Bishop Louis Mascarenhas Calls Families to Renew Their Mission as “Domestic Church”

Prayagraj, May 5, 2026 — Catholic families must rediscover their identity as the “Domestic Church” and become active centres of faith formation and witness, said Bishop Louis Mascarenhas during a diocesan seminar aimed at strengthening family life.

Addressing participants at the two-day programme organised by the Commission for Family of the Diocese of Allahabad, the bishop emphasised that the vitality of the Church depends largely on the spiritual health of its families. He noted that families are not merely social units but sacred spaces where faith is first taught, lived, and transmitted to future generations.

“Families are the first schools of faith and values,” Bishop Mascarenhas said, urging parents to take seriously their role in nurturing the spiritual and moral growth of their children. He called on couples to deepen their commitment to one another and to God, especially in a rapidly changing cultural landscape that often challenges Christian values.

The bishop also highlighted the need for families to become missionary in outlook, witnessing to the Gospel through their daily lives. Strong, faith-filled families, he said, are essential for building vibrant parish communities and sustaining the Church’s mission.

Encouraging continued collaboration among clergy and laity, Bishop Mascarenhas expressed hope that such initiatives would help renew family life across the diocese. He urged participants to carry forward the insights gained during the seminar and to foster homes rooted in prayer, love, and unity.

Fr. Coutinho led the first session, stressing the central role of families in faith formation. Subsequent sessions by MFC team members addressed key aspects of married and family life. George Joseph spoke on strengthening marital relationships and highlighted the responsibility of parents as primary catechists. Elmark Munjini focused on the Christian vocation of family life, while Doli Munjini addressed marital fidelity and offered practical guidance for maintaining emotional intimacy in a digital age.

The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment among participants to strengthen their families as living centres of faith and evangelisation.

Bishop Louis Mascarenhas Calls Families to Renew Their Mission as “Domestic Church”

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