Archbishop Francis Kallarackal of Verapoly has urged the laity to fulfill its responsibility toward the Church.
“The laity is a core part of the church and it should fulfill its responsibility to bear the witness of Christ to the world,” he said Friday during the inauguration of the three-day Kerala Catholic Laity Assembly 2013 in Kochi.
He asked the laity to use the powers of sacrifice and love to spread the message and words of Christ to ward off evil in the world.
“The laity’s voice will be heard,” the prelate said, adding that people should be careful to follow what they preach.
“If your deeds follow your words, your voice will come across strongly to the public. This will also help in strengthening the progress of the Church,” he said.
He also referred to the experience of the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah and the strong prophetic messages of Christ during the inauguration.
The assembly discussed the roles conferred on the laity at the Second Vatican Council and the issues plaguing the Dalit Christians in India.
There were also discussions on the Christians’ role in social development, history.
Justice Cyriac Joseph, parliamentarian Charles Dias, Bishop Varghese Chakkalackal (Laity Commission, Chairman), Bishop Mathew Anikuzhikattil ( Laity Commission, Vice-Chairman) were also present at the assembly.
(http://www.ucanindia.in/news/laity-should-fulfill-its-duty-toward-church-prelate/20733/daily)
