Vatican ambassador stress on witness through action

The Vatican Ambassador to India, Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, on Tuesday gave a strong call to Catholic churches and institutions to witness faith through action.

Archbishop Pennachio was speaking at the opening of the three-day Andhra Pradesh Mission Congress on May 8 in Vijayawada.

Addressing over 1500 delegates from the 13 dioceses of Andhra Pradesh, Archbishop Pennachio stressed for emulating Christ for building a just society.

He called for a threefold path for the renewal of the mission in Andhra Pradesh - "to go out and preach; proclaim the Word of God; and be a witness to what one proclaims".

He also emphasized on building the local Church in favour of the poor and marginalized to reveal the true compassionate face of Christ.

Christians are only pilgrims and should have no boundaries of race, caste and creed, he said exhorting Christians to become models of sacrifice and generosity.

While commending the services of thousands of nuns and priests in education, health and social service, Archbishop Pennachio recalled the life of Mother Teresa who dedicated fully for the betterment of the poor and weak.

Bishop Govindu Joji, the chairperson of the AP Mission Congress welcomed the gathering and stated that the purpose of the event was to review the local Church's commitment to the mission at all levels.

The Mission Congress concluded on Thursday with the release of a vision statement - 'Vijayawada declaration'.

According to the declaration, the church would train 2,000 priests and 6,000 nuns and brothers on welfare programs and governmental schemes for upliftment of the poor.

It also declared that every diocese would hold a similar congress at the district level every five years .

Nearly 500 priests and religious, and above 1000 lay faithful participated in the Congress that was held under the theme "Let Your Light Shine".

"The depth of faith manifested in the sharing sessions and speeches of the Mission Congress go to prove that the Church in Andhra Pradesh has come of age," said Fr Anthony Thumma, Deputy Secretary of Andhra Pradesh Bishops' Council.

"Enlivened and empowered by the Congress, the Church in AP is geared up to carry on boldly the Lord's mission," he added.