'Pilgrims of Hope' Workshop Guides Port Blair Diocese on Synodal Path

Port Blair, September 19, 2024: The Diocese of Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, hosted a four-day workshop titled 'Pilgrims of Hope on the Synodal Journey' from September 16 to 19 at the Pastoral Centre. The event brought together 87 participants including diocesan and religious priests, pastoral sisters and laypeople to engage in discussions, reflections and planning. 

Bishop Visuvasam Selvaraj of Port Blair inaugurated the workshop emphasizing the essence of the synodal journey, He stated "Our daily pastoral journey is a journey of faith, hope, and love; the motto of the Holy Year Jubilee 2025 invites us to journey together as pilgrims of hope,"

Fr. Vignan Das Gangula and Rev. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, members of the CCBI National Facilitating Team, led the workshop, guiding participants through a dynamic process aimed at enriching the pastoral mission of the diocese. The workshop emphasized the importance of renewal and revitalization, with Msgr. Albinus Barla, the Vicar General, stressing the need to align pastoral priorities with the foundational principles of the Four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council.

"The workshop was a moment of learning, planning, and praying" remarked Sr. Pushpa Minj SJA, President of the Diocesan CRI, commending the collaborative and deeply engaging nature of the sessions. Attendees collectively reflected on the CCBI Pastoral Plan Mission 2023, and discussed the preparatory document for the upcoming CCBI Plenary Assembly 2025, arriving at draft responses to key questions.

The workshop, sponsored by Pontifical Mission Organizations India and Communio, also utilized the recently released handbook, 'Pilgrims of Hope on the Synodal Journey: A Handbook on Jubilee 2025 Preparations and Celebrations', authored by Stephen Alathara and Yesu Karunanidhi, as a central resource for discussions. 

By Rev. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi