New Delhi: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), the premier episcopal conference representing the Latin Catholic Church in India, celebrated a momentous occasion on Tuesday with the solemn blessing and inauguration of its newly renovated General Secretariat at 9-10, Bhai Vir Singh Marg, New Delhi. This event marks a significant chapter in the organization’s history and reaffirms its enduring presence in the nation’s capital.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the CCBI, who led the solemn proceedings. The building was officially inaugurated by His Excellency Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, underscoring the importance of the occasion within the Catholic Church hierarchy. Archbishop Peter Machado, Vice President of the CCBI, blessed the office block, while Archbishop Anil Couto of Delhi bestowed blessings on the residential section of the complex.
The event attracted a distinguished assembly of clergy, religious leaders, and lay representatives from across the National Capital Region. Archbishop Vincent Aind, Secretary General of the CCBI, extended a warm welcome to all attendees, setting a tone of unity and celebration. Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General, expressed heartfelt gratitude in his vote of thanks, acknowledging the collective efforts that brought the renovation project to fruition.
In a heartfelt gesture recognizing those who played pivotal roles in the renovation, the CCBI honoured several individuals for their dedication and expertise. Archbishop Anil Couto, Fr. Rohan Sequeira, Fr. Sunil Crasta, Fr. Joseph Elamthuruthy, architect Mr. Alex Joseph, and contractor Mr. Seby Andrews were each presented with traditional Indian shawls and commemorative mementos. Their contributions were instrumental in transforming the Secretariat into a modern facility equipped to support the CCBI’s expanding mission.
The Bhai Vir Singh Marg building holds deep historical significance for the CCBI. Initially established in Goa in 1988, the Secretariat relocated to New Delhi in 1992 and found its permanent home at this address in 1995. While the Bangalore Secretariat was inaugurated in 2002 and became the base for the Deputy Secretary General in 2003, the Delhi office remained a vital hub. After a period of being rented to Caritas India, the building now proudly resumes its role as the primary office of the CCBI General Secretariat in New Delhi, symbolizing the Latin Rite’s sustained presence in the capital.
Representing 132 dioceses and 209 bishops across India, the CCBI is the largest Bishops’ Conference in Asia and ranks fourth worldwide. Its extensive network is supported by 32 secretaries working across 16 Commissions, 7 Departments, and 4 Apostolates. The organization operates through multiple secretariats located in Bangalore (St. Thomas Town and Ulsoor), Faridabad, Goa, and Bhopal.
The inauguration of the renovated General Secretariat in New Delhi significantly enhances the CCBI’s capacity to serve the faithful and advance its mission across India, reaffirming its commitment to spiritual leadership and community engagement.
No dearth of buildings in the Catholic Church, so add one more 🙄