Cardinal Ferrão Calls CCBI Delegates to Open Their Hearts to Christ at National Synodal Assembly

Bengaluru, May 1, 2026: The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CCBI) National Synodal Assembly commenced on Thursday with a solemn inaugural Eucharistic celebration, drawing over 220 delegates from across the country under the theme, "Pilgrims of Hope." The gathering brought together two cardinals, 25 bishops, 65 priests, more than twenty women religious, and over a hundred lay leaders, marking a significant moment in the Church's synodal journey in India.

Presiding over the inaugural Mass, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the CCBI, warmly welcomed the delegates and described the assembly as "a process of discernment" aimed at deepening the Church's mission in the present context.

Reflecting on the significance of the day, Cardinal Ferrão noted that while the world celebrates Labour Day, the Church honours St Joseph the Worker. "Joseph, the humble carpenter of Nazareth, reminds us that the dignity of labour is sacred," he said. "Our work can become a path to holiness. As Joseph journeyed with Jesus and Mary, so too are we called to journey together as synodal disciples."

In his homily, the Cardinal centred his reflections on the Easter season, describing the Resurrection as the very foundation of Christian faith. "For fifty days, the Church rejoices in the victory of the Risen Lord," he said. "Jesus appeared to His disciples and entrusted them with a mission: 'As the Father sent me, so I send you.' This mandate continues to resonate in the life of the Church today."

Drawing from the conversion of St Paul, Cardinal Ferrão highlighted the transformative power of an encounter with the Risen Christ. Once a fierce persecutor of Christians, Saul became one of the Church's greatest apostles. "The Risen Lord met Saul, and his life was completely transformed," the Cardinal said. "He moved from being a staunch enemy to a passionate friend of Jesus, proclaiming the Gospel fearlessly."

He reminded the assembly that every baptized person shares in this missionary calling. "Like Paul, we are called to bring the Good News of salvation to all people. The Gospel cannot remain confined within our walls; it must reach the ends of the earth."

Addressing the challenges faced by believers today, Cardinal Ferrão pointed to Christ's reassuring words in the Gospel: "Do not let your hearts be troubled." He urged the delegates to place their trust firmly in Jesus. "Whatever challenges confront us, Jesus remains our way, our truth, and our life. He is the path to follow, the truth to embrace, and the light that guides our journey."

Emphasising the synodal character of the Church, the Cardinal said the assembly was an opportunity to discern together how best to proclaim Christ in contemporary society. "We are part of a synodal Church, walking together, listening together, and discerning together how to announce the Good News in today's world," he said.

To illustrate the need for personal openness to Christ, Cardinal Ferrão shared a simple but profound story. An artist had painted Jesus standing at a door, but a child noticed there was no handle. The artist explained that the handle was on the inside. "Jesus stands at the door of our hearts," the Cardinal said. "Only we can open it from within. We must allow Him to enter our lives, transform us, and send us forth."

Concluding his homily, he challenged the delegates to become bold witnesses of the Gospel. "We must proclaim Jesus in season and out of season, with courage, conviction, and joy," he said.

The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Archbishop Peter Machado, Archbishop Vincent Aind, Archbishop Linus Neli, Archbishop John Barwa, and Fr Stephen Alathara, along with numerous bishops and priests from across India. The assembly is expected to continue with prayer, dialogue, and discernment as the Church in India seeks to deepen its synodal mission.

By Catholic Connect Reporter