CHABIJAN Annual Meeting Calls for Greater Unity in Catholic Healthcare

Mandar, Ranchi, August 2, 2026: Around 100 representatives of Catholic healthcare and social service institutions from Bihar and Jharkhand gathered at Constant Lievens Hospital and Research Centre, Mandar, for the 32nd Annual General Body Meeting of the Catholic Health Association of Bihar, Jharkhand and Andaman (CHABIJAN).

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration, networking and resource sharing among Catholic healthcare institutions to advance the Church’s healing mission, particularly among vulnerable and marginalised communities.

The gathering began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Bishop Telesphore Bilung of Jamshedpur, Ecclesiastical Consultant to CHABIJAN, and Bishop Anand Jojo of Hazaribag, Chairperson of Constant Lievens Hospital. Fr. Santhosh Dias, Director of the CBCI Health Commission, Fr. Sijo MSFS, Director of Constant Lievens Hospital, and Fr. Nibin also participated.

The formal inauguration opened with a prayer led by Sr. Jessy Abraham FCC, followed by the CHAI Anthem. Sr Princy Mathew SCN, Vice President of CHABIJAN, welcomed the bishops, resource persons, healthcare professionals and delegates.

In his keynote address, Bishop Bilung reflected on the challenges and opportunities confronting the Church’s healthcare ministry and called for greater unity, collaboration and commitment to Christ’s healing mission.

Chief Guest Bishop Vincent Aind emphasised the Church’s responsibility to serve people living on the margins of society. He said healthcare remains an important means through which the Church can bring healing, dignity and hope to communities.

Bishop Anand Jojo presented the vision of the CBCI Healthcare Project and stressed the need for stronger networking among Catholic healthcare institutions. He underlined collaboration and resource sharing as essential to strengthening the Church’s healthcare ministry.

Fr. Joseph Marianus SJ, Director of the Jesuit Social Centre, Ranchi, delivered a session titled “Securing the Future: Integrating Health, Welfare and Constitutional Protection.” Referring to the World Health Organization’s understanding of health, he advocated a holistic approach that addresses physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being.

He also urged Catholic healthcare institutions to remain attentive to constitutional values while serving tribal, rural and other vulnerable communities.

Fr. Santhosh Dias highlighted CHABIJAN’s ongoing initiatives under the Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI) and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to people living on the peripheries. He also explained the support available through the CBCI Legal Cell to help Catholic institutions understand FCRA regulations and explore Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) opportunities.

Fr. Sijo MSFS called for continued unity among CHABIJAN member institutions and assured smaller healthcare centres of Constant Lievens Hospital’s support. He announced that the hospital would provide free ambulance services to member institutions whenever required.

Dr. Kanupriya of CHAI, Hyderabad, addressed the participants on effective data collection and the use of the ComCare platform. Leena Padam SCN, Executive Director of CHABIJAN, presented the association’s annual activity report, outlining its initiatives and activities during the year.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by CHABIJAN President Sr. Rita Rai, who expressed gratitude to the bishops, speakers, organisers and delegates for their participation and contribution to the gathering.

The annual meeting reaffirmed CHABIJAN’s commitment to strengthening cooperation among Catholic healthcare institutions and ensuring that the Church’s healthcare mission remains focused on holistic care and service to vulnerable communities.

By Catholic Connect Reporter