Andhra Laity council stresses family catechesis

December 14, 2012 - Lay catholic leaders organized a laity synod in southern India’s Andhra Pradesh state, latest in a series of such programs, aiming to revive faith and lay roles in all aspects of Church' life. The latest one organized in Vijayawada emphasized importance of family catechesis. It also suggested ways to help the laity evaluate their participation in the mission of the Church. AICU, THE All India Catholic Union, the national union of lay organizations conducts the synods to promote awareness among the faithful in the Year of Faith. Over 200 representatives of all lay associations attended the two-day program that concluded on Dec. 2. Bishop Paul Maipan of Khammam congratulated the lay leaders for their involvement in Church matters. The prelate, who is also the chairperson of Andhra Pradesh laity commission, encouraged them to be active in new evangelization works and promote the study of catechism of Catholic Church in their families. Bishop Gali Bali of Guntur, president of the Andhra Pradesh Bishop’s Council (APBC), said the year of faith should create awareness on the importance of Word of God in Catholics' personal and family life. Theologians presented papers on Vatican II documents encouraging laity participation in the church programs. The AICU has earlier conducted such synods in New Delhi, Mangalore and Chennai. AICU vice president Lancy D'Cunha said the synod aims to help the laity to implement the teaching of the Second Vatican Council.