Basilica Rectors Finalize Statutes to Guide Future Mission

Pondicherry, 30 July 2026: The Association of Basilica Rectors of India (ABRI) reached a historic milestone by unanimously adopting its Statutes during its Annual General Body Meeting held in Pondicherry from 27 to 30 July 2026. The approval marks a significant step towards strengthening the identity, governance, and pastoral mission of the Basilicas of the Latin Church in India.

The Statutes were presented to the General Body by Fr. S. Pitchaimuthu, Rector of the Sacred Heart Basilica, Pondicherry and President of ABRI, together with Fr. John Chalil, S.D.B., Rector of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Bandel, Kolkata and Secretary of the Association. Following detailed discussions, the members unanimously approved the document.

Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), informed the gathering that the approved Statutes will be submitted to the 100th CCBI Executive Committee Meeting in Bangalore in September 2026 and thereafter to the 38th CCBI Plenary Assembly at Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu, in January 2027 for final approval.

The CCBI established the Association of Basilica Rectors of India in 2025 to promote collaboration among the Rectors of the Minor Basilicas of the Latin Church in India and to strengthen their common pastoral mission. The inaugural meeting of the Association was held at Shanti Sadan, Goa, from 23 to 25 April 2025.

The concluding Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Archbishop Antonysamy Savarimuthu of Madurai, Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Canon Law and Legislative Texts. In his homily, reflecting on the Vatican document Domus Ecclesiae and the CCBI Guidelines for National Shrines, the Archbishop emphasised that every Basilica is called to be "a centre of prayer, pilgrimage, and pastoral care." He urged the Rectors to preserve the sacred character of the Basilicas while responding creatively to the pastoral and spiritual needs of pilgrims.

Archbishop Antonysamy delivered a session on the concept of Domus Ecclesiae and the CCBI Norms for National Shrines, offering valuable insights into their theological, pastoral, and canonical dimensions.

The four-day gathering brought together 26 Rectors representing the 31 Minor Basilicas of the Latin Church under the CCBI. The programme included prayer, liturgical celebrations, formation sessions, and discussions focused on strengthening the pastoral ministry and common mission of the Basilicas in India.

By Catholic Connect Reporter