The illustrious decade of Pope Francis’ papacy was conjured-up in a two-day seminar with the theme “A Decade of Legacy: Pope Francis Vision of the Church,'' at Kristu Jyoti Theological College, Bengaluru, on 26 th  & 27 th  September 2023. Beginning with novices of (UMI) the Ursulines of Mary Immaculate and of Saint Annes of Bangalore, Consecrated sisters and brothers of neighbouring institutions, the students of the theological college plunged deep with five well-researched talks and emerged as protagonists of the renewed vision of the pilgrim Church as envisaged and lived by the Supreme Pontiff Francis for a decade.

At the very inception of the grace-filled event, the august gathering was welcomed by Rev Dr. Shabu Thottumkal SDB, the Principal of Kristu Jyoti College.  Rt. Rev. Dr. Tony Neelankavil D.D, Auxiliary Bishop of Thrissur-Kerala, in his inaugural keynote address ushered the participants to Pope Francis’ vision of the Church. The Church is not some kind of a dead-horse that needs to be whipped-up to life. Instead, it is a living and dynamic divine reality. The ever mesmerising facet of Pope Francis, with sleeves rolled up is in the thick of the action. He does not stay aloof from realities that weigh down humanity. He drew his keynote address to a close by inviting the listeners “To enlarge the space of your tent and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back, lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes” (Is 54:2).

Rev. Dr. Mahimai Dass in the first talk gave voice to the “Historical evolution of Ecclesiology till the Papacy of Pope Francis.” Being an expert chronicler of Church History, he took the congregation through an adventurous journey of two thousand years of the history of the Church and situating central themes from the history to the present context of the 226 th  Pope Francis.

“The People’s Church: The Ecclesial Vision of Pope Francis,” was presented by Rev. Dr. Lourdsamy. Very rightly he cited distinguishing characteristic traits of Ecclesiology of Pope Francis, which is a further reflection of the Second Vatican Council, namely: (1) listening and dialogue, (2) Personal involvement and (3) an engagement in the lives of the poor.

A six-speaker panel set aside to deliberate about teachings, role and the journey of Pope Francis. Each of the six panellists shared their valuable insights and findings on Pope Francis. Rev. Dr. Seby Kidangan SDB presented on the “Canonical Reforms of Pope Francis” wherein he underscored the various canonical changes made by Pope Francis with but one focus to elicit the motherhood of the Church. Norms are but guiding principles and not that of a policeman waiting to reprimand or condemn.

Sr. Mary Pavitra SJT verbalized the theme: “Pope Francis: A Global Model of Leadership.” She enlisted the significant traits of Pope Francis as being the Servant Leader, his love for the migrants, nobility in washing the feet of the prisoners, having the smell of the sheep and reminding that Church is of the poor and for the poor.

“Identity and Belonging: Church’s Encounter with Young People” was dispensed by Fr. Cyrus Kattungal Thayyil. In his presentation Fr Cyrus reiterated that before we talk to young people we need to talk with young people. The youth ministry of the Church needs to move from a programme-centered to the person-centered approach. The ministers need to make the youth ministry a kerygma-with focus on God-Experience which is different from mere entertainment.

A “Shift from Ecological Awareness to Biophilia” was vocalized by Dn. Gangmei Samuel SDB. Ecological awareness of Pope Francis, a movement towards integral ecology keeping in mind the sacredness and interconnectedness of all life was put-forth before the congregation.

Fr. Manuel D’Silva brought out “Liturgical Implications of Magisterium of Pope Francis.” Having cited examples, he rightly stressed the need for a more inclusive approach as seen in the Magisterium of Pope Francis and a greater embrace of the Liturgical reform indicated by the Second Vatican Council.

An enriching interactive session closely followed the six speakers and their presentation. The floor was open and the participants were able to clarify doubts and put forth their questions. The first day of the seminar ended with the singing of the National Anthem.

The following day’s programme began with a prayer moment. In the previous day, the talks and presentations were focussed more on history and doctrine while on the second day more focus was on the praxis, the ministry.

“Re-vitalising the Catholic Mission: Pope Francis and Evangelisation,” was delivered by Rev. Dr. Antony Lawrence. In his sharing, he highlighted three different points, namely: (1) the basic attitude of Pope Francis on Evangelisation, (2) Evangelisation in the Indian context and (3) the different paradigms of Pope Francis’s mission and Evangelisation.

Dr. A. Pushparajan put into words the theme, “Journeying Together: Pope Francis’ Ecumenical Initiatives.” The key emphasis of his paper was on the need to harken the plea of Pope Francis. “We must work together: the people, the bishops and the Pope.” Dr Pushparajan opined that Pope Francis leads a distinctively ecumenical papacy wherein Pope Francis is implementing the import of Synodality within the Church, ecumenical communion and between different faiths.

“Embracing the Gifts of Women – Pope Francis’ Vision of An Inclusive Church,” was voiced out by Sr. Bincy George DPMT. In her presentation, Sr. Bincy brought to the fore Pope Francis’ new vision for the equal dignity of women and men in the Church. She skilfully cited examples of how the Pope walks the talk of women equality through inclusive Church. She scholarly summarised the various efforts of Pope Francis. She round off with: “We, the women and men of the church, we are in the middle of a love story: each of us is a link in this chain of love. And if we do not understand this, we have understood nothing of what the Church is.”

The grand finale, the most exciting moments of the second day was the Mega quiz competition on Pope Francis. Students from every department of Philosophy, Theology, Diploma in Youth ministry and Catechetics and Masters of Theology and novices of the Saint Annes and (UMI) Ursulines of Mary Immaculate sisters formed part of the sixteen teams that contested. The winners were awarded with the most attractive prices. Towards the close of the seminar, a synthesis of the two days programme was highlighted by Rev. Dr. Sunil Jose SDB. A vote of thanks proposed by Deacon Thomas SDB and the two day seminar was brought to a close with a hymn to the Vicar of Christ imploring God’s grace and guidance on the Holy Father Pope Francis.

Report by
Sr Joyly FMA