Cardinal Oswald Urges Bishops to Work Efficiently to Bear Fruit for the Church in India
Bhubaneswar: Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Archbishop Emeritus of Bombay and the Coordinator of the Synod Study Group, which is entrusted with the task of looking into the functions of the Apostolic Nunciatures has called upon the Bishops of India to work with efficiency, dedication and a strong sense of mission to ensure that the Church continues to bear lasting fruit in the country.
Cardinal Oswald emphasized the need for proactive leadership, collaboration and unwavering commitment to the Gospel’s values. He was giving the homily during the Holy Mass on the second day of the 36th Plenary Assembly of the CCBI on January 29, 2025 at the XIM University, Bhubaneswar.
The Cardinal acknowledged the growing challenges posed by unfriendly legislation that affects the Church’s mission, institutions and outreach programmes. Despite these challenges, he stressed that efficiency, transparency, and commitment to the people will help the Church navigate through these difficult times and continue its mission.
On the second day of the 36th Plenary Assembly of the CCBI, the bishops participated actively in spiritual conversation, a deeply reflective method of discernment that enables them to listen attentively to the voice of God and make decisions rooted in divine wisdom. This process fosters a spirit of prayerful listening, mutual sharing and collective discernment, ensuring that the Church’s mission remains aligned with the will of God.
The 204 bishops, present at the assembly, were divided into 16 groups, where they engaged in elaborate discussions to identify and finetune the ten key priorities for the Church in India. These priorities were not decided in isolation but emerged from an extensive consultation process involving laity, religious, priests and bishops, reflecting the collective aspirations and concerns of the entire faith community in the country.
To enhance the depth of their discernment, the bishops spent dedicated time in silence, prayer and Eucharistic adoration, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This sacred time of reflection allowed them to detach themselves from external distractions and to focus entirely on God’s plan for the Church’s future.