Indian Liturgical Association (ILA)
One of the principal instruments of liturgical renewal in the hands of the National Biblical, Catechetical and Liturgical Centre (NBCLC) and the National Commission for Liturgy (NCL) was the All-India Liturgical Meetings (AILM). The meetings were organized in three stages: a short meeting of the National Commission for Liturgy consisting of the three bishops and the secretary; a one day meeting of the same Commission with its consultors and the directors of the regional centres; and a general assembly of all the participants, namely, the members and consultors of the National Liturgical Commission, the directors or secretaries of Diocesan Centres or Commissions and special invitees from various sectors of the Church. Apart from presenting reports about the progress made since the previous meeting and evaluating the status quo, the meetings discussed on important topics concerning liturgy. The thrust of the meeting usually found expression in a final statement which often clearly formulated the orientation for the subsequent three years. This venture facilitated in focusing on a common goal and orientation for all those involved in the liturgical apostolate, whether at the national, regional or diocesan level.
From 1968 onwards the All-India Liturgical Meetings were convened by the CBCI Commission for Liturgy, in which participation included the members of the Commission together with the consultors, secretaries of regional and diocesan liturgical commissions, professors of liturgy in major seminaries and houses of formation and lay people. They came together to study major topics, to propose policy outlines and to plan programs of liturgical renewal in the country. These were submitted to the CBCI for its consideration and decision. The primary purpose of these meetings was to animate the clergy and the faithful, the vast majority of whom were unprepared to face the rapid changes initiated by the Second Vatican Council in the liturgical life of the Church, both in its perspective as well as its forms of worship. Eight All-India Liturgical Meetings took place during the post-Conciliar period under consideration.
From 1988 onwards we have the Indian Liturgical Association (ILA), continuing in the same direction followed by the All India Liturgical Meetings. It is a forum for all those are qualified in Liturgy to come together and discuss on matters pertaining to liturgy and to conscientize the leaders and faithful of the Church in India to celebrate and promote liturgy in the spirit and manner as envisaged by the reform of the Second Vatican Council.