Diocesan Pastoral Council of Simla-Chandigarh Calls for Renewed Evangelizing Commitment
The Diocese of Simla-Chandigarh convened at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Sector 19-A, Chandigarh, bringing together 278 participants from all five deaneries for a day of reflection, dialogue and pastoral planning.
The gathering opened with an invocation of the Holy Spirit, the lighting of the lamp and the proclamation of Mark 6:7–13, in which Jesus sends the Twelve to proclaim the Gospel. The passage set the tone for the day’s reflection on discipleship and evangelisation.
The Council reviewed the minutes of the previous DPC meeting and the Action Plan of the Regional Catholic Council (RCC), followed by presentations and discussions focused on pastoral coordination and effective follow-up. Particular attention was given to the RCC Action Plan on Youth Empowerment and the forthcoming action plan inspired by the theme “Go, Rebuild My Church,” commemorating the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi.
The principal session, led by Mr. Mathew Antony, Resource Person, explored the theme “Effective Evangelizers of Christ in a Synodal Church in the Context of the Encyclical Evangelii Nuntiandi of Pope Paul VI.”
He highlighted five priorities for effective evangelisation: being evangelised through personal conversion and renewal; witnessing through life and relationships; proclaiming Christ through the Kerygma and evangelising formation; building missionary parishes that move beyond maintenance to active outreach; and going to people in their concrete situations, with particular attention to inculturation and contextualisation in North India.
The session summed up the call to be transformed by the Gospel, witness through life, proclaim Christ, build communities of faith and reach people where they are. A further reflection on “Missionary Disciples of Christ” encouraged participants to express their faith more meaningfully in their families, parishes and society.
The Deanery-wise Group Discussion enabled representatives to share experiences, identify pastoral priorities and formulate concrete action points.
The groups presented their reflections to the gathering, fostering greater participation and shared responsibility.
The Council also reviewed the implementation of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan 2026–2033, focusing on translating its vision into practical initiatives at parish and deanery levels.
Addressing the gathering, Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Sahaya Thatheus Thomas emphasised that every disciple of Christ is called to share in His mission and bear witness to the Gospel. He encouraged the participants to see evangelisation not merely as a programme, but as a way of life rooted in Christ and expressed through communion, participation and service. He called for a renewed sense of shared responsibility among individuals, parishes and deaneries.
The gathering also strengthened fellowship and collaboration among the five deaneries, reflecting the synodal spirit of listening, discernment and journeying together.
The meeting concluded with words of gratitude, a concluding prayer and the Bishop’s blessing, followed by a fellowship meal.
The gathering ended with a renewed resolve to translate the Gospel into concrete pastoral action, authentic witness and meaningful outreach as the Diocese continues its journey towards 2033.
Mrs. Anna Minz
Secretary, DPC
