Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Ahmedabad (Agenzia Fides) - “Walking in the footsteps of Jesus”: this was the main theme of the Missionary Congress in Gujarat, which began on October 30 and which will last three days. The event will be attended by Bishops, priests, religious, and laity, all representatives of the Dioceses of western India, gathered in the Pastoral Center of Nadiad, on the outskirts of Ahmedabad.
Jesuit Father Cedric Prakash, Director of the Justice and Peace Center for Human Rights “Prashant,” reported that present at the Opening Mass for the Congress were Archbishop Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes SJ of Gandhinagar, Bishop Godfrey de Rozario SJ of Baroda and Bishop Thomas Macwan of Ahmedabad. Representing Bishop Gregory Karotemprel of Rajkot (who is indisposed), were the two Vicar Generals of the Rajkot Diocese. There were also 700 representatives including theologians, specialists, catechists, missionaries, and lay faithful sent from dioceses all over the state.
The Congress is taking place along the lines of the Asian Mission Congress and hopes to update and contextualize the indications and the challenges that have arisen since the event celebrated by the Asian Church in Thailand in 2006. In addition, the Gujarat Missionary Congress, has been established as the fundamental step in the preparations for the upcoming Missionary Congress of Western India, which will take place in Goa in 2009.
In the first day of the Congress, the delegates recalled the persecution being undergone by Christians in Orissa and the violence being seen in other Indian states, expressing their closeness and solidarity to their brothers in faith. For a decade now, Gujarat has also seen frequent outbreaks of violence against Christian and Muslim minorities who are often discriminated against and marginalized from social and civil life, deprived of their fundamental rights. In this context, Christians are called to give a testimony of peace and non-violence.
Jesuit Father Francis Parmar gave a talk in the Congress, pointing out the main theme for the event: “we began the journey long ago but today...we have gathered together to listen to one another, the share the roads we have traveled so far, to digest all that we have assimilated and to chart a very concrete plan of action for the years ahead.” He also explained the importance of living Christian values of service and loves, encouraging all faithful to be ready to work for truth and justice, to work together in building the Kingdom of God. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 31/10/2008)
