CCBI Hosts National Conference on Canon Law in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, 20 November 2025 — A national conference on Canon Law for Provincials and Major Superiors brought together 87 leaders of institutes of consecrated life and societies of apostolic life at Paalana Bhavana, Bengaluru, from 13 to 15 November 2025. Organised by the Commission for Canon Law of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), the gathering addressed leadership, governance, formation, safeguarding, and canonical processes central to religious life in India today.

The conference began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop S. Antonysamy, Chairman of the Canon Law Commission, who later delivered the keynote address on the synodal understanding of authority. He emphasised that leadership in religious life must be exercised “as witnessing, inclusive, unifying, all-embracing, and rooted in active listening,” aligning canonical responsibilities with the synodal vision of co-responsibility.

Over seven thematic sessions, experts presented on formation systems, administration of temporal goods, safeguarding norms, exclaustration procedures, transfer and departure processes, the three forms of dismissal, and the relationship between bishops and religious institutes. The breadth of discussion highlighted the growing need for clarity, accountability, and synodal collaboration in ecclesial governance.

Archbishop Peter Machado, Vice President of the CCBI and Archbishop of Bangalore, presided over a special Mass for the participants, underlining humility and servant leadership as cornerstones of ecclesial authority.

The three-day conference was coordinated by Fr. Merlin Rengith Ambrose, Executive Secretary of the Canon Law Commission, whose meticulous organisation received wide appreciation from the participants. Many leaders recommended that a similar national conference be held in North India to widen accessibility for superiors in that region.

The event concluded with a panel discussion addressing emerging canonical challenges faced by religious institutes, secular institutes, and societies of apostolic life. Participants affirmed the need for continued formation and collaborative reflection as the Church in India deepens its commitment to synodality in governance and mission.

By Catholic Connect Reporter