Become Christ’s followers, not his fans

Feb 14, 2025

By Tessy Jacob
Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, urged India’s Latin rite bishops to become the disciples of Christ and not just his fans.

When Jesus worked miracles, He had many fans watching Him, but only a few chose to follow Him, said the nuncio in his homily at the opening Mass of the 36th plenary assembly of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI).

The CCBI, the largest national episcopal conference in Asia and the fourth largest globally, represents 132 dioceses and 209 bishops in India.

The January 28 - February 4 plenary on the theme, Discerning synodal pathways for mission, was held at the Xavier Institute of Management University in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha state in eastern India.

Reminding the bishops of their episcopal mission in India, the nuncio urged them to pray to the Holy Spirit for a greater opening to respond faithfully to the tasks and responsibilities of the Church.

The nuncio referred to the Gospel of the day, where Jesus denounces His sentimental attachments with His mother and embraces universal brotherhood, symbolically opening the door to people of all ethnicities and social status. He pointed out that unity comes from journeying together.

The nuncio applauded the Indian Church’s contribution towards the development of society. The current challenge of the Church is to engage with those who are deeply afflicted through climate change, poverty, and digital media, and those who remain excluded from our ecclesiastical structure, he said.

Archbishop Girelli expressed his concern about the emerging challenges in India. He affirmed that India is a land of the young, but finding a job for all is a challenge, and that leads to migration. He stressed that the Church has a role to play in addressing the causes of migration.

CCBI president, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, reminded the bishops that the hierarchy is not for power but for service, and the Church has a responsibility towards migrants and those in the periphery. There is a need to use the logic of encounter rather than the logic of confrontation as pilgrims of hope, he stressed.

Cardinal Ferrão, who is also the president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, highlighted the growing challenges to Christian living and religious freedom in India.

“India faces significant challenges in Christian living and religious freedom,” said Cardinal Ferrão. He noted the enactment of anti-conversion laws in 18 States and the increasing number of reported incidents of violence against Christians. He called for solidarity, prayer, and concerted action to uphold the dignity and freedom of the Church. -- Matters India