Krishnagar: Mr. Stephen Samir Lahiri, a distinguished Salesian Cooperator from Krishnanagar, West Bengal, has been appointed as a Council Member of the Commission for Laity of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CCBI). This appointment, effective from October 1, 2024, marks a significant milestone in Mr. Lahiri’s long-standing commitment to the Salesian community and the Church at large.
At 67 years old, Mr. Lahiri has been an active Salesian Cooperator since 1980. His appointment was proposed by the Chairman of the Commission for Laity after thorough consultations with local church authorities, including His Excellency Most Rev. Nirmal Vincent Gomes, SDB, Bishop of Krishnanagar.
The decision received formal approval from the Executive Committee of the CCBI during its 95th meeting held on September 10-11, 2024.In a letter dated September 11, 2024, Mr. Lahiri was informed of his new role by Most Rev. Anil Joseph Thomas Couto, the Secretary General of CCBI. His responsibilities will include attending meetings and providing strategic advice for implementing the action plan outlined in the CCBI’s Pastoral Plan.
Mr. Lahiri has been serving as the Regional Secretary for the Commission for Laity in the Bengal and Sikkim Region since 2016. The Laity Commission Council serves as a consultative body designed to assist and guide the Office Bearers of the Commission for Laity, ensuring that lay members are actively involved in church affairs.
A retired government employee from the District Administrative Office since 2016, Mr. Lahiri remains deeply engaged in community service. He is a member of the Core Committee of the Bengal Regional Bishop’s Conference (BRBC) and plays an active role in diocesan animation through various commissions.
Notably, he is currently the Coordinator of Bongyo Christio Porisheba (BCP), an ecumenical movement established in 1994 that is registered with the government and focuses on fostering interfaith dialogue and cooperation.In addition to his administrative roles, Mr. Lahiri has contributed significantly to church literature; he has edited and co-edited several diocesan magazines and continues to write and edit content relevant to his community.
Recently, he translated the Cooperators’ Project of Apostolic Life (PAL) into Bengali, further enhancing accessibility to important church documents for local parishioners.Members of the Salesian Family, particularly those from the Province of Kolkata (INC), have extended their best wishes to Mr. Samir Lahiri as he embarks on this important service to the Church in India. His extensive experience and dedication are expected to bring valuable insights and direction to the Commission for Laity during his four-year term.
Picture Credit: Agenzia Info Salesiana