CCBI's Vision 2033 Gains Global Attention at Asian Catechetical Summit in Manila

Manila, February 12, 2026 — The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India’s (CCBI) Vision 2033 pastoral roadmap received international recognition at the Asian Catechetical Leaders Meeting held in Manila from February 11–12, as Church leaders from across the continent gathered to chart the future of faith formation in a rapidly changing world.

The two-day summit, hosted at the Catholic Centre of the Episcopal Conference of the Philippines and organised by the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelisation, brought together 60 delegates representing dioceses and episcopal conferences across Asia. The meeting focused on revitalising catechetical ministry and strengthening collaboration among Asian Churches in response to the challenges of secularisation and digital transformation.

Apostolic Vision and Global Leadership

Delivering the keynote address, Archbishop Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, called for a “missionary transformation” of the Church to address contemporary pastoral realities. His address echoed the Holy See’s growing pastoral engagement with Asia, underscored by the presence of senior Vatican officials including Msgr. Franz-Peter, Official Delegate of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, and Msgr. Eugenio Bruno, Secretary for Catechetics at the Dicastery.

A central theme of the discussions was the regional implementation of Antiquum Ministerium, the Apostolic Letter that formally instituted the lay ministry of Catechist. Delegates shared experiences of adapting the document within varied cultural contexts while preserving doctrinal integrity. The assembly also reviewed how the Directory for Catechesis is being contextualised across episcopal conferences to ensure catechetical programmes remain both faithful to Church teaching and pastorally relevant.

CCBI Emerges as a Strategic Model

Among the highlights of the summit was the commendation of the CCBI’s Definite Pastoral Plan 2033. Participants praised the Indian bishops’ conference for presenting a structured and forward-looking strategy that integrates the principles of the global Directory for Catechesis into concrete pastoral planning.

Members of the assembly noted that the CCBI’s strategic vision — particularly through its Commission for Faith Formation — offers a model of systematic ministry and leadership formation for other Churches in Asia. The Indian delegation was represented by Archbishop George Palliparambil, SDB, Chairman of the Commission for Faith Formation, and Rev. Fr. Vijay Kumar Machado, Executive Secretary.

Collaborative Outcomes

Beyond policy discussions, the summit emphasised practical collaboration in three key areas: Strengthening the spiritual and professional identity of catechists; Harnessing digital platforms and new media to reach younger generations; and Fostering cross-border cooperation among Asian Churches while respecting diverse liturgical traditions.

The gathering was marked by moments of prayer and Eucharistic celebration, including a Mass presided over by Cardinal Jose Fuerte Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, at De La Salle University — a reminder that catechesis, participants affirmed, remains at the heart of the Church’s evangelising mission in Asia.

By Fr. Vijay Machado