"FOR PEACE AND HARMONY LIVE ACCORDING TO SACRED WRITINGS”
The Catholic Bishops of India appeal to all citizens of India

Mysore, Feb.18: “All scriptures call for a life of peace and harmony! If Christian and all other believers live according to their scriptures, there will be peace!” This is the message of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), concluding their weeklong Plenary Assembly. The CCBI, consisting of 166 Bishops in 128 dioceses is the biggest conference of Bishops in Asia and the fourth biggest in the world. The Conference held its Plenary Assembly at Prabodhana, Pallottine Centre for Theological and Religious Formation, Kalawadi Gate, Rayanakere, Mysore. “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church” was the theme chosen for the meeting which was attended by over 116 bishops from all over India.

Bishop of Mysore, Most Rev. Thomas A. Vazhapilly, together with his team, had made elaborate arrangements for the success of the meeting, first time held in the historical City of Maharajahs fragrant with sandalwood and silk goods!

The Pope Sends a Message and a Messenger

Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana, the Ambassador of Vatican State to India and the Apostolic Nuncio in India, inaugurated the important meeting on 12th February in the presence of a large number of people including Priests, Nuns and Bishops. Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the President of CCBI welcomed the gathering. The message of the Pope was read out. There was also a reading of the message from Ivan Dias, another famous Indian Cardinal heading Vatican’s important Congregation for Evangelization of Peoples.

Kannada spoken by Pope’s messenger

The Bishops were also accorded a grand reception by the Bishop, Priests and Religious and the people of diocese of Mysore on Sunday 15 February. They celebrated Holy Mass before a congregation of more than ten thousand people in the premises of the famous Gothic St. Philomena’s Church. Quintana, the messenger of the Pope, a Spaniard, delighted the audience by beginning the Mass in Kannada and greeting the people in well pronounced Kannada words. In his public address, the Pope’s messenger called for inter-religious collaboration so that harmony and justice may prosper. “Concentrate on what unites us”, he appealed to members of all religions, “and think of what we can do together to alleviate the suffering of humanity”.

Study and Message
 
The CCBI spent two days in the study about the centrality of Sacred Scriptures in the life and mission of the Church. There was also open sharing among the bishops coming from different parts of the country. The Bishops noted with concern the many challenges the country is facing today: the effects of the worldwide economic meltdown; the scourge of terrorism; the injustice of discrimination based on gender, caste and creed, etc. “We are especially concerned”, the Bishops write in their statement, “about the phenomenon of religious bigotry and intolerance which has led to repeated attacks and violence…”

“Patrimony of human family”

Referring to extensive religious literature, sacred writings, spirituality and traditions of India, the bishops call them “patrimony of the human family”! They further say, “We appreciate, among other things, the respect our people have for sacred texts and their thirst for contemplation”.

A Call for Renewed Zeal for Bible

Stating the importance of Scriptures for the people of all religions, the bishops underlined the utmost importance of Bible for Christians. They lamented the neglect of the Word of God among the Catholics. “There is a lack of sufficient bible culture” the Bishops acknowledged and called for a renewed interest and devotion for the Bible among all Christians.

Biblical Fundamentalism!

Implicitly referring to some Christian sects, the Bishops also condemned what they called as “Biblical fundamentalism”, alluding to a literal verse by verse interpretation of the Bible. The Bishops of India want that every Catholic should own a Bible, handle with reverence and read it regularly. They also urged them to understand the message of the Bible and all sacred texts, which speak of love, justice and peace. They urged the Christians to live according to what they read and give witness.

“Presentation of Bible” – A New Ceremony Proposed

The Bishops came out with many concrete ways of popularizing the Bible among the Christians, such as providing cheap editions, Bible enthronement in families, etc. They also proposed a new initiation ceremony for children presenting a Bible. While only Baptism and First Communion are so far celebrated for children, perhaps at the age of reason, the Bishops proposed also what they called “Ceremonial Handing over of the Bible to Children”!

All people addressed

In their final message, the CCBI Bishops appealed to the priests, nuns, especially the Catholics and all the people of the country to live in unity and fellowship, according to the sacred writings.

All three Office bearers reelected

The CCBI conducted fresh elections to its Office Bearers, as per statutory requirements. Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai was reelected President of CCBI for a third time. Delhi Archbishop Most Rev. Vincent Concessao was reelected Vice-president for the second time, Most Rev. Prakash Mallavarapu, the Bishop of Vijayawada as Secretary General for the third time. Glory to God and Peace to all People of India!

Rev. Fr. Udumala Bala, Deputy Secretary General, CCBI