What Can St. Francis Teach the Church About Renewal Today?

The Church in northern India has called for renewed efforts to promote peace, justice, care for creation and solidarity with the poor, drawing inspiration from the life and spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi. The call emerged from the 64th Regional Catholic Council of the North, held at Maitri Bhavan Pastoral Centre in Jammu on September 26–27. The gathering was held under the theme, “Go, Rebuild My Church,” and marked the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis. Bishops, priests, religious and lay representatives from the four dioceses of the Northern Region gathered to reflect on Franciscan spirituality and consider how its values could be translated into concrete pastoral action. Sr. Dr. Dhanya, FCC, opened the reflection with a presentation on St. Francis of Assisi and his Gospel-centred vision for a Church in renewal. She highlighted simplicity, solidarity with the poor, reconciliation, justice and care for creation as important elements of Francis’ Christian witness. Fr. Suresh Mathew, OFM Cap., also reflected on the theme “Go and Rebuild My Church” and encouraged participants to put Franciscan values into practice through concrete initiatives focused on peace, poverty, justice and care for creation. The council also reviewed the implementation of the CCBI Pastoral Plan and reports from regional commissions. Participants discussed ways to strengthen pastoral cooperation and participation across the Northern Region. One major outcome was the preparation of six-month diocesan action plans centred on peace, poverty and justice. The four dioceses also proposed initiatives aimed at strengthening synodality and encouraging greater participation in the Church’s life and mission. The council reviewed earlier diocesan action plans and heard progress reports from diocesan secretaries. The discussions were intended to connect the Church’s spiritual reflection with practical pastoral work. The first day concluded with a Eucharistic celebration commemorating the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death. In his homily, Bishop Ivan Pereira of Jammu-Srinagar emphasised that inner transformation should come before efforts to reform the Church. The gathering concluded with another Eucharistic celebration on September 27, presided over by Archbishop Anil J. T. Couto of Delhi, marking the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. A cultural programme organised by the Migrant Commission of Jammu-Srinagar followed the celebration. The council’s discussions placed St. Francis’ example of Gospel-centred living at the heart of the Church’s call for renewal. Through action plans and greater participation, the Northern Region aims to translate these values into practical pastoral initiatives in the months ahead. The next Regional Catholic Council of the North is scheduled to take place in Jalandhar on March 6–7, 2027.