ARBC, ARCRI, AND ARPC MEETING
November 14 – 17, 2016
The Catholic Religious leaders/animators of both men and women of Agra Ecclesiastical Provinces working in the aforesaid region came together to reflect and to decide pastoral, spiritual, educational and social effectiveness and affectivity of their activities from Nov. 14 – 17, 2016. The theme was RESPONSE OF THE CHURCH IN INDIA TO THE PRESENT DAY CHALLENGES – APPLICATION OF AMORIS LAETITIA. The first theme was dealt by Rev.Dr. Edward Mendonca, S.J., He articulated a few challenges such as Decline of family values, Growing materialism, Indifference to Christian vocation, Gender, caste, language, creed, status, regional sensitivity, No seriousness for ecumenical unity, ethnicity become affinity, fear of evangelization, Large scale of migration and Lack of financial authenticity. He stated further that the Lord Jesus – his way of life, message, mission and vision – is the answer for all challenges; Jesus had passion for prayer, people and preaching. In the second part he articulated that India undergoes a turbulent period: there is threat to Indian Constitution and Educational System. There is a sinister move to equate Hindutva Nationalism to Partriotism, which has penetrated into every system in the country. We need to have four kinds of dialogue: Intellectual Dialogue, Spiritual Dialogue, Dialogue of Action and Dialogue of Life. We need to promote the values of love, justice, equality, mercy and peace as well as solidarity with all people, especially with the poor. Rev.Dr.George K.V. summarized the encyclical of His Holiness Pope Francis: Amoris Laetitia and applied it pragmatically with his examples and anecdotes. The meeting came to an end on Nov. 17, 2016 as per schedule.
