CCBI National Biennial Meeting Focuses on Strengthening Family Synodality

Goa, November 29, 2024: The CCBI National Biennial Meeting for Regional and Diocesan Directors and Secretaries, organized by the CCBI Commission for Family, took place at St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre in Old Goa from November 19 to 21, 2024. The event was attended by 80 participants, including the Chairman, Most Rev. Simiao Purificacao Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman and Bishop Joseph Rajarao Thelegathoti of Vijayawada, along with 3 religious and 6 lay persons. The gathering aimed to review, renew, and realign the work of the Family Commission to strengthen its mission in promoting synodality within families.

The meeting began with a Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Purificacao Fernandes, with Bishop Barthol Barretto of Nashik and Bishop Joseph Rajarao Thelegathoti concelebrating. During the inaugural session, the lamp was lit and Fr. Arul Raj Gali, CSC, the Executive Secretary of the CCBI National Family Commission, welcomed the attendees. Most Rev. Fernandes delivered an inspiring inaugural address, emphasizing the importance of reflection and alignment in the work of the Family Commission. The keynote address by Bishop Barretto, Chairman of the CCBI National Family Commission, focused on "Journeying Towards A Synodal Church CCBI Mission 2024." He underscored the role of family love, mutual listening, dialogue and prayer in fostering synodality and strengthening the bond within families.

Fr. Arul Raj Gali, CSC, introduced the “Pastoral Plan – Commission for Family,” and the fourteen regional directors provided comprehensive reports on the activities conducted in the past year, plans for the upcoming year, and the challenges faced in implementing family ministry programs. These presentations were followed by in-depth discussions and clarifications, offering valuable insights for diocesan and regional secretaries.

The next day began with a Holy Eucharistic celebration by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Arxhbishop of Goa and Daman. In his homily, Cardinal Ferrao emphasized the importance of setting goals despite challenges, quoting, “when we set our goals with deep belief, our heart is already at the destination, and we will reach there through our perseverance and hope.” He also reflected on the Gospel reading, underscoring that God entrusts us with responsibilities in accordance with our abilities and that successful completion of these tasks leads to further trust. The Cardinal highlighted the role of families as “genuine schools of synodality,” stressing that the synodal process must begin at home.

The plenary sessions consisted of group discussions where regional directors translated the National Pastoral Plan of the Family Commission into specific regional and diocesan contexts. Mr. Raja Shanmugam led a session on the goals, objectives, and the approach each region could take to customize the objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) to suit local needs. A total of 13 groups participated, including 12 regional groups and one group of diocesan directors. The session culminated in the regional secretaries presenting their group discussions, showcasing inspiring progress made by various regions. Some regions, operating in challenging environments, shared their innovative activities for the first time as a result of this collaborative exercise.

The regional report presentations and group exercises, led by Fr. Arul Raj Gali, CSC, and Mr. Raja Shanmugam, sparked deep engagement among participants. Notably, the National Council for the CCBI Family Commission held its first in-person meeting during the conference, strengthening its collaborative efforts for family-centered initiatives.

The participants were honoured with the opportunity to attend the inaugural Mass and solemn procession for the 18th Exposition of St. Francis Xavier at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa. The Pontifical High Mass, presided over Archbishop Joseph Thomas Couto of Delhi, was concelebrated by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and Daman and other bishops. After the Mass, the Sacred Body of St. Francis Xavier was carried in a beautiful human chain procession, symbolizing the deep reverence and unity of the Catholic community.

The event, which brought together members from diverse regions, was sponsored by the Holy Cross Family Ministries (HCFM) International. The logistical arrangements, including registration, accommodation and conference materials, were efficiently managed by local members of the Christian Family Ministry (CFM) movement. The liturgies and choirs during the Masses were led by the Missionary Families of Christ (MFC) movement. The St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Center, along with the Christian Family Movement and Missionary Families of Christ, provided excellent hospitality and support for the attendees.

By Fr. Prathap Kumar Maripi