The Kerala Government has assured the Latin Catholic community that it will continue to support the welfare of coastal residents and fisherfolk through new schemes and policy measures. The assurance was given by Kerala Fisheries Minister Adv. V. E. Abdul Gafoor while inaugurating the 47th General Assembly of the Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council (KRLCC) at the Alpha Pastoral Centre, Idakochi.
The minister said the government is committed to addressing the problems faced by coastal communities and will give due attention to the genuine demands of the Latin Catholic community. He added that several welfare programmes for fishing families are being planned.
The three-day assembly has brought together representatives from the 12 Latin Catholic dioceses of Kerala to discuss the Church’s pastoral mission and the social and economic development of the community.
The inaugural session was presided over by Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal, President of the KRLCC. Several Church leaders, public representatives, and KRLCC office-bearers also addressed the gathering.
A major focus of the first day was the preparation of a 10-year pastoral plan for the Latin Catholic Church in Kerala. Participants also discussed the present challenges and future opportunities for the community, including education, employment, and social development.
The evening session included an address by Higher Education Minister Roji M. John and a cultural performance of Chavittunadakam based on the life of Blessed Mother Eliswa. The assembly will continue with discussions on pastoral planning, welfare programmes, education, employment, and the recommendations of the J. B. Koshy Commission. The event will conclude on July 12 with reports, scholarship distribution, and a concluding address by Archbishop Chakkalakal.
