Amritsar, Nov 2, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
The 29th Ordinary Diocesan Council witnessed a spectacular end with the Diocese of Amritsar (DoA), Church of North India (CNI), organizing a symbolic motorcycle ride under the aegis of The Most Rev Dr P K Samantaroy, Bishop, Diocese of Amritsar, Church of North India, to denote the diocese’s onward journey, in which the development of India remains a top priority.
Sporting India’s national flag along with the flags of the Church of North India and the diocese, the bikers led by The Most Rev Dr P K Samantaroy, went around the premises of the Alexandra School, Amritsar, the venue of the 29th Ordinary Diocesan Council. More than 200 people, including 76 delegates from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, and Kashmir, eight bishop’s nominees, 16 invitees, and 34 diocesan presbyters, attended the 29th Ordinary Diocesan Council.
The 29th Ordinary Diocesan Council laid the road map for the diocese’s future journey, fixing new targets and forming new committees to attain these goals. Stating that the diocese prioritizes the development of the nation, The Most Rev Dr P K Samantaroy reiterated the diocese’s commitment to continue working to promulgate peace and interfaith bonhomie through the education of the underprivileged children, the health of the masses, and social outreach programmes.
“The Diocese of Amritsar, Church of North India, is an ecumenical and interfaith community. The DoA, CNI, is committed to fighting for the rights of society’s oppressed, deprived, and weaker sections.
We have the voluntary support of people from various other communities for this, which we highly appreciate. We are committed to continuing our efforts at promulgating peace in the region through continuous public support,” said The Most Rev Dr P K Samantaroy.
Bishop Samantaroy, whose term is ending in March 2025, termed his 25-year stint as Bishop, DoA, CNI, as a blessing in his address as Bishop to the members of the Diocesan Council. “From the very first day that we stepped on the soil of Amritsar, everything has been a blessing.
I have several beautiful memories as the bishop of the diocese. Witnessing the holistic development of the diocese has been a very heartening experience. I have experienced the joy of working with together with other people.
Besides being a great experience, it has helped me to develop an appreciation for the vibrant culture and customs of Punjab. I am extremely grateful to God and the people for the opportunity of serving the masses afforded to me,” said Bishop Samantaroy.
Stating that God created this world for everyone, including those outside the Church, he urged the Christian leaders to focus on the welfare of even those, who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ.
“We aim to align the vision of the diocese with God’s vision, which is all about offering hope and a future to all people, which the DoA, CNI, is committed to fulfilling through its academic, health, and social initiatives aimed at the welfare of the masses,” Bishop Samantaroy added.