The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) has released a new document titled Pilgrims of Hope: Discerning the Synodal Path, a product of broad-based consultation within the Church aimed at deepening synodality across India.
According to Fr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of CCBI, the document is the culmination of an extensive participatory process involving the lay faithful, clergy, religious, and bishops.
It evolved through a preparatory phase, a working document, and was finalized during the CCBI’s 36th Plenary Assembly, held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from January 28 to February 4, 2025.
The Assembly gathered 145 bishops, archbishops, and cardinals from 132 dioceses across India, along with 55 clergy and religious representatives.
The gathering focused on the theme “Discerning Synodal Pathways for Mission”, and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to communion, participation, and mission.
Aligned with the CCBI’s overarching Pastoral Plan: Mission 2033, the document offers strategic directions to address emerging challenges and revitalize evangelization efforts.
It identifies sixteen key themes for reflection and action, including inclusivity, social justice, and spiritual renewal.
Specifically, the themes encompass faith formation and the Word of God, children, family, youth, laity, basic ecclesial communities, migrants, refugees, socially excluded groups, Dalits, tribals, Adivasis, indigenous peoples, women, gender justice, poverty, an equitable economy, digital technology, social media, ecology, climate stewardship, ecumenism, interreligious dialogue, and peacebuilding.
These areas of focus, according to the document, are “rooted in prayerful reflection and guided by the Holy Spirit,” and align with the broader Pastoral Plan, Journeying Towards a Synodal Church: Mission 2033.
In a circular accompanying the release, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the CCBI, called on dioceses to actively engage with the document’s contents.
He said, “Together, a clear vision for a truly synodal Church has been outlined.” Emphasizing the collective pastoral responsibility, he added, “As Shepherds of the People of God, we have a collective responsibility to animate this process at every level, ensuring that all members of the Church actively participate in this sacred journey.”
Pilgrims of Hope outlines essential pathways for the Church’s future, including the strengthening of shared baptismal responsibility, fostering of lay leadership, promotion of collaborative governance, and an embrace of the spiritual and cultural richness of the Indian and Asian context.
The CCBI urged all faithful to embrace this synodal renewal and “walk together as pilgrims of hope, led by the Holy Spirit, toward a more inclusive, participatory, and mission-driven Church.”
