National Meet in Bhopal Reinforces Missionary Collaboration and Evangelisation

Bhopal, July 16, 2026: Church leaders from across India gathered in Bhopal for a three-day national training programme aimed at strengthening missionary collaboration and renewing the Church's commitment to evangelisation.

The meeting, held from July 14 to 16 at Suvarta Kendra, Seva Sadan, brought together Regional Secretaries of the CCBI Commission for Proclamation and Regional Directors of the Pontifical Mission Organisations (PMO). Organised under the theme, "Sent on a Mission of Hope: Grounded in the Word and Prophetic Witness," the programme focused on prayer, formation, pastoral reflection and strategic planning for missionary outreach.

The gathering commenced with the Enthronement of the Word of God, underscoring the centrality of Sacred Scripture in the Church's missionary mission. Participants reflected on the call to proclaim the Gospel with renewed hope, rooted in prayer, the Word of God and authentic Christian witness.

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Fr. Raju Mathew presented the theological and pastoral framework for the programme, highlighting the Church's missionary identity and the need for renewed zeal in evangelisation. Fr. Alfred D'Souza later addressed the challenges and opportunities of mission in the digital age, encouraging Church leaders to engage contemporary communication platforms responsibly and effectively in proclaiming the Gospel.

Delegates representing the North and North-East regions shared pastoral experiences and successful missionary initiatives, reflecting the diversity of the Church's mission across India. Regional reports from Agra, Tamil Nadu, Bengal, Jharkhand, Telugu, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh further highlighted ongoing evangelisation efforts, pastoral challenges and emerging priorities, fostering collaboration and the exchange of best practices.

In his pastoral address, Bishop A. A. S. Durairaj, SVD, Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Proclamation, reminded participants that authentic evangelisation springs from a personal encounter with Christ and is sustained through prayer, reflection on Scripture and humble service to others.

The celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Bishop Durairaj and concelebrated by Fr. Michael and Fr. Peter, formed the spiritual heart of the programme.

A major focus of the gathering was a strategic planning session on implementing the Holy Father's message for World Mission Sunday. Participants discussed practical initiatives for Mission Month and Mission Week, explored ways to deepen missionary awareness in local Churches and reviewed strategies to strengthen financial support for mission activities. The discussions resulted in recommendations to enhance missionary outreach at the parish, diocesan and regional levels.

The programme concluded with Eucharistic Adoration, personal reflection and a missioning prayer, commissioning participants to return to their respective regions with renewed commitment to proclaim the Gospel with hope, prophetic courage and compassionate witness.

By Fr. Raju Mathew