India to Mark Holy Year 2025 with a Focus on Ecumenism, Says Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão

New Delhi, September 21, 2024: Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the Conference of Conference of India (CCBI) and Archbishop of Goa and Daman, has emphasized the ecumenical significance of the upcoming Holy Year. In a letter addressed to the 132 Latin Rite dioceses, representing over 16 million Catholics in India, Cardinal Ferrão encouraged the faithful to embrace the celebrations in an "ecumenical and interreligious spirit." 

He highlighted that the Holy Year coincides with the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, an important milestone for Christian unity. The Cardinal reiterated Pope Francis' call to intensify efforts toward Christian unity and collaboration with other religious communities, fostering an inclusive spirit of hope in God.

This focus on ecumenism was also underlined at a recent meeting in Bangalore, which brought together 40 Christian leaders, including bishops, moderators, and pastors from about 20 denominations—spanning Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and Evangelical traditions. 

The gathering aimed to strengthen the ecumenical movement in India, reflecting on Jesus' prayer for unity, “that they may all be one” (John 17:21). Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, Chair of the Inter-Ritual Catholic Bishops' Conference (CBCI), also participated. The CBCI represents bishops from the Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara rites.

 A special national ecumenical assembly will be held in 2025 to mark both the Holy Year and the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, which affirmed the Nicene Creed.

By Catholic Connect Reporter