Northeast India Regional Pastoral Conference Reflects on “Pilgrims of Hope”

The 2025 Northeast India Regional Pastoral Conference was from 1–4 September in Guwahati, in the State of Assam, drawing over 100 priests, religious, and lay participants, including archbishops, bishops, and bishops emeriti from across the region. The four-day gathering, reported by Catholic Connect, was organised by the Regional Commission for Theology and Doctrine under the leadership of Bishop Jose Chirackal.

The conference opened with an inaugural session featuring a keynote address by Fr. Gilbert De Lima, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Theology and Doctrine. Speaking on “Jubilee Year 2025, Pilgrims of Hope: Looking Toward 2033”, Fr. De Lima unpacked the biblical roots of the jubilee and explained its theological significance for today’s Indian Church.

He pointed to the vision of Pope Francis, describing the jubilee as a time of renewal, encounter, and mission. Drawing from the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), he stressed the need for a “triple dialogue” with the poor, with cultures, and with religions.

Fr. De Lima recommended that the jubilee be celebrated locally with greater focus on prayer and deeper engagement with Scripture through Lectio Divina, which opens the way to reconciliation and forgiveness. He urged that the language of hope be accessible to young people, while reaching out to the marginalised and empowering communities often left at the peripheries. “Asnpilgrims of hope,” he reminded, “we journey together toward the Lord, accompanied by Mary, Mother of Hope.”

Introducing the conference theme, Bishop Jose Chirackal emphasised that hope carries transformative power, particularly in times of uncertainty, suffering, and evil. Quoting Pope Francis’ bull Spes non confundit (Hope Does Not Disappoint), he highlighted 25 sub-themes rooted in hope, calling participants to embody solidarity, mercy, and Gospel joy in their pastoral service.

Bishop James Thoppil, General Secretary of the Northeast Bishops’ Council, traced the history of such pastoral conferences to the time of Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati, noting their influence on other regions of India. Archbishop John Moolachira, NEIRBC President, welcomed participants and encouraged them to walk hand in hand as true “pilgrims of hope.”

As Catholic Connect reported, the conference, which concludes on 4 September with a business session, remains a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration, and pastoral renewal across the Northeast region’s 15 dioceses.