Seminar on Two Key 'Vatican II' Documents Held in Agra

AGRA, Sept. 6, 2025 — The Archdiocese of Agra hosted a one-day seminar on Friday at the auditorium of St. Peter's College, Agra, bringing together clergy, religious, seminarians, youth, and laity to explore two landmark documents of the Second Vatican Council: Sacrosanctum Concilium and Gaudium et Spes. Conducted in Hindi for wider accessibility, the seminar aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of the Church’s liturgical renewal and its engagement with contemporary social issues.

In his inaugural address, Archbishop Raphy Manjaly of Agra Archdiocese summarised the essence of both documents. He noted that Sacrosanctum Concilium emphasises the centrality of liturgy, encourages active participation of the faithful, supports the use of vernacular languages in worship, and advocates liturgical renewal. Speaking on Gaudium et Spes, he stated that the document stresses the Church’s dialogue with the modern world and its concern for social justice, human dignity, peace, and solidarity.

The resource person for the day, Fr. A. Sebastian, elaborated on Sacrosanctum Concilium during the first session of the seminar. He explained how the Second Vatican Council renewed the liturgy as the “summit and source” of Christian life and called for full, conscious, and active participation of the faithful during Holy Mass. He stressed that this liturgical renewal was not a break from tradition but a return to the authentic spirit of worship rooted in Scripture and the early Church.

In the second session of the day, Fr. A. Sebastian reflected on Gaudium et Spes, emphasising the document’s pastoral vision. He highlighted how the Church engages with human joys and sorrows and addresses contemporary issues such as marriage, family, culture, socio-economic life, and peace-building by offering solutions grounded in the Gospel. 

Archbishop Manjaly celebrated the Holy Eucharist in honour of St. Mother Teresa. In his homily, he described her life as a living witness to the spirit of Gaudium et Spes—a life fully immersed in service to humanity and solidarity with the poor

Fr. Pasala Joseph Kumar, the Jubilee 2025 Coordinator for Agra Archdiocese, expressed gratitude to Archbishop Manjaly, Fr. Dr. A. Sebastian, the event organisers, and all participants for making the event a memorable moment of grace and learning.

By Fr. Pasala Joseph Kumar,

Jubilee 2025 Coordinator,

Archdiocese of Agra