The National Biblical, Catechetical, and Liturgical Centre (NBCLC), a prominent institution under the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), is hosting a six-day national seminar for deacons of the Catholic Church. The event, centered on the theme “The Indian Church in the Synodal Context of India,” commenced on November 25, 2024, with an inaugural address by Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore. In his speech, Archbishop Machado highlighted the vital role of priestly and pastoral ministry in the synodal mission of the Indian Church.
The seminar has drawn 92 deacons from 27 dioceses and 5 religious congregations, all of whom are on the threshold of ordination to the priesthood. This unique gathering reflects the Church’s inclusive and collaborative spirit in three significant ways: 1. National Representation: Participants hail from 11 states across India, including Meghalaya, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Jharkhand. 2. Inter-Ritual Participation: Deacons from the Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara Churches are engaging together. 3. Inter-Diocesan and Religious Collaboration: A diverse group of diocesan and religious clergy candidates is part of the seminar.
The primary goal of the seminar is to acquaint participants with the mission, activities, and institutions of the national Church. The inaugural session included a key presentation by Rev. Dr. Cedric Prakash SJ, Director of Prashant, Ahmedabad, on the socio-political challenges faced by the Catholic Church in India. Other eminent speakers during the seminar include: Mar Paul Kannookadan, Chairman of NBCLC, Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Makarios, Bishop of Puttur, Rt. Rev. Satish Kumar and Rt. Rev. Joseph Susainathan, Auxiliary Bishops of Bangalore Archdiocese, Rev. Dr. T. V. Thomas, Director of SBM, Christ University, Dr. Mareena Mathew, Head of the Department of MBA, Christ University
The conference, which concludes on November 30, 2024, is coordinated by Rev. Dr. John Baptist, Director of NBCLC, and Rev. Dr. Nysson Luka, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching program for the participants.