The Catholic Church in West Bengal and Sikkim held a three-day annual regional meeting of BRBC–CDPI–CRI from 14th to 16th November 2023 at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Krishnagar. This is a body comprising of BRBC(Bengal Regional Bishops Council), CDPI(Conference of Diocesan Priests in india) and CRI(Conference of Religious of India) of both Major Superiors and Local CRI Unit Executives. A total number of 82 members attended the meeting.
The inaugural prayer, led by His Grace Rev. Bishop Nirmal Vincent Gomes SDB and the Local CRI Unit of Krishnagar, commenced with a graceful prayer dance. The prayer, centered on the theme “You are the Salt of the Earth and Light of the World,” concluded with the Synod prayer. Rev. Bishop Nirmal Vincent Gomes, the host, extended a warm welcome to all the participants with music and melodious singing. He provided a glimpse of the rich history of the Diocese of Krishnagar. Sr. Sabrina IBVM, President of CRI-WBS, welcomed and felicitated the Bishops and major Superiors, and introduced the dynamics of the meeting. The congregation was asked to silently reflect on the following questions and share their responses in groups:
- How am I feeling as I am here?
- What are my expectations?
Fr. Ronee and Fr. Anselm conducted an ice-breaking session to set the mood. Fr. Vivien SJ, Secretary of Regional CRI-WBS presented the Minutes of the meeting held in the previous year.
The themes for this year were “Current situation in India and our vocation” and “Witnessing Jesus in a digital age.”
The Keynote speaker Fr Cedric Prakash SJ, a renowned Social, Human Rights and Peace Activist and Writer was invited to share with us his insights and facilitate the group on the first day. In his talk on “Current situation in India and our vocation” he first spoke about the vocation we have received and how we are set apart to be different like Jesus. Jesus who was born in a stable and died on the cross is the one to whom we have committed our lives. Jesus critiqued the situations around Him: if He could do so, why are we afraid to stand up, to take risks and to ask questions? Fr Cedric Prakash challenged the group, stating that we choose, at least occasionally or at times to be in our comfort zones. We need to understand the CONTEXT of today. Jesus knew His context. For example, the desert experience of Jesus: He knew that He was in a position to use power, privilege, prestige and pride and yet He did not give in to evil, but rather rejected all worldly attractions. It is time now that we re-visit the vision and mission of our Founders. Compassion is the most important virtue needed to reach out to the poor and the needy. It becomes possible through proper discernment and a total commitment to the call.
In his talk Fr Cedric reminded us that most of the time we are with our Church/Convent compound mentality. Taking risks is narrowed down due to fear. Look at the life of Jesus. He stood up for truth. Here is a point to reflect: is it better to do nothing or do something and die on the cross as Jesus did? What is the journey ahead? We need to be prudent and should have the sense of direction and not compromise in this because Jesus came to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comforted. Situations in Manipur and different parts of the world, is a warning sign for us to stand up united and fight for the cause. Addressing the current Indian scenario and our divine calling, Fr. Cedric emphasized our responsibility to stand up, question, and address societal issues fearlessly, echoing Jesus’ courage to challenge prevailing norms.
In the following session, participants were encouraged to discuss and share their insights on the primary concerns, challenges, and noteworthy issues that hold paramount significance in both the Church and the country. Following the discussions, Father Cedric shed light on the Indian Constitution, considered the most sacred document for a citizen of India. He delved into key articles and the essential, interrelated dimensions of the Constitution, urging everyone to exercise their right to vote and inspire others to do the same. During his engaging session, Father Cedric Prakash animatedly enlightened us about the significance of understanding and appreciating our Constitution. He particularly emphasized learning and teaching others about the Preamble and the fundamental rights and duties embedded in our constitutional framework. Concluding the session, Father Cedric challenged us to wake up and raise our prophetic voices. He stressed that it is high time to begin, starting with each individual (‘I’). He encouraged us to familiarize ourselves with the Constitution, get involved, and join the civil society, collaborating with people of goodwill. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, especially as we approach the 2024 elections, Father Cedric urged everyone to ensure that their names, as well as those of community members, co-workers, friends, and collaborators, are on the electoral rolls. Exercising our franchise and encouraging others to do so, he emphasized, is our responsibility as citizens and as religious individuals committed to our people.
A session on “Witnessing Jesus in a Digital Age” led by Sr. Joeyanna FSP explored the significance of being empowered by the Holy Spirit in navigating the digital realm. Sr. Joeyanna began the session by asking us to imagine, what if Jesus was born in this digital age? What would have been His presence in the social media and what about His preaching? Jesus was totally in connection with His Father and He was filled with the Holy Spirit. The Father sent Him on a Mission (Lk 4:18). She highlighted the need to strengthen connections with the divine to authentically represent Jesus in the digital space while cautioning against the spread of fake news and rumours. In our fast-evolving world, we proudly discuss innovations like ChatGPT and AI (Artificial Intelligence). She emphasized the increasing demand and widespread use of AI in her speech. A short video on the moral implications of AI was shown. She addressed the intersection of AI and human dignity, discussing challenges like the erosion of agency and autonomy, risks of algorithmic bias, discriminatory practices, and the moral implications of AI. Additionally, she touched upon the importance of digital literacies.
On the last day, Fr. Supriyo Biswas CDPI President, Krishnagar, presented the report of CDPI 2022-2023. Fr. Jude SFX presented the CRI Major Superiors’ report on Ecological Conversion done by the various congregations. Fr. Vivien SJ presented the report of Regional CRI & CRI Local units of WB & Sikkim, as well as the data of the number of Religious communities and its members in WB & Sikkim. Sr. Sabrina and Fr. Vivien encouraged the CRI units to have a common plan and agenda and create a CRI vocation team and a database of the religious specialized in certain areas, which could help the Region in general to make the best use of the human resources available in our region.
A new book, Biblical Characters – Exemplars of Synodal Leadership, written by Sr. Inigo SSAM, and published by Pauline Publications, was released by Rev. Bishop Nirmal Vincent Gomes.
In the afternoon, the group convened to formulate a concrete and time-bound action plan for the upcoming year, building on insights from the two key topics discussed by the resource persons. Fourteen smaller groups proposed three action plans each for consideration in the coming year. A core committee was formed to focus on the three main issues. The elected Core committee members are Bishop Vincent Aind, BRBC Vice President, Fr. Arjen Tete SJ, Sr. Jane Nadackal SMI, Fr. Supriyo Biswas CDPI, Fr. Lawrence D’ Almeida SVD, Sr. Diana D’Souza and the Regional CRI-WBS Team.
The three days’ meeting concluded with a Thanksgiving Eucharist concelebrated by Rev. Thomas D’Souza, the Archbishop of Calcutta, and other bishops and priests present. At the end of the Mass the newly elected CRI Regional Team, Sr. Maria Diksha AC (President), Sr. Celine Fathima SSAM (Vice President), Sr Crescencia Sun RNDM (Treasurer), Fr. Arjen James Tete SJ and Sr. Anice Thekekudy SCCG (Executive members) were given a special blessing.
We remain ever grateful to the organizing team members, Sr Sabrina IBVM, Fr Jude SFX, Sr Diksha AC, Sr Celine SSAM and Fr Vivien SJ for their selfless and dedicated service in the past years. This Annual Regional Meeting served as a platform for reflection, dialogue, and collaboration, aiming to empower and guide the Catholic community in addressing contemporary challenges while staying true to their vocation and faith.
Sr Sofia Thomas FSP
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