India prepares for the Jubilee with reflections on the Constitutions of Vatican II

14 November 2023

 

The clergy of the Diocese of Rayagada, under the leadership of their local bishop, Bishop Aplinar Senapati CM, reflected on the four Constitutions of the Second Vatican Council during their annual retreat. The event was held from 12 to 17 November 2023 in Rayagada and was led by the National Facilitating Team for the 2025 Jubilee.

Before the retreat, the religious and faithful of the diocese were invited to the Cathedral Church of Our Lady Queen of the Missions to pray for the success of their preparations for the 2025 Jubilee.

The introductory conference focused on Presbyterorum Ordinis, the Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests. Various topics regarding the Ministry of the Church and the Ministry of priests were explored in depth. The program saw debates on the function and life of the priest, the relationship of priests with others, the life of perfection and its spiritual requirements, namely obedience, celibacy, and poverty. The focus then turned to three dimensions of the ministry and life of the priest: ‘honorable’, ‘separate’, and ‘useful.

The main themes of the other conferences will be:

Dei Verbum: The Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation. Sacred Scripture, Sacred tradition, developing love for the Word of God and love for the Church.

Sacrosanctum Concilium: The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. Liturgy and worship, the sacraments and sacramentals, the Divine Office, the liturgical year, sacred music, art, sacred spaces, the document Desiderio Desideravi, conscience, cultivation of a sense of Mystery, and training for and from the liturgy.

Lumen Gentium: The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church. The Mystery of the Church, the people of God, the hierarchical structure, the laity, the call to holiness, the religious life; the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Gaudium et Spes: The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World. The dignity of the human person, the human community, the activity of the human person in the world, the role of the Church in the modern world, the family.