Bishops from Northeast India Join Global Leaders for Formation at Vatican

Guwahati, September 23, 2024: Five newly appointed bishops from Northeast India have successfully completed a week-long formation course at the Vatican, held from September 15 to 22. The course, aimed at fostering communion within the universal Church, included Auxiliary Bishop Joachim Walder of Aizawl, Bishop Wilbert Marwein of Nongstoin, Bishop Ferdinand Dkhar of Jowai, Bishop Benny Varghese of Itanagar, and Archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal.

The program, organized by the Roman Curia, brought together 262 bishops from across five continents. It marked the first joint event between the Dicastery for Evangelization and the Dicastery for Bishops. The sessions focused on key themes such as "Living the Episcopal Mission in a Synodal Church" and the role of the Holy See in a globalized world.

A highlight of the week was an audience with Pope Francis, where the bishops had the opportunity to engage with the Holy Father. Archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal emphasized that the meetings underscored the deep sense of communion that unites the universal Church.

By Fr. Kampan Chinnam