A Call to Journey Together in Faith: Synodal Renewal 2026–2033

I am pleased to present to you the awaited Diocesan Pastoral Plan. This document is the fruit of a long journey that began with the earlier pastoral plan of 2002. It has been enriched by the insights gained during the synodal process and harmonized with the vision of the National Pastoral Plan of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India.

Over the past years, we have journeyed together—clergy, religious, and laity—to reflect, discern, and plan the future of our Diocese. Through prayerful reflection, sincere dialogue, and attentive listening, we have sought to discern the voice of God. As Pope Francis reminds us, “A synodal Church is a Church which listens… in which everyone has something to learn.” In this spirit of communion, participation, and mission, we have arrived at a renewed vision and mission for our Diocese. We have also identified key areas of our apostolate and formulated concrete, time-bound action plans, keeping in mind the realities and needs of our local Church.

While this document may not include every suggestion that emerged during the consultations, it faithfully presents the essential vision, mission, priorities, and action plans for our Diocese. The process itself has been a grace-filled journey, marked by your active participation and generous cooperation, for which I express my sincere gratitude.

However, the real challenge now lies ahead. The success of this Pastoral Plan depends not merely on its formulation, but on its faithful implementation. This calls for renewed commitment, collaboration, and unity among all of us. We are invited to work together so that every individual, every family, every parish, and the entire Diocese may become a living sign of God’s presence— “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14), “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13), and the leaven that transforms society (cf. Matthew 13:33).

As a missionary Diocese, we are called in a special way to proclaim the Good News. The Risen Lord commands us: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Echoing this call, Pope Francis urges us, “We cannot remain passive; we must go out and bring the Gospel to all.” Evangelization, therefore, is not one activity among many; it is the very identity of the Church.

The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India reminds us that the Church in India is called to be “a communion of communities, witnessing to Christ through proclamation, dialogue, and service.” This Pastoral Plan seeks to translate that vision into concrete action within our Diocese.

At the same time, authentic evangelization requires personal conversion. As the Word of God reminds us, “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2). If we desire to build a just and peaceful society, we must begin with ourselves. As evangelizers, catechists, educators, social workers, and disciples of Christ, we are called to witness to the Gospel through a radical change of heart. As Pope Francis further reminds us, “The Church grows not by proselytism but by attraction.” Our lives must become credible witnesses to Christ.

In continuity with the missionary vision of the Church, and inspired by the call to renewed evangelization, we are reminded that the Church must remain a community on mission, rooted in Christ and reaching out to the peripheries with courage and hope. This challenges us to move beyond our comfort zones and reach out especially to the poor, the marginalized, and those who have not yet encountered Christ.

In his Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio Ineunte, Pope John Paul II calls us to begin anew with zeal and hope, reminding us that the harvest is plentiful. Indeed, much remains to be done in our Diocese. Let us, therefore, be filled with the same missionary zeal of Christ, who said, “I have come to bring fire upon the earth, and how I wish it were already blazing!” (Luke 12:49).

I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to all who have contributed to this process. I especially thank Rev. Fr. Joe Xavier, S.J., and Rev. Fr. Charles Leon, Deputy Secretary of the CCBI Commission for VSCR, for their guidance. I thank Fr. John Maria Vianney for his leadership in steering the formulation of this Pastoral Plan. I also thank all the clergy, religious, and lay faithful, as well as the core and drafting committees, for their dedicated efforts.

I entrust the implementation of this Pastoral Plan to the loving care of St. Joseph, our patron, and to the maternal protection of Mary, our Blessed Mother.