Fathers Urged to Build Peace from the Family at Chhattisgarh Men’s Convention

Chhattisgarh, Feb. 16, 2026: A strong appeal to foster peace through faith-filled family life marked a large Catholic Men’s Convention organised by the Ginabahar Deanery at Kharwatoli Parish, drawing nearly 5,000 fathers from across the region.

Held on the theme “Fathers as Bearers of Peace: From Family to Society,” the one-day gathering focused on spiritual leadership, social responsibility, and the role of fathers in strengthening family and community life.

The programme combined prayer, reflection, and discussions on contemporary social challenges. A central highlight was the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr Ajay Kumar Xalxo, Rector of St Albert’s College, Ranchi, whose message shaped the tone of the convention.

Addressing participants, Fr Xalxo emphasised that fatherhood carries a profound spiritual responsibility. He said a father is not merely the head of the household but its spiritual foundation, called to nurture prayer, forgiveness, love, and self-discipline within the family. Such values, he noted, naturally shape children and influence society at large.

He linked many social concerns—including violence, addiction, family discord, and moral decline—to weakened communication and spirituality within homes. Urging fathers to make their families “domestic Churches,” he encouraged daily prayer, reflection on God’s Word, and mutual respect as pathways to lasting peace.

The convention also addressed broader social realities through a presentation by Gladson Dungdung, a social activist and writer, who spoke on the situation of Adivasi communities and their constitutional rights. He highlighted ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous peoples in protecting their identity and traditional resources.

Dungdung stressed that education, awareness, and unity are essential for empowerment, encouraging fathers to guide their children towards learning and social responsibility. He called for peaceful and organised responses to issues such as displacement, injustice, and exploitation, while urging communities to reject addiction and violence.

Organisers said the strong turnout reflected a shared commitment among fathers to renew family values and contribute to peace-building efforts. The convention underscored the role of fathers as anchors of faith within the family and as vital agents of harmony in society.

By Fr. Praful Bara