Itanagar Diocese Charts Synodal Pastoral Roadmap Towards Silver Jubilee in 2030

ITANAGAR, June 8, 2026 — The Diocese of Itanagar has taken a significant step in shaping its future pastoral direction as Church leaders, religious and lay faithful gathered for the third phase of the diocesan Pastoral Planning Process, focusing on a synodal vision leading up to the diocese's Silver Jubilee in 2030.

Held on June 3 under the theme “Journeying Together Towards 2030: A Synodal Church Renewed in Faith, through Participation, Communion, and Mission,” the meeting brought together 41 participants, including commission secretaries, deans, priests, religious sisters, catechists and lay representatives.

The gathering built upon two earlier consultation sessions conducted in April and May that engaged more than 300 members of the diocesan community in a broad process of listening and discernment. Those consultations identified seven key pastoral priorities that now form the foundation of the diocese's long-term vision.

Addressing the assembly, Bishop Benny Varghese Edathattel invited participants to prayerfully reflect on the question: “Where does God want the Church in Itanagar to be in 2030?” He encouraged them to dream boldly with God, remain attentive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and respond creatively to the pastoral challenges and opportunities facing the local Church.

The sessions were facilitated by Fr. Dr. Christopher Vimalraj, who introduced participants to the principles of strategic pastoral planning. He explained how a shared ecclesial vision can be translated into practical goals, objectives, measurable indicators and concrete pastoral initiatives.

Grounded in the synodal practice of Conversation in the Spirit, participants engaged in prayerful listening, dialogue and communal discernment. Through group discussions and plenary sessions, they worked collaboratively to develop a strategic framework for the future mission of the diocese.

The assembly focused on seven major pastoral priorities: faith formation and the renewal of catechesis, strengthening family life, revitalising Sunday liturgy, promoting youth participation, expanding missionary outreach, accompanying those who have drifted away from the Church, and fostering unity through synodal participation.

For each priority area, participants formulated goals, objectives, key performance indicators and practical action plans. Discussions reflected a shared commitment to deepening Christian formation, strengthening family and parish life, nurturing vibrant liturgical celebrations, engaging young people more effectively, advancing evangelisation efforts and building a more participatory and mission-oriented Church.

Marked by active engagement and a spirit of attentive listening, the meeting underscored the diocese's determination to move beyond vision statements toward measurable pastoral action. The outcomes of this phase are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the Diocesan Pastoral Plan and guiding pastoral ministry in the years leading to the Silver Jubilee celebrations.

Participants concluded the gathering with renewed hope and commitment, united by a shared vision of a synodal Church rooted in faith, communion and mission as it journeys toward 2030.

By Catholic Connect Reporter