Church in India Fast-Tracks Synodality Implementation

Bangalore, May 5, 2025: In a major push to bring synodality to the grassroots, the Latin Catholic Church in India has launched an accelerated implementation of its Pastoral Plan. The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) is hosting a two-day national workshop on May 5 and 6, 2025, at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore.

The workshop gathers CCBI Commission Secretaries, Department Directors, Coordinators of apostolates, and Regional Deputy Secretaries. The goal is to ensure unified action in implementing the Church’s synodal roadmap, the Pastoral Plan, crafted after wide consultation and reflection.

The CCBI Pastoral Plan, launched in 2024, is a landmark initiative shaped by the voices of more than 5,000 participants across India. These include bishops, priests, religious, lay men and women, and young people. Together, they reflected on a fundamental question: Where is God calling the Church to be by 2033?

A key follow-up to this process was the release of the final document of the 36th Plenary Assembly titled “Pilgrims of Hope: Discerning Synodal Path” on March 19, 2025. This document draws directly from global and national synodal reflections and lays the foundation for the Church’s mission in the coming years.

The current workshop, organized by the CCBI Facilitation Committee, is designed to equip the national officials with tools, strategies, and practical insights to put the plan into action. The committee is headed by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo of Udupi, with Fr. Christopher Vimalraj, Associate Deputy Secretary General, serving as convenor. Other members include Fr. Joseph Xavier S.J., Fr. Jaison Vadassery, Mr. Raja Shanmugam, Ms. Priya Francis, and Sr. Rose Paite, MSMHC.

The workshop opened with the Holy Eucharist and Lauds, presided over by Bishop Lobo. Sessions feature a blend of theological reflection, sharing of regional experiences, and focused discussions on key ministries, such as Basic Ecclesial Communities, Canon Law, Ecology, Ecumenism, Family, Faith Formation, Laity, Liturgy, Migrants, Media, Education, Theology, Vocations, Women, Youth, and the Bible.

Day two will feature a special plenary session led by Bishop Lobo. This session will assess the strengths, challenges, and opportunities in the current phase of implementation and chart out practical next steps.

The CCBI believes this workshop is a decisive moment in building a more participatory, listening, and mission-driven Church. As the Church in India journeys toward 2033, the synodal vision continues to unfold, inviting all to walk together in faith and hope.

By Dr. Christopher Vimalraj