In a significant stride towards transparency and accountability, Caritas India presented its two-year report at the 36th General Body Meeting of The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) held at St John’s Medical College in Bangalore. The meeting, which commenced on January 31 and is scheduled to conclude on February 7, has brought together over 190 bishops from across the country to deliberate on critical issues facing the Church and society at large.

This year’s CBCI plenary meeting is centered around the theme, “Church’s Response to the Current Socio-Political Situation in the Country and the Benefits and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence.” The choice of this central theme underscores the Church’s commitment to actively engage with the pressing issues of our time and provide meaningful responses to the challenges posed by the rapidly evolving socio-political landscape and the rise of artificial intelligence.

The General Body Meeting is a pivotal forum for bishops to collectively discern and strategize responses to religious, social, and national issues. Through collaborative efforts, the CBCI aims to address challenges and contribute to the welfare of communities across India. The meeting serves as a platform for the leaders of the Catholic Church in India to discuss and formulate strategies that will shape the Church’s role in the country’s socio-political context.
Highlighting the session, Caritas India, the humanitarian and development arm of the Catholic Church in India, presented its comprehensive two-year report covering the period of 2022-2023. The report, introduced by Caritas India Chairman Archbishop Sebastian, provided a detailed account of the organization’s progress in the social sector.

During the presentation, Fr. (Dr.) Jolly Puthenpura, Assistant Executive Director of Caritas India, delved into the various facets of the report. The presentation covered key areas, including the reach of Caritas India’s emergency and development programs, region-wise status of ongoing initiatives, progress in thematic interventions, financial updates, and a spotlight on Caritas India’s response to the Manipur ethnic violence.

The report highlighted the impactful role of Caritas India in addressing emergencies and contributing to sustainable development across different regions of the country. The organization’s commitment to humanitarian causes and its efforts in responding to the Manipur ethnic violence were particularly emphasized, showcasing the Church’s dedication to alleviating the suffering of those affected by conflicts.

As Caritas India continues its mission to uplift marginalized communities and promote social justice, the presentation at the CBCI General Body Meeting stands as a testament to the organization’s commitment to transparency and accountability. The bishops in attendance lauded the efforts of Caritas India and expressed their support for the organization’s initiatives, acknowledging the vital role it plays in furthering the Church’s mission in India.