- 17 July, 2026
Delhi, July 17, 2026: More than 80 priests of the Archdiocese of Delhi gathered at Navinta Retreat House in Okhla on July 15 for their monthly clergy recollection, focusing on strengthening pro-life ministry, supporting Catholic families, and renewing priestly commitment to the Gospel of Life.
The day-long recollection was led by Ajin Joseph, Associate Secretary of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India Family Commission with special responsibility for Pro-Life Ministry. Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto of Delhi encouraged the clergy to deepen their commitment to safeguarding the dignity of every human life, strengthening Catholic families, and renewing their priestly ministry in the light of the Gospel.
In his opening conference, titled The Mind of Christ for a Priest, Joseph reflected on Jesus' threefold commission to Saint Peter in the Gospel of John (21:15–17). He explained that Christ's call to "feed my lambs" and "tend my sheep" reminds priests of their vocation to nurture the young and weak in faith, shepherd God's people with the heart of Christ, and nourish the faithful through the Word of God, the Sacraments, and the authentic teaching of the Church.
His second session, Holy Families and Marriages – The Root of All Vocations, highlighted the family as the cradle of every vocation. Drawing from Sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the Church's pro-life teaching, he addressed contemporary pastoral challenges affecting marriage and family life.
Ajin Joseph identified what he described as elements of the "culture of death," including abortion, contraception, in vitro fertilisation, divorce, gender ideology, weakening faith, and the growing influence of pornography and masturbation. He said these realities undermine marriages, weaken family life, and ultimately affect vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.
A significant part of the formation examined the pastoral response to pornography and masturbation. Referring to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Nos. 2352 and 2354), Joseph urged priests to accompany those struggling with these issues through compassionate pastoral care, sound catechesis, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and ongoing formation in the virtue of chastity.
Throughout the recollection, he encouraged the clergy to respond to the "signs of the times" by promoting holy families rooted in authentic love, openness to life, and fidelity to the Gospel, stressing that the renewal of the Church begins with the renewal of Christian families.
Joseph also introduced priests to The Chosen Encounter, a faith formation initiative based on The Chosen television series, encouraging its use in parishes and institutions as a tool for biblical storytelling and evangelisation. He further informed the clergy about the planned nationwide theatrical release of The Chosen: Crucifixion in March 2027, inviting parishes to promote the film as an opportunity for faith formation and a deeper encounter with Christ's saving Passion.
At the conclusion of the programme, Archbishop Couto thanked Joseph for his leadership in promoting the Gospel of Life and fostering a culture that upholds the dignity of every human person. The recollection reaffirmed the priests' mission to proclaim the Gospel of Life, accompany families facing contemporary challenges, and build communities where every human life is welcomed, protected, and cherished from conception until natural death.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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