Simla-Chandigarh Pastoral Council Renews Focus on Evangelisation

CHANDIGARH, October 3, 2026: The Diocese of Simla-Chandigarh has renewed its call to make evangelisation a way of life, with 278 representatives from its five deaneries gathering for reflection, dialogue and pastoral planning at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre here.

The Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) meeting centred on the Gospel account of Jesus sending the Twelve on mission (Mark 6:7–13), setting the tone for discussions on discipleship, evangelisation and the shared mission of the Church.

The Council reviewed the minutes of its previous meeting and the Action Plan of the Regional Catholic Council (RCC), with particular attention to youth empowerment and pastoral follow-up. Participants also discussed an upcoming action plan inspired by the theme “Go, Rebuild My Church,” marking the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St Francis of Assisi.

The main session, led by resource person Mathew Antony, explored “Effective Evangelizers of Christ in a Synodal Church in the Context of the Encyclical Evangelii Nuntiandi of Pope Paul VI.”

Antony identified five priorities for effective evangelisation: personal conversion and renewal; witnessing through daily life and relationships; proclaiming Christ through the Kerygma and ongoing formation; developing missionary parishes that move beyond maintenance; and reaching people in their concrete situations through inculturation and contextualisation, particularly in the North Indian context.

A further reflection on “Missionary Disciples of Christ” invited participants to consider how faith can be expressed more meaningfully in families, parishes and society. It stressed transformation through the Gospel, personal witness, proclamation, community-building and outreach.

Deanery-level discussions enabled participants to share pastoral experiences, identify priorities and formulate concrete action points. The recommendations were subsequently presented to the full Council.

The Council also reviewed the implementation of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan 2026–2033, focusing on translating its vision into practical initiatives at parish and deanery levels.

Addressing the gathering, Bishop Sahaya Thatheus Thomas of Simla-Chandigarh said every disciple of Christ is called to participate in Christ’s mission and bear witness to the Gospel. He urged the faithful to understand evangelisation not simply as a programme but as a way of life rooted in Christ and expressed through communion, participation and service.

The Bishop also called for greater shared responsibility among individuals, parishes and deaneries in carrying forward the Church’s mission.

The gathering strengthened collaboration among the five deaneries and reflected the synodal emphasis on listening, discernment and journeying together.

The Council concluded with a renewed commitment to translate the Gospel into concrete pastoral action, authentic Christian witness and meaningful outreach as the diocese continues its pastoral journey towards 2033.

By Anna Minz

Secretary, DPC