The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India centered discussions on youth safeguarding, ecological justice, and poverty on the second day of its National Synodal Assembly.
Meeting under the theme “Synodal Pilgrimage of Hope,” participants examined pastoral responses to young people and the poor, alongside the Church’s role in addressing social inequality and environmental challenges.
The day opened with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Peter Machado of Bengaluru, who called on participants to remain rooted in Christ and to walk together as pilgrims of hope.
Reflecting on the Emmaus journey, he urged a renewed commitment to accompany people, especially in times of uncertainty, and to remain attentive to the marginalized.
Deliberations focused on two key areas: youth and children, and poverty and ecology.
In the session on youth accompaniment, moderated by Fr. Suresh Mathew, presenters highlighted the need for age-specific pastoral care and stronger safeguarding measures.
Discussions pointed to the importance of awareness, reporting mechanisms, and a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, alongside efforts to foster deeper belonging among young people.
Participants also underscored the role of peer support, mentoring, and pastoral guidance, as well as closer collaboration between families and parishes.
The assembly noted the need to create spaces for youth leadership and to engage more meaningfully in digital environments.
A separate session on integral ecology and social inequality, moderated by Olinda Timms, examined the links between environmental concerns and persistent poverty.
Drawing from Laudato Si’, presenters highlighted the call to respond to both environmental degradation and human suffering, urging sustainable lifestyles and ecological justice.
The session also noted widening disparities despite economic growth, pointing out that poverty extends beyond income to include access to dignity, education, and healthcare.
The day concluded with moments of silence, prayer, spiritual conversation, and Eucharistic adoration, as participants continued discerning pathways toward a more inclusive, just, and missionary Church in India.
