Guwahati, March 27, 2026: The Diocesan Pastoral Council of the Diocese of Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh was convened on March 25–26 at the Divine Retreat Centre, Gumto under the theme “Visualizing the Shape of the Church in Itanagar Diocese by the Jubilee Year 2030.” The gathering brought together clergy, religious, and laity to reflect on the future direction of the local Church in a spirit of synodality and mission.
The programme began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Rt. Rev. John Thomas, Bishop Emeritus of Itanagar, who in his homily called upon priests, religious, and laity to work in unity to build a vibrant and faith-filled Church where the Gospel may take deep root.
The inaugural session commenced with a welcome address by Rev. Fr. Jacob Mattathilany, Vicar General of the Diocese. Rt. Rev. Benny Varghese, Bishop of Itanagar, in his introductory address, underlined the importance of the Diocesan Pastoral Council as a forum for fostering collaboration among all sections of the faithful in building a Christ-centred and participatory Church.
The first session, led by Rev. Fr. G. P. Amal Raj, Deputy Secretary of the North East India Regional Bishops' Council, focused on “Journeying Towards a Synodal Diocese.” He explained the concept of synodality through its essential dimensions of communion, participation, and mission, while outlining the responsibilities of the faithful, clergy, and leaders, along with the challenges and practical steps required for nurturing synodal parishes.
This was followed by a thought-provoking session by Rev. Fr. Kuriakose of Oriens Theological College on “Mission Paradigms: Revitalizing the Ministry of Evangelization.” He presented a broad overview of the growth of the Church in Asia, India, and the Northeast, and reflected on the self-propagating nature of the early Church in Arunachal Pradesh. He urged a renewed missionary spirit in view of the approaching Jubilee milestones, inviting the Diocese to envision a Church that is worshipping, welcoming, witnessing, and rooted in its cultural identity, with emphasis on dialogue, care for the poor, and a spirituality of hope.
A further session by Mr. Bedarius Shylla, Regional Secretary of the Regional Laity Commission, Shillong, highlighted the vital role of the laity in the mission of the Church, drawing inspiration from First Epistle of Peter (1 Peter 2:9). He stressed the need for active lay involvement through family prayer, catechetical formation, collaborative leadership, and attentive engagement with the younger generations.
The day also provided space for meaningful group discussions, during which participants reflected on key pastoral concerns, including youth ministry and the strengthening of Christian families, offering constructive suggestions. The first day concluded with Eucharistic Adoration, bringing together all participants in a spirit of unity and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
The second day opened with a session by Rev. Fr. Kuriakose on the existential realities of the Church today and pathways for effective evangelization within the Diocese, encouraging a deeper commitment to becoming a truly synodal and missionary Church. This was followed by further group deliberations, during which concrete action plans were formulated and shared in an atmosphere marked by openness and mutual respect.
The Council concluded with a recollection and the solemn celebration of the Chrism Mass, presided over by the Bishop along with the Bishop Emeritus and priests of the Diocese, leaving participants with a renewed sense of communion, purpose, and commitment as the Diocese journeys towards the Jubilee Year 2030.
Reported by Sr. Likha Naina FMA