2012-11-10 18:46:01

CPCI expresses need for political involvement


November 10, 2012: A voluntary association of Catholic priests in India has expressed the “need for a positive political involvement” for upholding the rights of the poor and the marginalized in the country.

At a 3-day seminar organized in Bangalore from November 6-8, the Catholic Priests’ Conference of India (CPCI) said as followers of Jesus Christ “we cannot but be political.”

The seminar was based on the theme “Prophetic priesthood towards a new world.” Jesuit Father Ambrose Pinto told the seminar that we need to be political for empowering and mobilizing the poor and the marginalized and not for “maintaining status quo or for entering into partisan squabbles.”

The seminar was organized as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the CPCI.

The CPCI was founded in 1987 to respond to a long felt need among the diocesan clergy in India to come together in solidarity to search for deeper meanings of commitment and for mutual support.

The celebrations included interactions with the founders of the CPCI to “relive its beginnings and to share experiences in different fields of their prophetic ministry.”

The members evaluated the past activities of the CPCI and came to the conclusion that it was still very much relevant and that its aims and objectives make the lives of priests “meaningful and challenging.”

The CPCI also appreciates and encourages with awards and trophies diocesan priests who pioneer and continue creative and alternative ministries for the transformation of the society in accordance with the gospel values.

Speaking on the occasion, Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore congratulated the CPCI on its silver jubilee and urged the national body to join hands with the Conference of Diocesan Priests of India, an organization promoted by the bishops and priests to work in the church as a united force.

The CPCI, headquartered in Bangalore is a member of the International Assembly of Priests.








All the contents on this site are copyrighted ©.