- 22 January, 2025
Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu, 21-23 January, 2025: The 22nd National Conference of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CCBI) Commission for Bible gathered 210 participants in Vailankanni to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Dei Verbum, the Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation. The event, themed “Sixty Years of Dei Verbum: Its Significance for Us Today in India, Towards the CCBI Pastoral Plan Mission 2033,” serves as a pivotal step in the lead-up to the Jubilee Year 2025.
A Call to Reflect, Celebrate, and Act
The conference opened with a presidential address by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Antonysamy Peter Abir, Chairman of the CCBI Commission for the Bible. He emphasized the event's mission to deepen love for Scripture, empower biblical ministry, and unite the Church in preparation for the Jubilee. "This Bible Congress invites us to reflect, celebrate, and act as 'Pilgrims of Hope,'" he remarked.
As part of the inaugural ceremony, the Chairman released Biblical Pastoral Ministry: Methods and Dynamics, co-authored by Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi. The launch was witnessed by notable dignitaries, including Prof. Dr. Lucien Legrand MEP, Fr. Jan Stefanów SVD, Secretary General of the Catholic Biblical Federation, and Very Rev. Fr. C. Irudayaraj, Rector of the Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health.
Support from Church Leaders
His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, President of the CCBI, extended his greetings, underlining the continued relevance of Dei Verbum. “This Congress calls us to renew our commitment to be a Church that listens to the Word, interprets it faithfully, and lives it radically,” he said.
National Director of Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) India, His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Ambrose Pitchaimuthu, praised the Commission’s vision and linked the event’s themes to broader ecclesial missions. He stated, “This Congress, as a continuation of the International Symposium on Ecclesia in Asia, inspires us to journey from Dei Verbum to Ecclesia in Asia and Spes Non Confundit.”
Insights and Discussions
The conference featured keynote addresses, scholarly presentations, and panel discussions that delved into the transformative impact of Dei Verbum. Participants examined the document's role in shaping the Church’s mission, focusing on its relevance to India’s diverse contexts. Sessions also equipped delegates with practical strategies for effective biblical ministry.
Towards Mission 2033
The gathering marked a significant step in advancing the CCBI’s Pastoral Plan Mission 2033. It inspired participants to cultivate a biblically rooted Church that listens to, interprets, and lives the Word of God authentically.
As the Congress concluded, delegates left with a renewed commitment to deepening their engagement with Scripture and supporting the Church’s mission in India. The event exemplified the Church's dedication to Scripture as a guiding force on its journey to Jubilee 2025 and beyond.
The conference was organized by the CCBI’s National Council in collaboration with Regional Secretaries, MEP, Pontifical Mission Organizations - India, and Communio.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
Photo Credit: Fr. Vijayaraj Jaunet
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