CBCI Honours 19 for Outstanding Service to Church and Nation

Bengaluru, Feb. 10, 2026: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) on Sunday honoured 19 individuals with its National-Level Awards 2026, recognising outstanding contributions to the Church, society, and the nation. The awards celebrate lives that reflect Gospel values and advance human dignity, justice, education, leadership, innovation, and nation-building.

The ceremony was held on February 9 at St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru, in the presence of senior Church leaders, civil authorities, and invited dignitaries from across the country.

The gathering brought together the heads of the three rites of the Catholic Church in India—Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, president of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI); Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil of the Syro-Malabar Church; and Major Archbishop-Catholicos Baselios Cardinal Cleemis of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church—along with bishops, clergy, religious, and lay representatives.

Addressing the gathering, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said he had entered politics to serve the people. Cardinal George Koovakad highlighted the urgency of promoting human fraternity, calling it “an unbreakable bond” and a pressing need of the times. Karnataka Energy Minister K. J. George affirmed the importance of constitutional values, saying governance must protect freedom of conscience and foster harmony among citizens.

The awardees were felicitated with shawls by Cardinal Poola Anthony, Cardinal Ferrão, Major Archbishop Thattil, and Cardinal Cleemis. Outgoing CBCI president Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath presented the award certificates, while Cardinal Koovakad handed over the mementos.

Archbishop Anil Couto, CBCI secretary general, welcomed the gathering, and Archbishop Thazhath explained the vision behind the first-ever CBCI National Awards. Rev. Dr. Mathew Koyickal proposed the vote of thanks.

Among those honoured were Fr. Jose Alarico Carvalho for transformative leadership in education; Joseph Anthony Gathia for commitment to justice and constitutional values; Fr. Michael Vettickat for advocacy on behalf of the marginalised; and Dr. A. Arokiasamy for public witness to human dignity.

Other awardees included K. P. John for lifelong service; Dominica Pascal Dabre for community empowerment; Marykutty P. V. for dedication to faith-based education; Dr. Mary Regina F. for lay leadership; and S. A. Lourdusamy for values-based formation.

K. S. Jayamohan was honoured for compassionate service to the vulnerable, Sr. Dr. Joan Chunkapura, MMS, for pioneering healthcare initiatives, and Ceetly George for faithful service to Church and society. Fr. Dr. Paul V. Parathazham was recognised for scholarship and leadership formation.

Historian Prof. David R. Syiemlieh, who was unable to attend, was honoured for his contributions to public life. Fr. Dr. Josekutty Thomas, SDB, and Dr. Thomson Philip Vadakeyil were recognised for biblical scholarship and digital evangelisation through the BibleOn platform. S. J. Rheeman was honoured for quiet generosity, and Fr. Roy Mathew Vadakkel for compassionate pastoral outreach.

Chief Minister Sangma was also among the awardees, recognised for inclusive leadership and commitment to human dignity and development.

The event was attended by Karnataka minister K. J. George, Cardinal Koovakad, outgoing CBCI office bearers, and the newly elected leadership of the conference, including president Cardinal Poola Anthony.

By Catholic Connect Reporter