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Time of India
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Will pray for new Pope, says Church in India
Panaji: The Church in India welcomed the election of Pope Leo XIV , and assured him of prayers. The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India ( CCBI ) – comprising bishops of the Latin rite in India – expressed great joy upon receiving the news. 'May his pontificate be marked by grace, courage, and deep love,' said CCBI vice-president, archbishop Peter Machado. Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops' Conference in India ( CBCI ) said it was a historic milestone where four Indian cardinals participated in the conclave, marking a significant moment in the Church's history in India. Archbishop of Goa and Daman Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, and auxiliary bishop Simiao Fernandes also extended their prayerful wishes and sentiments of filial devotion as Pope Leo XIV begins his ministry of shepherding the Catholic Church as the successor of the apostle, St Peter. In response to the Pope's first words, inviting the people to peace and dialogue and sharing God's love with all, without fear, they pledged their faithful obedience and support to the Vicar of Christ.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Church in India welcomes election of Pope Leo XIV and assures prayers
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV PANAJI: The Church in India welcomed the election of Pope Leo XIV and assured His Holiness of fervent prayers for the good of the Catholic Church and the well-being of all humanity. In a statement released on Friday, the Catholic Bishops' Conference in India (CBCI) said the Church in India pledges its total loyalty and allegiance to the new Pope Leo XIV . The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), comprising Bishops of the Latin Rite in India, also expressed heartfelt gratitude and great joy upon receiving the news. Archbishop Peter Machado, Vice President of the CCBI, assured the Holy Father of constant prayers and support from the Latin Church in India as Pope Leo XIV begins his sacred ministry. "May his pontificate be marked by grace, courage, and deep love. We invite all the faithful in India and all peoples of goodwill to join us in praying for Pope Leo XIV as he leads the Universal Church," Bishop Machado said. The CBCI said it was a historic milestone where four Indian Cardinals participated in the conclave, marking a significant moment in the Church's history in India.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
All catholic edu institutions remain shut in Mizoram to mourn pope's death
1 2 Aizawl: Catholic educational institutions in the Aizawl diocese remained closed on Tuesday to mourn the passing of Pope Francis, following a communique from Most Rev Stephen Rotluanga, Bishop of Aizawl Diocese. The announcement declared a nine-day mourning period (Novemdiales), as directed by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), in accordance with Catholic traditions upon the death of a pope. The Bishop said it is customary for the church to organise prayer services on the day of the funeral. "If it is a working day, the institutions will organise prayer service for the departed soul of the Supreme Pontiff in the respective institutions," he said. During the mourning period, all institutions will fly their flags, including the Vatican flag, at half-mast, while portraits of Pope Francis will be displayed in local churches and institutions. Faithful members have been encouraged to recite the rosary or divine mercy chaplet for nine consecutive days, he added. The Bishop also announced that a special requiem mass will be held at Christ the King Cathedral Parish in Kulikawn on the day of Pope Francis' funeral. Priests, religious leaders, and all faithful are invited to attend. Christ the King Cathedral, Mizoram's first Catholic parish, was built in 1927, marking a historical significance. Additionally, during the Easter Octave, the church will continue to celebrate daily mass but will omit the Pope's name in Eucharistic prayers until a new Pope is elected. Special prayers for the departed soul will be included, mentioning Pope Francis during the mourning period. On Monday, the Bishop expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of Mizoram's Catholic community, highlighting Pope Francis' lifelong dedication to God, the church, and uplifting the poor and less fortunate. Born in 1936, Pope Francis inspired Christians worldwide to live with courage, determination, and love.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Ferrao calls for tolling of bells, requiem Masses
Panaji: The Archbishop of Goa, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao , who is also head of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), has called upon all dioceses, parishes, religious communities, and families to observe nine days of mourning and to offer special prayers and requiem Masses for the repose of Pope Francis' soul. 'As a visible sign of our grief, church bells should be tolled to signify our sorrow and announce the passing away of our supreme pontiff,' said Ferrao. 'Wherever possible and considering local circumstances, I urge all dioceses to gather priests, religious, and lay faithful at the Cathedral, on a suitable day, to offer a requiem Mass uniting in prayer for the eternal repose of our beloved Holy Father. This will be an expression of our profound solidarity with the universal Church,' he stated. 'Pope Francis held a special love for India and longed to visit our land. He consistently reminded us of our duty to care for the poor and to build a synodal Church,' said Ferrao. Pope Francis canonised five Indian Saints — St Kuriakose Elias Chavara and St Euphrasia Eluvathingal on Nov 23, 2014, St Joseph Vaz on Jan 14, 2015, St Mariam Thresia Chiramel on Oct 13, 2019, and St Devasahayam Pillai on May 15, 2022. Ferrao said he is profoundly saddened at the passing away of Pope Francis, who was an 'inspiring and compassionate shepherd of the Church'. 'His unwavering commitment to the Church and his dynamic endeavours in promoting peace, inter-religious dialogue, social justice, and care for creation will be long remembered and cherished,' he said.
