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Indo-Bangla Sub-Zone Hosts Seminar on JPIC Ministry at Snehalaya, Indore
Indore, India, March 5, 2025: The Indo-Bangla Sub-Zone organized a three-day seminar for all JPIC (Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation) coordinators and those involved in the JPIC ministry from March 3-5, 2025, at Snehalaya, Indore.
The seminar saw the participation of 36 confreres, two SSpS sisters from India, and Fr. Pacula Mariusz, SVD from Bangladesh. The seminar was effectively organized by Fr. Russel Xess SVD, the ASPAC JPIC Coordinator.
The keynote address was delivered by Fr. Richard Quadros SVD, the General JPIC Coordinator, who elaborated on the Biblical understanding of JPIC, its present-day relevance, structural functioning within society, constitutional amendments, challenges, and expectations from JPIC coordinators.
He also shed light on the role of the inter-provincial JPIC board and the Generalate coordinator. A dynamic interaction session followed, during which Fr. Richard provided valuable insights into transitioning from a charity-based approach to a people development-oriented approach.
Adding to the discussions, Mr. Cyril Victor Prakash, a freelancer, shared his experiences regarding the role of NGOs in social responsibility. Advocate Rajesh Joshi provided insights into the legal implications of social work, anti-conversion laws in the country, and how to effectively conduct programs in public spaces.
An evening session saw a crucial discussion on contemporary challenges in JPIC ministry. A key takeaway from this discussion was the need to harness the power of media to further the mission effectively.
The second day commenced with the Holy Eucharist, celebrated by Archbishop Emeritus of Bhopal, Abp. Leo Cornelio. Fr. Preetam Vasuniya, the resource person for the day, spoke on the theme “JPIC in the Shadow of Laudato Si.“ He highlighted the Biblical foundations of environmental protection, relevant Church documents, contemporary thought, and practical solutions to existing problems.
Fr. Babu Jose, in charge of VIVAT India, provided an overview of VIVAT International, emphasizing its advocacy role rather than being a funding body. Meanwhile, Fr. Mariusz, the mission superior of Bangladesh, shared his experiences about ministry and life in Bangladesh.
During the noon break, Fr. Richard convened a special meeting with all JPIC coordinators, attended by the National Mission Secretary and the ASPAC Communication Coordinator. He urged for teamwork among Characteristic Dimensions (CDs) and emphasized the need for synergy between JPIC and VIVAT India and international bodies.
He also called for the timely submission of the PRM annual report and proposed the idea of a common research-based project for the year. Additionally, Fr. Richard shared opportunities for confreres to intern at VIVAT International in New York and Geneva and suggested bringing all CD coordinators together as one ASPAC zone.
The final session revolved around sharing experiences of migration ministry across different PRMs. Coordinators discussed success stories, challenges, and the broader scope of migration ministry. The seminar concluded with small group discussions where coordinators formulated action plans for their respective PRMs and zones.
The seminar proved to be an enriching and insightful gathering, reinforcing the need for strategic collaboration and a strengthened commitment to justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.
The Indo-Bangla JPIC seminar at Snehalaya, Indore, successfully brought together coordinators and experts to discuss key issues in justice, peace, and environmental advocacy. The sessions provided valuable insights into structural challenges, legal implications, and the role of media in strengthening JPIC initiatives. Emphasizing teamwork, advocacy, and research-based approaches, the seminar encouraged greater collaboration between JPIC, VIVAT India, and international bodies.
The discussions also highlighted the need for a shift from charity-based efforts to people development-oriented approaches for sustainable impact. Overall, the seminar fostered a strong commitment to JPIC’s mission, equipping participants with strategies to address contemporary social challenges effectively.
Fr. Anthony Swamy, SVD
ASPAC Communication Coordinator
