CCBI Hosts Global Webinar on Instrumentum Laboris

Bangalore, September 19, 2024: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) conducted a webinar on the Working Document 'Instrumentum Laboris - II' on September 16 focusing on 'How to be a Missionary Synodal Church?' It aimed to unlock insights on lay participation, local churches, and living the mission in preparation for the Second Session of the XVI Ordinary Synod for a Synodal Church (2021-2024).

The event featured a presidential address by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa-Daman and President of the CCBI. The keynote speaker was Rev. Dr. Merlin Rengith Ambrose, a faculty member at Saint Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bangalore and Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Canon Law & Legislative Texts. 

The addresses centered on the importance of synodality and emphasizing a collaborative and participatory approach to the Church's mission.

Special invitees included Archbishops and Bishops of the Conference, diocesan administrators, executive secretaries of various commissions, department heads, regional deputy secretaries, diocesan contact persons, priests, men and women religious, seminarians, formation houses and professionals. Young people and all those resolved to embrace the synodal mission were also encouraged to participate.

"Very well summarised, and very well presented!," Archbishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi remarked on the session, which provided a platform for deep reflection on fostering a spirit of collaboration and co-responsibility within the Church. This event marks a significant step in the CCBI's ongoing efforts to promote a synodal and missionary-oriented Church.

The event was convened by Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, National Coordinator for Synod for a Synodal Church and Jubilee 2025. 

Earlier, Dr. Sister Nathalie Becquart XMCJ, Undersecretary, Synod General Secretariat, writing to the Convenor had said, "Congratulations on organising this event. It's truly encouraging to see such dedicated efforts to engage with and disseminate the work of the Synod. Your commitment to fostering understanding and dialogue around these crucial documents is commendable."

287 logged-in participants from India, Malaysia, the Philippines, the USA, Finland, Italy, Germany and Kenya attended the webinar.

By Rev. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi