Navigating challenges and opportunities : an exploratory case study of the Eparchy of Gorakhpur, Northern India
James, Sibichen Kakkaniyil
James, Sibichen Kakkaniyil
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Abstract
The Eparchy of Gorakhpur, Northern India, is one of the relatively youngest eparchies of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. This case study explores the challenges and opportunities it faces and shapes its contours. This single case study uses a qualitative approach, drawing on email interviews with the local ordinary and clergy and synodal consultations and analyzing its annual report and other relevant documents. The findings reveal that the Eparchy’s current situation is filled with many challenges and opportunities, but they have found a way to succeed. These include a shortage of candidates for the priesthood, declining religious participation among the youth, and a lack of educational and economic opportunities. Moreover, it is located in a predominantly Hindu region, posing a challenge to evangelization efforts. However, the study also helped surface and identify opportunities for growth and reform in the Eparchy, such as a stable interest in Catholicism among local people, the presence of committed clergy and laypeople, and the support of a wider Syro-Malabar Church. This study concludes with lessons to address the challenges and maximize opportunities. These include improving the training and formation of clergy and laypeople, seeking assistance and human, financial, and technical resources from the Syro-Malabar Church, and exploring innovative ways of evangelization, such as using social media and online platforms.
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2023