Buxar Diocese Launches Jubilee Year with Focus on Family, Youth and Environment

Amulya, Rohtas, 12 April, 2025 -

The Diocese of Buxar marked its Jubilee Year by convening the Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) at Amulya Mata Church, where 86 parish representatives gathered under the leadership of Bishop James Shekhar. The event was organised by Fr. Anil Benet Cruz, Christian Life Secretary and Jubilee DPC convener.

Drawing from the Bangkok document and refined through the CCBI plenary in Bhubaneswar, the diocese has prioritised three areas: Family, Youth, and Environmental Protection.

Resource sessions were delivered by Fr. Cruz, Fr. Susai Raj (Youth Director), and Fr. Manoj Kumar (Director of Social Works), with expert insights from Fr. James Amakatt, Fr. Albert SJ, and Sr. Sneha CJ. These sessions laid the groundwork for group discussions aimed at discerning a collective path forward through Spiritual Conversation.

Each group proposed innovative strategies to strengthen parish initiatives in the chosen areas. Bishop Shekhar is set to issue a pastoral letter detailing these outcomes. To ensure local engagement, parish councils will review the proposals, which will be translated into Hindi and shared with all families.

The council concluded with a Chrism Mass, animated by Fr. Kripal and the Varanasi team, followed by a vibrant evening of praise and worship.

The Jubilee DPC set a clear direction for the year ahead, inspiring the faithful to actively build a Church rooted in family, energised by youth, and committed to environmental care.

By Fr. Anil Benet Cruz