Diocesan Priests of Tamil Nadu–Pondicherry Meet in Trichy to Advance Synodal Vision

Trichy, February 24, 2026 — In a renewed effort to deepen the Church’s commitment to synodality, the Executive Committee of the Conference of Diocesan Priests of India (CDPI), Tamil Nadu–Pondicherry Region, convened for a deliberative meeting on February 23 at the Nallaayan Pastoral Centre. The gathering focused on strengthening priestly collaboration and regional coordination under the theme “Synodal Path for the Pilgrim Church.”

Diocesan priests representing various parts of the Tamil Nadu–Pondicherry region participated in the meeting, which served as a platform for shared reflection and strategic planning rooted in ecclesial fraternity. Discussions centred on aligning pastoral priorities with the Church’s broader synodal vision, emphasising communion, participation and mission.

National and regional leadership guided the proceedings, with the presence of the CDPI National President, the Tamil Nadu CDPI President and regional office bearers lending direction to the sessions. The leadership underscored the need for pastoral responsiveness and organisational clarity in advancing collaborative ministry.

A key moment in the meeting was a thematic reflection by Fr. V. Jai Bernard Joseph, Parish Priest of the Infant Jesus Cathedral. In his address, he presented synodality not merely as an administrative framework but as a lived ecclesial experience that calls priests to walk together, listen attentively and discern collectively in responding to contemporary pastoral challenges.

The executive body also engaged in structured deliberations on the CDPI Tamil Nadu–Pondicherry Region’s Action Plan for 2026. Diocesan representatives contributed insights drawn from pastoral realities in their respective regions, with particular emphasis placed on collaborative planning and broader participation of priests in regional initiatives.

Organisational matters formed a significant part of the agenda. Discussions included preparations for the Silver Jubilee celebrations of CDPI, a review of accounts, issues related to priestly welfare and coordination for the forthcoming national gathering. Special attention was given to preparations for the National CDPI Meeting scheduled from April 14 to 16, 2026, in Old Goa, with members outlining responsibilities and representation from the region.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment among participants to foster unity, shared responsibility and pastoral dynamism in keeping with the Church’s synodal journey. Leaders described the Trichy gathering as both a planning exercise and a reaffirmation of the collective mission of diocesan priests in service of the pilgrim Church.

By Fr. Daniel Sharma