Bihar Bishops Reaffirm Synodal Vision and Pastoral Mission at Regional Council Meeting

BETTIAH, Bihar, July 9, 2026: The bishops of Bihar gathered for spiritual nourishment, collective reflection and fraternal bonding during the two-day meeting of the Bihar Regional Bishops' Council (BRBC), held at the Bishop's House in Bettiah on July 7 and 8.

The gathering brought together the bishops of the region, Archbishop Emeritus William D'Souza, and regional secretaries of the various commissions for prayer, reflection and discussions on the Church's pastoral priorities and the plans and status of the Pastoral Plan in view of Mission 2033.

The meeting opened with a day of spiritual renewal led by Bishop Peter Govius, who reflected on the life and spirituality of Francis of Assisi. Drawing from the saint's witness, he presented seven lessons from the life of St. Francis: humility, reverence for God's creation, love for the poor, joyful simplicity, readiness to suffer for Christ, fraternity and peace, and a life rooted in constant prayer and communion with God.

The spiritual reflection was followed by Eucharistic Adoration led by Fr. Anil Benet Cruz and Fr. Vijay Bhaskar on the theme, "St. Francis of Assisi – Man of Peace and Brother of All." The prayer experience set the tone for the bishops' reflection on the current concerns of the Church in India, particularly in Bihar.

A highlight of the gathering was the celebration of the golden jubilee of Archbishop Emeritus William D'Souza's priestly ordination. The bishops offered a thanksgiving Eucharist, acknowledging his 50 years of joyful and committed priestly service to the Church in Bihar and the Bihar Regional Bishops' Council.

The council also reviewed the functioning of its regional commissions. During the sectoral meetings, participants discussed leadership transitions and agreed that newly appointed regional secretaries would initially serve a one-year probationary term before confirmation. The bishops also reflected on the restructuring of commissions proposed by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI).

Reports presented by the commissions reviewed the plans and status of the Pastoral Plan in view of Mission 2033. The bishops also discerned on the implementation of the synodal assembly.

The gathering also included a visit to Chakhni Parish in the diocese of Bettiah and to Valmiki Nagar on the Indo-Nepal border. The excursion provided an opportunity for faith sharing, fellowship and deeper fraternal bonding among the bishops and commission members.

The Bihar Regional Bishops' Council expressed its gratitude to Bishop Peter Govius and the diocese of Bettiah for hosting the meeting. The programme was coordinated by Bishop James Shekhar and Fr. Peter Charles, Department Secretary of the BRBC. The prayerful presence and blessing of Bishop Cajetan, Chairman of the BRBC, added enthusiasm and deepened the participants' commitment.

By Fr. Anil Benet Cruz, Regional Secretary of Faith Formation