PRESS BRIEF 08-02-2017

Welfare of the family is decisive for the future of the world

Bhopal: The 29^th Plenary Assembly of CCBI reached its grand conclusion here on Wednesday. Two Cardinals, 136 Archbishops and Bishops, representing the 132 dioceses attended the Plenary Assembly from 31^st January to 8^th February 2017 to deliberate, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, on the theme “Promoting the Joy of Love in our Families”.

Concluding the Assembly,His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias, the President of the CCBI said, “With a view to build up stable, fruitful and joyful families the Church, focuses on family apostolate with a greater vigour and commitment.”

Lord Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd always remains as a model of the church in its ministry to the family and the world at large.

As the welfare of the family is decisive for the future of the world and of the Church, the29^th Plenary Assembly (2017) reached its conclusion with a final plan of action.

It analysed the present situation of families in India seriously. More than 300 million people in India are subject to poverty and deprivation, especially in the rural areas, with little access to basic health services, educational facilities and employment opportunities.

Many of them are afflicted by evils such as domestic violence and alcoholism.  Among the poor, women and children are the ones who suffer the most. A large number of families have not been sufficiently educated.  Migration too has had a strong impact on marriage and family life. The media, with all its beneficial effects, have often exercised a deleterious influence on family life.

The statement says, “As pastors responsible for our faithful, the pastoral plan for families always includes the ‘culture of life’ which respects and cares human life at every stage of growth, right from the time of conception, till the time of death.”

Culture of life includes the family atmosphere which promotes bearing pain and difficulties with utmost love to support the welfare of family members.  It also comprises education of children, health care, and preparation for marriage as well as priestly and religious life.

 In tune with the teaching of Pope Francis: “What is urgently needed today, is a ministry to care for those whose marital relationship has broken down,” the need of offering of counselling facilities to help couples facing difficulties, is also emphasised.

The statement highlights the need of a merciful approach to families especially to those living in difficult situations. At the close of the conference, a valedictory function was organised at Pastoral centre to thank and appreciate the exceptional organizational preparation and execution of all the related works of the Assembly, done by the Archbishop Leo Cornelio and his team. “It was like offering a garden instead of a flower”, with reference to the high quality administrative capacity of the team, Bishop Varghese Chakkalakal said.

He praised the Archbishop and team for the unity and cooperation of the diocese. He praised the welcoming atmosphere and personal care they received in Bhopal. It was a ‘felt experience!’ he exclaimed.