Purnea Bishop Urges Faithful and Reverent Celebration of Sacred Liturgy

Purnea, July 21, 2026: Bishop Francis Tirkey of Purnea called for deeper liturgical formation and faithful adherence to the Church's norms during a day-long seminar on the Sacred Liturgy organised by the Diocese of Purnea at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre on July 20.

The seminar brought together priests, religious and lay faithful for a day of formation and reflection on the meaning and importance of the Church's liturgical life.

Addressing the participants, Bishop Tirkey encouraged them to deepen their understanding and love of the Sacred Liturgy and to ensure its faithful and reverent celebration in their parishes, institutions and communities.

The main resource person, Fr Rudolph Raj Pinto, OCD, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Liturgy, Bengaluru, reflected on the nature and significance of the Sacred Liturgy, drawing particularly from the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and the liturgical norms of the Church.

Highlighting the central place of the liturgy in the life of the Church, Fr Pinto explained that it is the Church's public worship and the exercise of Christ's priestly office. Quoting Sacrosanctum Concilium, he recalled that the liturgy is "the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed and the font from which all her power flows."

He noted that through the Sacred Liturgy, particularly the celebration of the Eucharist, the faithful encounter the Risen Lord and participate in the saving mysteries of Christ.

The sessions sought to promote a deeper appreciation of the Church's liturgical life and encourage the faithful, reverent and dignified celebration of the sacred mysteries in accordance with the approved liturgical books and norms of the Church.

Fr Pinto also explained the theological significance of various rites, symbols, gestures and ministries within the liturgy. Stressing the importance of fidelity to the Church's prescriptions, he urged ministers to avoid personal innovations while ensuring the full, conscious and active participation of the faithful.

An interactive discussion was a significant part of the seminar, with participants raising questions concerning liturgical practices encountered in parish life. Fr Pinto responded to their queries with pastoral and theological insights, offering practical guidance based on the liturgical books and the authentic teaching of the Church.

Bishop Tirkey, in his address, emphasised the need for continuing liturgical formation among priests, religious and lay faithful. He said fidelity to the Church's liturgical norms helps safeguard the unity of worship and expresses the communion of the Church.

The Bishop thanked Fr Pinto for his presentations and urged the participants to translate the knowledge gained during the seminar into concrete practice, fostering a deeper liturgical spirit in their parishes, institutions and communities.

The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks to Fr Pinto and the participants for their active involvement. Bishop Tirkey invoked God's blessings upon those gathered, bringing to a close a day dedicated to deepening the diocese's understanding, celebration and love of the Sacred Liturgy.

By Secretary to Bishop

Fr. Anil Topno