Canon Law Society of India Discusses Role of Diocesan Curia

JAIPUR, October 21, 2026: The 39th Annual Conference of the Canon Law Society of India (CLSI) was held from 12 to 16 October 2026 at Gyandeep Bhawan, Jaipur, Rajasthan, bringing together 131 canonists from across India for academic presentations, canonical discussions, and the election of the Society’s new office-bearers.

Held at Gyandeep Bhawan from October 12 to 16, the five-day conference focused on the theme, “Role of the Diocesan Curia in the Light of Praedicate Evangelium”, the Apostolic Constitution that reformed the Roman Curia.

Fr.Merlin Rengith Ambrose was elected President, Fr. Emmanuel K.T. was elected secretary and Fr. Varghese Koluthara treasurer. Fr. Ebijin Arackal and Fr. Anthony Joseph were elected members of the Executive Committee.

The members also thanked outgoing president Fr. Lourdusamy and treasurer Fr. Raju for their service to the Society.

Church governance and canonical reforms

Oswald Cardinal Gracias, Archbishop Emeritus of Bombay, presided over the inaugural session and delivered the presidential address. Archbishop Elias Frank of Kolkata, Archbishop S. Antonysamy, Bishop Bhaskar Jesuraj of Meerut and Bishop Joseph Kallarackal of Jaipur also addressed the gathering.

The academic sessions examined the evolution of the Roman Curia, the principles governing ecclesiastical administration and the organisation of diocesan curiae in the light of Praedicate Evangelium.

Archbishop S. Antonysamy traced the development of the Roman Curia through successive reforms, from Ecclesiae Sanctae and Pastor Bonus to Praedicate Evangelium. Cardinal Gracias examined the principles governing the service of the Roman and diocesan curiae, while Fr. Merlin Rengith Ambrose discussed the dicasteries and institutions established under the Apostolic Constitution.

Archbishop Elias Frank presented a paper on special marriage cases, focusing on the Pauline Privilege and the dissolution of the marriage bond in favour of the faith (in favorem fidei).

Other presentations addressed the structure and responsibilities of diocesan offices. Fr. Philomin Das, Vicar General of the Diocese of Kumbakonam, examined the roles of vicars general and episcopal vicars.

Fr. Ebijin Arackal, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Verapoly, discussed the functions of diocesan and apostolic administrators, chancellors and other notaries. Fr. L. Sagayaraj, a professor at the Centre of Canon Law Studies, St Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bengaluru, examined the presbyteral council and the college of consultors.

Discussions and a panel session enabled participants to explore canonical questions and their practical implications for Church administration.

Research and future initiatives

The conference also provided a platform for newly admitted members to present summaries of their doctoral and licentiate theses, sharing findings from their research with fellow canonists. Region-wise meetings and the Society’s Annual General Meeting formed part of the programme.

Members discussed preparations for the CLSI’s forthcoming Ruby Jubilee celebrations, including initiatives to mark the milestone and strengthen the Society’s contribution to canonical scholarship and the formation of canonists in India.

The conference reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to the study and practical application of canon law, with particular emphasis on sound ecclesiastical governance and the effective functioning of diocesan institutions.

By Catholic Connect Reporter