Our Activities

Coordination of the Liturgical Initiatives at the National Level

The CCBI Commission for Liturgy organizes various programmes throughout the year to instil in the minds of the clergy, religious and the laity on different themes on Liturgy. The Commission organizes courses on liturgy. The duration of the courses varies as per the target group. We have an ‘online’ three months course, summer ‘online course’ and residential course etc., This year the Commission intends to launch a yearlong ‘online’ diploma course in Liturgy. The Commission also organizes meetings at the national level on matters liturgical, for the analysis of liturgical texts and at the beginning of a particular liturgical seasons.

Examination of the Texts forwarded by the ICEL for Publications

It is an ongoing process to analyse the liturgical texts forwarded by the ICEL Central Committee. The Commission’s task is to forward our comments and indications both for the ‘Green’ as well as the ‘Gray Books’ of the ICEL. Currently the Commission, with the assistance of the experts, are analysing the Green Book containing the draft translation of the Roman Maryrology. The CCBI from time to time publishes the liturgical books after the approval by the Holy See and approval of the CCBI General Body. At present the Commission is involved in the examination of the final draft of the “Chapel Edition” of the Roman Missal. It has also finished working on the texts for publication of the following books: a. Ritual of Ordination, b. Ritual of Marriage, and c. Ritual of Blessing of Oils.

Dissemination of the Liturgical Information at the Regional and Diocesan Levels

It is the primary duty and responsibility of the Commission to disseminate any important and relevant liturgical information from the Universal Church as well as from the National Episcopal Conference (CCBI). This would enable the leaders and the faithful to keep abreast of the liturgical directives and policies of the Mother Church.

Presentation of the Documents on Liturgy at the National and Regional Levels

The executive secretary animates various regions through classes and animation programmes. The first of the series was the animation of the Agra Regional Bishops and Priests meeting in Lucknow on 13th August 2022. The secretary presented the document “Desiderio Desideravi” and initiated a group discussion and chartered the way forward for the Agra Region from the reports presented by the forum. Another programme is in the offing for the Bihar Region in January and a national programme is being planned at St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute. Sessions on the Role of Lectors were conducted in two of the prominent parishes in Bengaluru. In addition, animation programmes were conducted by the secretary for young priests, deacons, students of theology and members of the consecrated life.

Publication of the Liturgical Ordo for the Year

The CCBI began to print the Liturgical Calendar for the Church in India since last year. This year too the commission prepared the text and is in its final stage. The commission intends to thank Fr. Stephen, the Deputy Secretary General and all those who assisted us in this process.

Guides and Directs the Regional Liturgical Commissions

The Commission has already organized a meeting of the Regional Secretaries under the leadership of our Chairman Rt. Rev. Peter Paul Saldanha on 10th August 2022. The agenda of the meeting included the message from the Chairman, stressing on the need to consolidate our efforts in the animation of our regions in matters liturgical and to ensure that all our efforts are based on net-working model. The secretary presented the latest apostolic exhortation of the Holy Father. “Desiderio Desideravi” and a discussion and clarification of various aspects of the document was done. We intend to organize a similar type of meeting from time to time.

Liturgical Assistance for the Week

The Commission is always vigilant and prompt to assist the celebrants and the communities to be sensitive to the significance of the liturgical days, especially respecting the seasons and grades of the liturgical days. This initiative, both for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and for the meaningful praying of the liturgy of the Hours, certainly will help the communities to celebrate the liturgy meaningfully and in a dignified manner.

Short Introduction for the Mass

The Commission was involved in providing the celebrants of the liturgical assemblies with suitable introduction to the Eucharist of the day. This is a humble venture to initiate our leaders of the faith communities to assist them and to conscientize them to prepare a suitable and appropriate introduction for the daily Eucharistic celebration