Pastoral leaders from the Telugu-speaking region of southern India gathered in Hyderabad on August 20 to strengthen the implementation of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CCBI) National Pastoral Plan at diocesan and regional levels.
The program was organized under the leadership of Bishop Gerald Lobo, chairman of the CCBI Pastoral Plan Implementation Committee. Diocesan coordinators and regional representatives reflected on how the plan can be translated into concrete pastoral action in local communities.
The gathering opened with prayer and an inaugural session, followed by a main reflection titled “From Mandate to Mission: The Church’s Call for the Pastoral Plan.” Participants reviewed the vision, objectives and priorities of the National Pastoral Plan, with particular emphasis on making it a practical tool for pastoral renewal.
The formation session also focused on “Jesus’ Plan,” emphasizing that the person and mission of Jesus Christ must remain at the center of every pastoral initiative. A documentary highlighting the fruits of the Pastoral Plan was also presented.
In the afternoon, diocesan coordinators and regional secretaries shared their experiences, achievements and challenges in implementing the plan. The exchange provided an opportunity for participants to learn from one another and identify pastoral approaches suited to the needs of their local communities.
The discussions stressed the importance of collaboration, regular evaluation and responsiveness to changing pastoral realities if the National Pastoral Plan is to become an effective instrument for renewal.
A final session, titled “Way Forward,” focused on strengthening implementation and translating the day’s reflections into concrete commitments at the diocesan and regional levels.
The Telugu Region includes dioceses serving predominantly Telugu-speaking Catholic communities in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, two states in southeastern India.
The gathering reaffirmed the region’s commitment to collaborative pastoral action and to implementing the CCBI National Pastoral Plan with the mission of Jesus Christ and the pastoral needs of the people at the heart of the Church’s mission.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
