CCBI Commission for Proclamation Ignites Missionary Zeal Across Odisha

Jharsuguda, March 2, 2026: Reaffirming the Church’s missionary mandate, the CCBI Commission for Proclamation, in collaboration with the Pontifical Mission Organizations, conducted an Ongoing Training and Formation Programme for the Odisha region on February 27–28 at the Utkal Jyoti Regional Pastoral Centre. Nearly 90 delegates representing dioceses across Odisha participated in the two-day gathering.

Centred on the theme “Empowered by the Spirit, Anchored by the Word and Sent for the Transformation,” the programme underscored the Church’s call to deepen missionary discipleship through the Holy Spirit and Sacred Scripture, with a renewed commitment to social transformation through Gospel values.

The formation opened with a prayerful inauguration marked by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, symbolising Christ as the Light of the World. Spiritual guidance was offered by Archbishop John Barwa and Bishop Kishore Kumar Kujur, who also coordinated the regional initiative with the support of the secretariat.

The celebration of the Holy Eucharist formed the spiritual heart of the programme. In his homily, Archbishop Barwa reflected on the witness of the Early Church, urging participants to proclaim the Gospel with courage and conviction amid contemporary challenges. Echoing this missionary call, Bishop Kujur reminded the assembly that the Church continues the saving mission of Christ entrusted by God.

The sessions explored the theological and pastoral dimensions of proclamation. Fr. Raju Mathew reflected on the missionary urgency exemplified by St. Paul, emphasising the responsibility of evangelisation. Fr. Paul D’Souza presented contextual and creative approaches to proclamation in the modern world, while Sr. Sheeba outlined the core content of the Kerygma, highlighting God’s love revealed in Christ as the foundation of personal conversion and social renewal.

The regional formation programme strengthened communion among the dioceses of Odisha and renewed participants as Spirit-filled proclaimers rooted in Scripture. The gathering served as a focused platform to revitalise missionary zeal and reinforce the Church’s commitment to proclaim the Gospel with clarity and conviction across the region.

By Fr. Raju Mathew