From Mandate to Mission: Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo Calls for Faith in Action
JALANDHAR, October 12, 2026: Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, chairman of the CCBI Pastoral Plan Facilitation Committee, has called for the effective implementation of the CCBI Pastoral Plan 2033 at the grassroots, with Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) playing a key role in translating its vision into action.
He was speaking at a one-day seminar organised at the Bishop’s House, Jalandhar, on October 12 for the regional executive secretaries of the commissions of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) in the Northern Region and the Diocesan Coordinators of the Diocesan Commissions.
The seminar brought together 20 participants from the dioceses of Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu-Srinagar and Jalandhar to review the pastoral plan and assess its implementation in the region.
Bishop Jose Sebastian Thekkumcherikunnel of Jalandhar welcomed Bishop Lobo and highlighted the importance of BECs in implementing the pastoral plan at the parish and diocesan levels. He also commended the CCBI’s efforts to facilitate its implementation across the regions.
Bishop Lobo, who led the seminar, outlined the background and significance of the CCBI Pastoral Plan 2033. Describing the plan as an expression of Christ’s mission entrusted to the Church, he reflected on Jesus’ own pastoral approach and stressed the need for systematic planning to guide the Church’s pastoral ministry.
During the afternoon session, the regional executive secretaries presented updates on the implementation of the plan in the Northern Region, sharing their experiences and progress.
The participants expressed their appreciation to Bishop Lobo for his guidance and to Bishop Jose Sebastian for hosting the seminar and supporting the initiative.
The seminar concluded at 4 p.m.
Fr. Antony Thuruthiyil
Deputy Secretary, Regional Bishops’ Council of the North (RBCN)
