Church in India Honours Fr. Lucien Legrand, M.E.P. for a Lifetime of Service to the Word of God

Bangalore 3 February 2026: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) has honoured Fr. Lucien Legrand, MEP, one of Asia’s most respected biblical scholars and missionaries, in recognition of his lifelong service to the Church in India and his outstanding contribution to biblical studies. 

Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, the President of the CCBI honoured him with memento and shawl during the 37 Plenary Assembly of the CCBI held on February 3, 2026, in Bangalore.

Born on November 10, 1926, in Monson-Bern, France, Fr. Lucien Legrand joined the Missions Étrangères de Paris at the age of 18. He completed his studies in Paris and Rome and earned a licentiate in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute. He was ordained a priest on June 29, 1950.

In 1953, Fr. Legrand arrived in India. After a short pastoral service in the Diocese of Salem, he was assigned to St. Peter’s Seminary, Bangalore, in 1955. For nearly seven decades, he has been a steady and formative presence at the St. Peter’s seminary. Generations of seminarians and scholars have studied under him. Many of his former students now serve as pastors, professors, and bishops across India and beyond.

From 1973 to 1978, Fr. Legrand served as a member of the Pontifical Biblical Commission, appointed by Pope Paul VI. He brought the voice and experience of Asia into the Church’s reflection on Scripture at a crucial post-conciliar period.

His doctoral research, completed in 1979, focused on the Annunciation to Mary. His scholarship always remained rooted in faith, prayer, and pastoral concern. Alongside teaching, he served as a parish priest and was known for his clarity in preaching and simplicity in life.

Fr. Legrand is the author of several classic works in biblical theology, including Unity and Plurality: Mission in the Bible, Paul and the Missionary Strategy of the Apostolic Churches, The Word is Near You, and The Power of His Resurrection. He also contributed numerous articles, translations, and reflections in French and English. At St. Peter’s Seminary, he strengthened the library and founded the Bible Museum, now one of Asia’s key resources for Scripture studies.

Despite his global reputation, Fr. Legrand has remained a man of humility, prayer, and compassion. He never sought positions of honour. His authority came from his holiness, wisdom, and care for students and the poor. Those who lived with him recall his daily rhythm of prayer, tireless study, and gentle concern for others.

The Church in India honours Fr. Lucien Legrand as a teacher, scholar, missionary, and father figure for the Indian Church. Through his life and work, he has given the Church in India a deep love for the Word of God. His legacy lives on in the thousands of priests, religious, and lay leaders formed by his teaching and witness.

Dr. Stephen Alathara