CBCI 36th General Body Inaugurated

Bangalore, January 31, 2024: The 36th General Body Meeting of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) commenced today at St. John's Medical College, Bangalore. His Excellency Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, inaugurated the meeting, which saw the participation of approximately 175 Bishops from across India.

The Inaugural Holy Mass was presided over by Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli. Archbishop Mar Andres Thazhath, President, CBCI; Archbishop George Antonysamy, Vice President, CBCI , Bishop Joseph Mar Thomas, Vice President, CBCI and Fr. Jesudoss Rajamanickam, the Director of St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, as the main concelebrants.

His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, the head of the Latin Catholic Church in India, Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil of the Syro Malabar Church, and Major Archbishop Cardinal Baselios Cardinal Cleemis of the Syro Malankara Church also participated in the inaugural Holy Mass, along with other Bishops.

This year's central theme, "Church’s Response to the Current Socio-Political Situation in the Country and the Benefits and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence," underscores the Church's commitment to engaging with contemporary issues. The theme resonates with the message recently published by Pope Francis for World Communication Day.

The meeting's agenda encompasses critical topics such as the current socio-political landscape, reflections on the outcomes of the Synod held in October 2023, the present status of Manipur, and an examination of the overall situation of Christians in India.

On the third day of the meeting, February 2nd, His Grace Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, President of the Pontifical Academy for Life and Grand Chancellor of the John Paul II Pontifical Theological Institute for Marriage and Family Sciences, will deliver insights on the Benefits and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence.

In addition to the keynote speakers, other distinguished voices include Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop Linus Neli, Mr. Sudheendra Kulkarni, Fr. Joe Xavier, SJ, Fr. Selvakumar, SDB, and Mr. Robin Christopher.

The meeting will culminate on February 6th with the election of office bearers for the CBCI, including the posts of President, Two Vice-Presidents, and the Secretary-General.

CBCI serves as the assembly of the Bishops of the Latin, Syro Malabar, and Syro Malankara sui iuris Churches in India.

By Catholic Connect Reporter