History of Caritas

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) at its meeting held from September 28th to 2nd October 1960 declared its decision to establish its “ social action arm” and named it Catholic Charities India (CCI). The CCI started working from 1st October 1962 with an Executive Director. The growth of Caritas can be classified into four phases as given below:

1. Becoming a Learning Organisation 1962- 76: In 1969, the CBCI approved the recommendation that the CCI be renamed as Caritas India and become a part of the network of Caritas Internationalis. The Governing Board decided to set up a Projects Selection Committee that could be labelled a “landmark” in the history of Caritas India. In fact 1973 could be identified as a turning point in the history of Caritas India - the first concrete step in the direction of BECOMING A LEARNING ORGANISATION. Special measures were taken to strengthen and streamline the working of Caritas India, with the following additions:

i) Constitution of a Finance Advisory Committee to advise Caritas India in all matters related to finance, budget preparation, internal auditing, investments and financial records.
ii) Constitution of the post of Deputy Executive Director to assist the Executive Director.
iii) Constitution of an Appointment Committee comprising six members to be able to recruit suitable personnel to strengthen the work of Caritas India

2. Transitional period - towards Animation - 1977-1982: The period has been termed as a “Transitional” phase because the first definitive steps towards change in the thrust and vision were taken during this period. Several Development Seminars and Adult Education Training Projects were organised in various Dioceses of the country in order to create awareness and prepare the Dioceses in moving away from charity and relief to development projects. The staff of Caritas India worked towards laying the foundation for the proposed changes in the thrust and set about developing the training components with renewed energy.

3. Becoming an Animation Organisation - 1983-1994: As the church began to realize that development begins with people and people are resources, Caritas India responded creatively by continuation of training programmes at various levels, preparation of learning materials, etc. Its annual campaign themes were focused on animation. The Governing Body of Caritas India appreciated these efforts and accepted 'Re-dedication' as the theme for the Silver Jubilee celebration of Caritas India (1987) after series of serious reflection and consultations. Its outcome resulted in CBCI mandating 'Animation' as the main thrust of Caritas India to work for the transformation of the society.

Some of the other major achievements during this period are:
i) Comprehensive project monitoring system (manual as well as computer-based)
ii) Well planned formats for programme planning and reporting.
iii) Recognition as an 'Animation / Development Organization'
iv) Publication of Booklets on 'Animation' and 'Methodology' of Christ.
v) Enabled most of our partners to move in to animation and supported all, through funds and capacity building.

4. Towards a new millennium - 1995 onwards as Capacity building Organisation The changing social political scenario in India as well as outside, the ever-changing and challenging development field and internal and external pressures have made us undertake the second organisational review process

5. Caritas – Paradigm shift - from 2007 onwards – Towards a new Caritas Caritas India after 35 years of its continued services opted for organizational development process. This is a self reflection process to make conscious efforts in strengthening the organization involving all the stake holders at various levels. In this process the strength, weakness, opportunities and threats were identified and the vision/mission statements revisited. This process helped redefine our roles and functions to work together to achieve organisational goals. Self reflection, vision/mission clarity, redefinition of goals and roles etc. are the mile stones in this process.

With the rearticulated Mission, strategic goals and thrust areas – we have a new organisational structure.