Dibrugarh Diocese Holds 17th Pastoral Council, Focuses on Evangelization

Dibrugarh, February 13, 2025— The Diocese of Dibrugarh, Assam, inaugurated the 17th edition of its Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) on February 12 at the Cathedral parish hall, with Most Rev. Dr. Albert Hemrom, Bishop of Dibrugarh, lighting the ritual lamp alongside seven representatives of the faithful. Themed “Revisiting ‘Ecclesia in Asia’: In the Context of Evangelization in the Diocese of Dibrugarh,” the council gathered nearly 230 delegates, including priests, religious, and members of the Parish Pastoral Councils (PPC) from 38 parishes.

In his inaugural address, Bishop Albert emphasised the significance of revisiting Ecclesia in Asia, an apostolic exhortation by Pope St. John Paul II, in the context of the Jubilee Year 2025. “In this Jubilee year with the theme of hope, it is most relevant to revisit the 25-year-old document that states that the third millennium will witness a great harvest of faith,” he said. He encouraged the delegates to internalise its message and implement it in their respective parishes.

Rev. Fr. Gabriel Kujur, Judicial Vicar of the diocese, provided an in-depth explanation of Ecclesia in Asia in Hindi, stressing the importance of evangelising Asia in the third millennium. This was followed by a panel discussion, moderated by Rev. Fr. William Horo, where experts shared insights on evangelisation.

Rev. Fr. Joy Pallikunnel, a prominent minister of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue in the Northeast, underscored the importance of interfaith engagement. “Being religious is interreligious,” he stated, referencing Nostra Aetate, a Vatican II document. He urged participants to focus on commonalities among different faiths to promote peace and harmony. He reminded the audience of Jesus’ prayer for unity: “As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that they may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21).

Charismatic preacher Mr. John Bagh emphasised the role of the Holy Spirit in evangelisation, urging the faithful to be Spirit-filled witnesses. Meanwhile, Mr. Ajit Tirkey, founder and principal of Assisi School, Chabua, highlighted the significance of Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) in fostering grassroots evangelization. “Through Bible sharing in BECs, members are first evangelised, and then they become evangelisers,” he noted.

Fr. Albert Tirkey, SDB, parish priest of Sadiya and a missionary among the Mising tribe, corroborated these perspectives, stating, “Besides education, healthcare, and socio-economic development, I employ interreligious dialogue, BEC, and Charismatic retreats to evangelise the Mising community in Sadiya, Assam.” The diocese is home to approximately 8,000 Mising Christians.

The council concluded with resolutions for the year 2025-26, including regularising Sunday catechism, strengthening the Men’s Association, and promoting the learning of local languages. The success of DPC 2025 was credited to the leadership of Vicar 

General Rev. Fr. Jose Muloparampil.

By Fr. William Horo