'Own your Indian identity,' says Indian Cardinal in Rome addressing priests and nuns

Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) and Archbishop of Daman and Goa, urged Indian priests, nuns, and brothers in Rome to uphold their culture and national identity during a meeting at the Collegio Urbano in Vatican City on October 30.

Cardinal Filipe Neri stated, “Within the Latin Church in India, we are blessed with a tapestry of beautiful cultures, languages, ethnicities, and rituals. As members of this diverse community, it is paramount that we preserve our sense of identity and connection to our roots in India, even when we are far from home."

"Let us draw inspiration from Roman culture and our faith, allowing it to empower and motivate our personal and spiritual growth,” said the cardinal.

The Rome CCBI unit organized the event, and before the meeting, Cardinal Filipe Neri presided over a deeply meaningful Eucharistic celebration in the Collegio Urbano chapel, where Archbishop George Antonysamy, CCBI Vice President and Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore, preached.

Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, played a pivotal role in facilitating the gathering.

Bishop Vadakumthala, the Bishop of Kannur, led a prayer at the beginning and Cardinal Anthony Poola, the Archbishop of Hyderabad, led a prayer at the end.

The Chaplain for Indians in Italy, Father Paul Sunny, welcomed all the dignitaries warmly.

Additionally, Bishop Armando Nugnes, the Rector of Collegio Urbano, addressed the gathering, and Father Jayanth Rayan, the Tamil Community Chaplain, proposed a moving vote of thanks.

Under the auspices of the CCBI, over 300 Indian priests, sisters, and brothers attended the gathering.

On October 29, 2023, the CCBI's officials returned from Rome after attending the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.

In Rome, seven distinguished CCBI delegates participated in this important synod. -With inputs from CCBI