Cardinal Toppo asks bishops to rise above ritual observance

Cardinal and Archbishop of Ranchi in the Roman Catholic Church Telesphore Toppo today appealed to bishops to rise above ritual observance in quest for God.
"Do we find joy in our daily opportunities to encounter God? Or are we content just with ritual observance?" Cardinal Toppo said while addressing the 29th Plenary Assembly (general body) of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), the largest biennial meeting of Catholic clergy in Asia here, on the third day.
"We easily get energised with crowd pulling celebrations and get deviated by modern gadgets, but fail to live a life of deep encounter with Christ," he told the assembly of 131 Bishops.

Toppo called for a collectively reflection on importance of such encounters in life as Christian clergy "while we focus on family ministry (promote family relationship) which is founded on the bedrock of encounters."
In his address, Bhopal Archbishop Leo Cornelio said," The church in the state capital has maintained a reasonably good relation with the political heads and government officials."
He appreciated the healthy relationship, co-operation and unity of different religions in the city.
"The peaceful atmosphere of the city needs a special mention. The fast progressing Bhopal has helped the growth of the Church," Cornelio said.
He said Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has taken up the initiative to invite Christians and celebrate Christmas for the last five consecutive years (at his official residence).