ASIA/INDIA - Help marginalised peoples though education: papal nuncio addressed Bishops of India as they start their plenary assembly

Bangalore (Fides Service) - “In order to bring the joy of the Good News to the poor and marginalised people we must use the most powerful means at the Church’s disposal: education” said the papal nuncio in India Archbishop Pedrolopez Quintana during Mass for the opening of the first 2006 general assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India CBCI in Bangalore, capital of Karnataka state, 8 -15 February. The Bishop members of the Conference are of Latin, Syro-Malankara and Syro-Malabar rite. The general assembly held twice a year offers the Bishops an important opportunity for in depth analysis, reflection and planning.
The topics chosen for 2006 highlight two areas in which the Catholic community in India has always been fully committed: education, guaranteed by numerous Catholic schools of all grades and with a high percentage of non Christian pupils; and secondly following the example of one of India’s most famous adopted daughters Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, loving care for marginalised people, abandoned in their poverty on the margins of Indian society.
In his opening address the president of the Bishops’ Conference Cardinal Telesphore Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi said Catholics should consider education as part of the Church’s mission to improve the living conditions of the poor. He recalled that “Catholic schools are open to all citizens with no distinction of religion, caste or race. But they are there above all for the poor and marginalised people”, a fact which has promoted development in India.
The Cardinal recalled that Catholic schools, first opened in the 19th century, make education until then only for the elite accessible to all” helping to free people from the oppression of the caste system and open the way for tribal peoples to obtain representation and participation in political activity.
The CBCI has 205 members: 3 cardinals, 29 archbishops, 137 bishops, 36 retired bishops. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 10/2/2006 Righe: 26 Parole: 268)