Events
Ongoing formation on synodality held for priests and religious
BELLARY, 12 DEC 2022:

A day-long ongoing formation on “Promotion of Synodality in Communities and Transforming Pastoral Structures was held for priests and religious of the Bellary Diocese.

The animation programme was held Dec. 12-13 at the St. Anthony Pastoral Center, Bellary.

About 100 pastoral clergy and religious participated. The sessions were ably animated by Bishop Francis Serrao sj, Bishop of Shimoga.

The program was organized in order to sensitize the priests and religious in the synodal style of functioning in the pastoral mission.

Emphasizing the words of Pope Francis, he said, “The Church must be open to all the faithful without any discrimination based on caste, status and creed in order to transform the parishes and communities into the synodal communities.”

“Excessive clericalism and abuse of power at various levels have harmed the community, leading to groupism and divisions,” Bishop Serrao stated.

With the active participation in the preparatory sessions for the forthcoming synod, the Holy Spirit has offered an excellent opportunity to renew and revitalise our communities through transparency and mutual consultation,” added Bishop Serrao.

Fr Nathan, Secretary, Diocesan Commission for HR and Personnel facilitated the sessions.

Fr. Lourdusamy T. Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Bellary briefed the gathering on the implications of the Karnataka Freedom of Religious Act 2021. He cautioned to act responsibly following the new norms of the law.

In the final session Mr. Niranjan, District Election officer, Ballari enlightened the gathering about the simplified method of ensuring registration in the electoral rolls. Emphasizing the value of every voter, he promised to assist in getting their Voter Identity Cards. .

At the end of the programme, Bp. Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary urged everyone to work in collaboration with an objective to transform the local Church in to a synodal community. He urged to spot the charisms of laity and take them into confidence at all levels. “Only a community which is in communion with each other through mutual listening and accompaniment, dialoguing with people of other religions, can fulfill God-given mission to evangelise,” Bishop insisted.

The animation was followed by a clergy recollection animated by Fr Vijay Kumar. The next day a clergy meeting and election to the Council of priests was held.

Vicar General Fr. O. Vincent facilitated the sessions.