- 27 October, 2026
JALANDHAR, October 27, 2026: How can faith formation help people discover their calling in life? This question lies at the heart of the 17th CCBI National Catechetical Conference, which opened in Jalandhar on Tuesday, bringing together Church leaders, catechists, religious and young people from across India.
Held at Bishop’s House in the Diocese of Jalandhar, the four-day gathering centres on the theme “Catechesis for Vocational Accompaniment,” exploring how the Church can walk alongside people as they discern their vocation and deepen their relationship with God.
In his keynote address, Bishop George Palliparambil of Miao, chairman of the CCBI Commission for Faith Formation, urged participants to make faith formation more meaningful and relevant to people at different stages of life. Drawing on the document Venite ad me, he emphasised the need to nurture faith among young people while also involving parents and older generations in catechetical formation. Personal holiness and the availability of priests for ministry, he said, remain essential to this mission.
Bishop Deepak Valerian Tauro, Auxiliary Bishop of Delhi and North Region chairman, pointed to the opportunities offered by digital catechesis to reach younger generations. Building connections with young people, strengthening youth networks and helping them develop a personal relationship with the Lord, he stressed, must remain central to the Church’s approach.
The opening day also highlighted the contribution of lay people to the Church’s mission of faith formation. Bishop Palliparambil honoured three pioneer permanent catechists installed by Pope Leo XIV: Boban C. from Kerala, Larisa Peter from the Telugu region and Sunil Thomas from Karnataka. Regional secretaries, National Council members and resource persons were also recognised for their dedicated service.
In a step towards strengthening the commission’s work, the conference saw the launch of the CCBI Faith Formation Commission Database, prepared by Boban C.
Welcoming the participants, Bishop Jose Sebestian of Jalandhar introduced them to the local Church’s journey through a video presentation on the history of Christianity in the region and the diocese’s evangelising efforts. Fr. Vijay Machado, executive secretary of the commission, who was unable to attend due to medical reasons, shared his message with the gathering through a video.
With around 100 selected participants representing 132 dioceses across 14 regions, the conference will turn its attention to the many ways vocation takes shape in Christian life. Sessions will explore catechesis for the Sacraments of Marriage and Ordination, alongside accompaniment for those discerning single and religious life.
Workshops, cultural programmes, exposure visits and book displays will provide opportunities for participants to exchange experiences and reflect on how faith formation can better respond to the needs of their communities.
The inaugural session was attended by Bishop Anand Jojo of Hazaribagh, a member bishop of the commission; Fr. Subin, director of the Pastoral Centre; Fr. Duming Goansalves, National Council member; Fr. John Vianney, North Region secretary; and Fr. Marcus Hans, diocesan secretary and local coordinator. A prayer service led by Fr. Anil Benet and his team from the Bihar region opened the proceedings.
Cardinal Philippe Neri Ferrao, president of the CCBI, and Fr. Stephen Alathara, deputy secretary general, conveyed their greetings and prayers for the gathering.
As the conference continues until October 30, its central challenge is to ensure that catechesis goes beyond imparting knowledge of the faith to helping people recognise their calling, grow in their relationship with God and find direction in their Christian lives.
By Fr. Bosco Carvalho SBD & Team
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