The Church has always been a beacon of forward thinking, constantly reimagining and restructuring itself to serve humanity better. With this vision, the Conference of the Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) presented a dynamic Pastoral Plan, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to guide the Church towards its mission of leading to the Great Jubilee Year 2033. This comprehensive plan calls for reflection on where God is leading the Church and how it can transform to meet the needs of the time.
Responding to this call, Bishop Barthol Barretto, convened a meeting of all the Heads of the Commissions on December 04, 2024. The meeting, held at the Bishop’s House, Nashik, was a platform for prayerful deliberation and brainstorming on how to implement the CCBI Pastoral Plan at the parish, zonal, and diocesan levels.
Bishop Barthol emphasized the importance of unity and collective effort to ensure that this plan is not merely a theoretical document but a living, breathing reality. The discussion revolved around practical steps to initiate and sustain the vision laid out by the CCBI in the unique context of the Nashik Diocese.
The atmosphere was one of inspiration and determination. The Heads of the Commissions expressed gratitude for the Bishop’s leadership and shared ideas on how to engage the faithful and encourage active participation in this transformative journey. The meeting concluded with a shared sense of purpose and a renewed commitment to make a tangible difference.
As the Heads of Commissions departed, there was an air of hope and enthusiasm. They carried with them not just the responsibility to implement the CCBI plan but also the reassurance that God’s providence would accompany every step of the way. This collaborative effort, grounded in faith and guided by the Holy Spirit, promises to usher in a new era for the Church in the Diocese of Nashik, contributing to the larger mission of the Universal Church as it moves towards the celebration of the Great Jubilee Year 2033.
Fr Vijay Gonsalves SJ