Archdiocesan Synod on “Love of the Church” inaugurated in Ranchi

RANCHI, Jharkhand, Feb. 09, 2010, 10.20 Hrs (Alex Vadakumthala / CBCI News):

“This Synod is the biggest event in the life of the Church in Chotanagpur, because, this Synod is an opportune time, Kairos, a special time which God Himself has chosen for us to renew ourselves, our Church and our Society” said Cardinal Telesphore Toppo, inaugurating the Archdiocesan Synod.

The Synod, first of its kind in Ranchi since its existence from 1927, has 282 participants, including three bishops and representatives of priests, religious and lay Christian faithful. This five day long Synod will conclude on 13th February, with deliberations for renewal and strategic interventions.

Inaugurating the Synod, Cardinal Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi, said, “When the missionaries first came to our land, our ancestors, the Mundas, Hos, Oraons, Kharias and other tribal groups, belonged to the poorest of the poor. Here were people that were no people. They were mercilessly trampled under foot by the zamindars or the landlords. The will of the tribals to live was crushed to dust. But once they accepted Jesus, they rose again with him in baptism. Now they are God’s people, a people with a voice, with self-respect and confidence, able to stand up for their rights. Today, here we are, a people now come of age. It is in the context of the history of our Church that the theme of the Synod, “Love the Church” is chosen. This theme is taken from the book, "A Retreat with Pope John XXIII".

“One of the aims of this Synod will be to closely examine and evaluate the spiritual formation of priests, religious and the Christian faithful. We are part of the one Body of Christ. It is the degree of the sense of belongingness of each one of us to this Archdiocese that will define our commitment and co-operation to the growth of this Local Church especially in the spiritual, social, political and economical sphere.”

“Today, one of the biggest challenges confronting us is the unity of our people. The Servant of God, Fr. Lievens always dreamt of “a well-knit and disciplined Society”. This Synod very specially will have to look for ways towards fulfilling this dream”, said Cardinal Toppo.

A team of experts, under the leadership of Bishop Binay Kandulna, has been working since last one year, for the Synod. Others who spoke at the inaugural session included Bishop Felix Toppo of Jamshedpur, Bishop Binay Kandulna, Fr. Raphel Kujur and Fr. Ignatius Tete.