At the invitation of the
“Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India” (CBCI), Cardinal Paul Josef
Cordes, President of the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum”, the
Dicastery of the Holy See responsible for promoting the charitable
activities of the Holy See, will travel to India from 15-19 February
for a meeting with the Bishops, gathered at their Plenary Assembly
in Jamshedpur.
The aim of the visit is to strengthen the witness of the Catholic
Church in the field of charity, which continues to be visible
through numerous works. Christians in India already provide 20% of
India’s elementary education; they secure 25% of the care for widows
and orphans and 30% of the care of the handicapped, lepers, and
those suffering from AIDS. Today, there are new challenges and
opportunities. With its 1.2 billion inhabitants, India is a rapidly
developing nation from the economic and social standpoints with
important consequences for those organizations operating on the
charitable level. The mission of diakonia remains
indispensable both for the poor and the very essence of the Church.
Since diakonia is one of the three missions of the Church,
the role of the Bishop or local Ordinary is primordial: indeed, the
ultimate responsibility for charitable action is his. Cardinal
Cordes wishes to encourage the Indian Prelates in this competence.
The first part of the visit will be a visit to the tomb of Blessed
Teresa of Calcutta, followed by time at the houses she founded for
the poor and suffering.
Vatican City, 16 February 2008
