Agra Region Commission for Faith Formation Meets To Discuss Various Initiatives

Agra, March 20, 2025 – The Agra Region Commission for Faith Formation held a one-day meeting at Nav Jyoti Pastoral Centre, Agra, on March 19, 2025, to discuss faith formation strategies and the implementation of the pastoral plan. The meeting was presided over by Bishop Devprasad Ganawa, SVD, Chairman of the Commission, and brought together diocesan secretaries from nine dioceses: Varanasi, Allahabad, Lucknow, Agra, Jhansi, Jaipur, Gorakhpur, Udaipur, and Ajmer.

During the meeting, Bishop Devprasad, who was the resource person for the session, delivered an insightful address on faith formation. He announced that the Commission for Catechesis would now be referred to as the Faith Formation and Word of God Commission, reflecting its broader mission. He emphasised that faith formation is not merely the transmission of knowledge but the formation of disciples committed to the Catholic faith. Stressing the importance of adult catechesis, he highlighted that parents play a crucial role in the spiritual growth of their children. He urged that preparation for Holy Communion should involve not just the candidates but also their parents, ensuring that faith formation is a family-centred journey.

Regarding Confirmation, the bishop underscored that it is not just a ritual but a conscious commitment to living out one’s faith. He also urged diocesan secretaries to actively integrate the pastoral plan into their faith formation programmes. He concluded his address highlighting the challenges catechists face today due to distractions and competing worldviews.

Following the bishop’s address, diocesan secretaries presented reports on faith formation initiatives in their respective dioceses. A major discussion emerged on the need to revise catechism books in Hindi and English to better serve the faithful. The secretaries agreed on the urgency of this revision and formally requested the regional chairman to seek approval for forming a committee to oversee the process.

Additionally, Bishop Devprasad and Fr. Nirmal Baria proposed a three-day regional Faith Formation Commission celebration which received unanimous support. The members also advocated for the observance of Faith Formation Sunday in every parish to promote participation in faith formation activities. A proposal was also made to translate three volumes of adult catechesis into Hindi to improve accessibility.

Towards the end of the meeting, the regional secretary of the commission informed members about the upcoming National Faith Formation Conference and encouraged active participation.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Rev. Fr. Basil Makwana, who expressed gratitude to Bishop Devprasad and all the attendees for their valuable contributions and participation in the meeting

By Fr. Nirmal Baria

Secretary,

Agra Region Commission for Faith Formation