Patna: The Archdiocese of Patna has concluded a two-day Missionary Meet at Nav Jyoti Niketan, bringing together major superiors, community leaders and priests to renew the Church’s missionary commitment and redefine pastoral priorities for the evolving needs of Bihar’s communities.
Archbishop Sebastian Kallupura opened the gathering by urging participants to rediscover the passion and perseverance of the early missionaries who first brought the Gospel to Bihar. Their dedication, he said, must inspire contemporary pastoral workers to courageously address both spiritual and social challenges.
The sessions featured reflections from Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas of Daltonganj and Sr. Inigo Joachim, alongside presentations by Fr. Maria Charles SDB, Fr. Anto Joseph SJ and Fr. Joseph Sebastian SJ. Together, they analyzed the changing missionary landscape and encouraged innovative, context-sensitive approaches to evangelization.
Three Pillars for Mission Today
Discussions over the two days converged on three core principles that the archdiocese identifies as essential for effective mission work:
1. A credible and humble witness expressed through simple living and genuine closeness to the poor.
2. Strengthening fraternity and collaborative discernment among clergy, religious and lay leaders.
3. A compassionate and visible presence among marginalized communities, especially those deprived of resources and dignity.
Participants stressed that these principles are crucial for rebuilding trust, nurturing hope and deepening the Church’s engagement with society.
Key Pastoral Priorities for the Coming Years
Leaders at the meet highlighted several urgent areas requiring focused pastoral action:
• Youth ministry, with a renewed emphasis on justice, equality and leadership formation.
• Parish renewal, aimed at forming vibrant communities of active disciples rather than passive attendees.
• Education for the poor, ensuring that marginalized children have access to quality learning and opportunities for social advancement.
These priorities, they noted, are essential for strengthening the Church’s presence and impact in Bihar’s rapidly changing social environment.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to build a more collaborative and mission-oriented Church in Patna. Participants resolved to work with renewed hope, empowering local communities, enhancing coordination among pastoral teams and embracing innovative ways to reach those on the peripheries.
With this renewed direction, the Archdiocese aims to reinforce its evangelizing mission while remaining deeply rooted in service, solidarity and compassion for the people of Bihar.