church’s mission over the next decade, focusing on synodality, youth engagement, and grassroots evangelization.

Unveiled by His Excellency Most Rev. Cajetan Francis Osta, Bishop of Muzaffarpur and Chairman of the BRBC, the CCBI Pastoral Plan aims to address regional challenges while aligning with the national vision of the Catholic Church in India. “In the light of the CCBI Pastoral Plan Mission 2033, we identify our paths for the region of Bihar and its dioceses,” Bishop Osta stated, emphasizing the plan’s relevance to Bihar’s unique socio-economic context.

During the event, Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi from the CCBI delivered a presentation that explored key themes of the Pastoral Plan Mission 2033 such as synodality, preparations for Jubilee 2025, and the plan’s long-term framework for Church renewal. His presentation encouraged collaborative discernment, a principle echoed by several participants at the meeting. A senior religious superior at the meeting noted, “The emphasis on synodality resonates deeply with our diocesan needs. The plan encourages collective discernment, which is crucial for fostering unity and inclusion.”

The Pastoral Plan also underscores the role of the laity, particularly youth, in evangelization and community service. “This plan highlights the role of the laity, especially the youth, in the Church's mission. It’s a timely move to engage them actively,” remarked a diocesan youth coordinator attending the meeting.

Along with praises for its strengths, concerns about the Pastoral Plan’s practicality also surfaced at the meeting. A diocesan administrator observed, “The unique socio-economic realities of Bihar require a more region-specific approach.” Similarly, a diocesan financial officer flagged the challenges of implementation of the plan, citing limited resources and personnel in the Bihar region.

A rural parish priest warned against potential bureaucratic pitfalls, cautioning, “There is a risk of the Pastoral Plan becoming overly bureaucratic, potentially diverting our focus from the grassroots-level needs of the faithful.”

Convened by His Excellency Most Rev. James Shekhar, Bishop of Buxar and Secretary General of the BRBC, alongside Rev. Fr. Peter Charles, Regional Deputy Secretary, the BRCB meeting symbolized the region’s commitment to collective action. It saw participation from 120 attendees, including bishops, priests, superiors of religious congregations, lay faithful, and youth.

The adoption of the Pastoral Plan Mission 2033 signals a significant stride for the BRBC in fostering synodal collaboration and deeper engagement with the faithful across Bihar. It also reflects the commitment of the church in Bihar to journeying towards a vibrant, inclusive, and unified Church, especially as it prepares for the Jubilee Year 2025.

By Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi