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