We encourage priests to join CDPI – Abp Leo Cornelio

Madhya Pradesh, February 11, 2012: The four day general body meeting of the Conference of Diocesan Priests of India, Madhya Pradesh Chapter ended in Bhopal, Pastoral Centre with a clarion call of the Archbishop Dr. Leo Cornelio to all diocesan priests to join the CDPI. While addressing the meeting he said, “The past is over, common growth of the priests is very important to the very life of the Church. We, the bishops, will encourage all diocesan priests to join the CDPI. It is an association of priests that is meant to animate the communion of clergy and the common good of the Church… It is in line with the teachings of the Church.”

While responding to queries Bishop Chako, the Secretary of the Council of Catholic Bishops of MP said “There is no difference of opinion regarding the working of the CDPI. The priests and bishops speak in one voice – that we want CDPI to become a strong body to animate the Church. Bishops will work as fathers, brothers and friends of the priests”.

The statements of the Bishops is of added importance, given the long time face off on certain issues related to the life of clergy. Clergy in general has expressed happiness over the new relations that developed after this meeting. The meeting also appreciated the initiative of Bishop Chako for beginning the Clergy Personnel Board in the Indore diocese.

The meeting was also addressed by National & State President Fr. Dr. Francis Scaria, National Secretary Fr. Dr. John Kulandai, Bishop Deva Prasad Ganava of Jhabua diocese and priests from all over Madhya Pradesh and two observers from Chhattisgarh.

Fr. Dr. Francis Scaria expressed happiness over the welcome step initiated by the Archbishop Leo Cornelio and Bishops Council of Madhya Pradesh to strengthen the communion of diocesan clergy here. He said, “We are looking forward to this new sunrise. Every member of the organization must think of how to support each other to strengthen the Church. It is not just an organization, but a communion of the clergy to build the body of Christ.”

Meanwhile Fr. Dr. John Kulandai explained the purpose of CDPI. He said, “It is an organization designed to animate every priest to make a difference in being a priest. 

Bishop Deva Prasad Ganava said, “I am happy that in Jhabua diocese many priests are taking interest in CDPI, I look at it as an organization that helps priests to experience the communion of priestly life.”

It is the first general body meeting organized in Bhopal. The local organizer Fr. Maria Francis was appreciated by all for the smooth running of the programmes. The meeting was attended by eighty one priests from the State.

The meeting decided to organize a seminar on “Celibate Priesthood” in all dioceses in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.  The meeting also identified resource persons from the state for the same.

Fr. Francis Scaria announced that CDPI will be re-launching its website with profiles of all catholic diocesan clergy in the country. He said work on it has been going on for some time. This will also help pool in the talents among the diocesan clergy. 

– fr. anand muttungal