CCBI Plenary Assembly Elects New Chairmen for Theology and Laity Commissions
Bhubaneswar: The 36th Plenary Assembly of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), held at XIM University in Bhubaneswar, elected new Chairmen for the two Commissions. Bishop Gerald John Mathias (71) of Lucknow was elected Chairman of the Commission for Theology and Doctrine, while Bishop Eugene Joseph (66) of Varanasi was chosen as Chairman of the Commission for Laity.
These appointments were necessitated by the election of Archbishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi as the new Secretary General and of Archbishop Peter Machado as the Vice President of the CCBI. Archbishop Aind previously chaired the Theology and Doctrine Commission, while Archbishop Machado led the Laity Commission.
Bishop Gerald John Mathias was born in Kallianpur, Karnataka, on September 20, 1953; he was ordained a priest for the diocese of Lucknow on April 22, 1979. He was appointed Bishop of Simla-Chandigarh on December 22, 1999 and ordained on April 9, 2000. He was later transferred to Lucknow on November 8, 2007and installed as Bishop of that diocese on January 4, 2008.
A scholar in moral theology, Bishop Mathias holds a doctorate from the Lateran University in Rome. He served as a professor of moral and pastoral theology at St. Charles’ Seminary, Nagpur and held various leadership roles, including as vice-rector and as parish priest of St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Lucknow. Besides, he had chaired the CCBI Commission for Laity from 2010 to 2019.
Bishop Eugene Joseph was born on July 31, 1958, in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu. Ordained a priest for the diocese of Varanasi on April 10, 1985; he was appointed Bishop of Varanasi on May 30, 2015 and ordained Bishop on August 24, 2015. Before his episcopal appointment, he served as the diocesan administrator.
He holds a master’s degree in English from Mahatma Gandhi University, Varanasi and a Master of Business Administration from Townsend School of Business, New York. Fluent in English, Hindi and Tamil, he previously chaired the CCBI Commission for Laity from 2019 to 2023.
The proceedings of the seventh day began with a special celebration for jubilarians. Bishop Gerald Lobo of Udupi, marking 25 years of episcopal ordination, was the principal celebrant. Concelebrating with him were Bishop Cyprian Monis, Bishop Emeritus of Asansol, celebrating 50 years of priesthood; Bishop Thomas Pulloppillil of Bongaigaon and Bishop Gerald Mathias of Lucknow, both celebrating their silver jubilees as bishops; and Bishop Anthony Das Pilli, Coadjutor Bishop of Nellore, commemorating 25 years of priesthood.
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the CCBI, moderated the assembly’s sessions. During the discussions, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha presented six liturgical books for approval: (1) Institution of Lectors, Acolytes and Catechists; (2) Infant Baptism; (3) Anointing of the Sick; (4) Penance; (5) Blessing of Abbots/Abbesses and (6) Consecration of Virgins. The bishops voted and approved the liturgical books.
The assembly also reviewed upcoming programmes for the Jubilee Year 2025, the follow-up to the Synod of Bishops and the implementation of the CCBI Pastoral Plan.
The day concluded with an evening of Eucharistic Adoration. Archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal led the benediction, providing a moment of deep spiritual reflection for the gathered Bishops.