Khandwa Diocese Charts Missionary Pathway Ahead of Golden Jubilee

Khandwa, February 9, 2026: As it prepares to mark its Golden Jubilee, Khandwa diocese has identified mission and synodality as key pastoral priorities following a two-day Missionary Meeting held from January 23 to 24 at the Divyodaya Pastoral Center.

The gathering brought together 211 participants, including clergy, religious and lay faithful, and was attended by Bishop Augustine Madathikunnal of Khandwa. Guided by the theme “Walking Together – in the Light of Christ,” the meeting set the direction for the diocese’s pastoral journey in the years leading up to the jubilee celebrations.

Biblical reflections during the sessions drew inspiration from the Mission of the Seventy and the exhortation to become “God’s fellow workers” (1 Corinthians 3:9). Participants underlined the need to renew Basic Ecclesial Communities and to strengthen a shared, Christ-centred pastoral vision across the diocese.

The sessions were led by Fr. Paul Chunkanth of the Diocese of Sagar, who focused on the identity and vocation of a missionary. Stressing that mission flows from baptism, he linked theological insights with practical pastoral challenges. Participants examined contemporary obstacles to evangelisation, including cultural changes and growing indifference, and discussed responses suited to present-day realities.

Group discussions and plenary sessions resulted in the formulation of a two-year pastoral action plan. The plan prioritises the strengthening of Basic Ecclesial Community structures, greater participation of the faithful, and improved systems of documentation and record-keeping, with the aim of fostering a more inclusive and missionary Church at the grassroots level.

The meeting concluded with a thanksgiving session acknowledging the leadership of Bishop Madathikunnal, the coordination of the Vicar General, and the contribution of the resource person. Appreciation was also expressed to the clergy, religious, laity and youth whose active involvement shaped the deliberations.

By Catholic Connect Reoprter