Odisha Catholic Region Discusses Implementation of CCBI Pastoral Plan

Bhubaneswar, November 11, 2026: Around 40 Church representatives from across Odisha gathered in Bhubaneswar on November 10 for a seminar on implementing the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) Pastoral Plan, with a focus on strengthening synodal participation and translating the Church’s mission into concrete pastoral action.

The one-day seminar, organised by the Odisha Catholic Region at the Archbishop’s House, brought together regional secretaries, diocesan coordinators and secretaries of various commissions of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar.

Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, Chairman of the CCBI Pastoral Plan Facilitation Committee, served as the resource person.

The discussions focused on the three dimensions of synodality — communion, participation and mission — and the need for the Church to respond more effectively to the concerns of the poor, vulnerable and marginalised.

The seminar opened with a prayer invoking the Holy Spirit and a reading from the Gospel of Luke (4:16-19), highlighting Jesus’ mission to proclaim good news to the poor and freedom to those in captivity. Fr. Prodosh Nayak, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, led the opening prayer.

Welcoming the participants on behalf of the Odisha Catholic Bishops’ Council (OCBC), Fr. Francis Puthenthayil CM, Regional Coordinator of Odisha, stressed the need to formulate a Regional Pastoral Plan and corresponding Diocesan Pastoral Plans. He said planning must go beyond documents and lead to concrete initiatives, particularly among communities on the margins.

In his presentation, Bishop Lobo outlined the vision and objectives of the CCBI Pastoral Plan, drawing on biblical examples and the ministry of Jesus. He emphasised that communion, participation and the involvement of all the faithful are essential to the Church’s life and mission.

He said pastoral planning should not be treated merely as an administrative exercise but as a spiritual and missionary responsibility rooted in the Gospel. He urged dioceses and regions to develop plans suited to their specific pastoral realities and challenges.

Bishop Lobo also stressed the importance of translating the plan into practical, achievable initiatives at diocesan and parish levels, calling for shared responsibility and sustained commitment from Church leaders and communities.

Participants expressed appreciation for his presentation, saying it had renewed their enthusiasm to contribute actively to the Church’s mission.

Fr. Ajay Sobhasundar proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging Bishop Lobo, Archbishop John Barwa SVD and his team for their support and hospitality. He also thanked Fr. Mrunjaya Digal, Mohandas and Lakshmi Pradhan for organising the seminar.

The gathering concluded with a commitment to advance the implementation of the CCBI Pastoral Plan across Odisha through greater collaboration, participation and service.

By Fr. Roselin