Bhatinda Deanery Launches Implementation of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan

The Bhatinda Deanery Implementation Strategy Meeting for the Diocesan Pastoral Plan 2026–2033 was held with great enthusiasm, bringing together 75 participants comprising priests, religious, and laity.

The gathering marked another significant step in the diocesan journey of implementing the Pastoral Plan through a synodal process of communion, participation, and mission.

The programme commenced with the Hymn to the Holy Spirit led by Fr. Reginald and Babuji Michael, invoking God's guidance for the day's deliberations.

This was followed by the lighting of the lamp by Most Rev. Dr. Sahaya Thatheus Thomas, Bishop of Simla–Chandigarh, Rev. Fr. Maria Selvadas (Vicar General), the Dean, a religious sister, a lay representative, a youth representative, Fr. John.

The Scripture Reading from Matthew 28:18–20, proclaiming the Great Commission, was read by Fr. Lino Santiago SFX, followed by a reflective Gospel-based prayer led by Fr. Ivin. The assembly then prayed the Pastoral Commitment Prayer, renewing their dedication to the mission of the Diocese.

In his keynote address, Most Rev. Dr. Sahaya Thatheus Thomas emphasized the central importance of family catechesis in nurturing faith within the domestic church. He also called upon all the faithful to participate actively in the threefold mission of Christ as Priest, Prophet, and King, encouraging every baptized person to become a joyful witness of the Gospel in daily life.

Fr. John Vianney, Coordinator of Commissions, presented the theme "We, the Synodal Church," highlighting the collaborative vision of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan and inviting all commissions, parishes, and faithful to journey together in communion and shared responsibility.

Delivering a session on "The Church Exists to Evangelize," Rev. Fr. Maria Selvadas, Vicar General, reflected on St. Devasahayam, the Patron of the Laity in India, presenting his life as a powerful witness of faith, courage, and missionary discipleship. He encouraged the laity to embrace their vocation with conviction and become active partners in the Church's mission.

Mr. Happy Shergill explained the process of implementation, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation, underlining the importance of accountability, collaboration, and regular assessment to ensure the effective realization of the Pastoral Plan.

The participants were then organized into four implementation groups under the guidance of Bishop Sahaya Thatheus Thomas, enabling fruitful discussions on strategies, responsibilities, and action plans for the coming years.

The programme concluded with words of gratitude proposed by Fr. Anil Sequeira, expressing appreciation to the Bishop, Fr. Ivo Dias SFX, diocesan implementation team, Mrs. Jenifer Tigga, clergy, religious, laity, organizers, and all participants for their wholehearted commitment to the mission of the Diocese.

As a concrete expression of the Diocese's commitment to integral ecology, the meeting concluded with a Green Drive – "Plant a Tree", followed by refreshments and the Bishop's final blessing.

The Bhatinda Deanery meeting reaffirmed the Diocese's determination to journey together as a synodal Church, committed to proclaiming the Gospel and building vibrant Christian communities through the faithful implementation of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan 2026–2033.