IIS Student Priests Experience Community-Based Ministry in Trivandrum Diocese

Trivandrum, October 11, 2026: Student priests pursuing licentiate studies at the Indian Institute of Spirituality (IIS), Bengaluru, undertook a ten-day exposure programme in Basic Christian Communities (BCCs) in the Latin Diocese of Trivandrum from October 1 to 10, gaining firsthand experience of grassroots pastoral ministry.

The programme introduced the participants to the history, structure and pastoral significance of BCCs, with particular attention to their role in parish life and among coastal fishing communities. It included academic sessions, parish visits, community gatherings and a four-day Home Mission.

Coordinated by Fr. Saneesh, the programme was accompanied by Fr. Sibichan Panthanmackal MSFS, Dean of Studies at IIS. At the KJJM Animation Centre in Kovalam, sessions on BCCs, the history of the Diocese of Trivandrum, parish ministry and the Home Mission programme were led by Fr. Laurence Culas, Fr. John Bosco, Msgr Nicholas T. and Fr. Saneesh.

The students visited Our Lady of Voyage Church in Vizhinjam, where they celebrated Mass and participated in BCC gatherings at three locations. The visits provided an opportunity to observe how these communities encourage faith formation, mutual support and lay participation in parish life.

The programme's principal field component was a four-day Home Mission at St. John the Baptist Church, Puthurai, in Tamil Nadu, which belongs to the Latin Diocese of Trivandrum. Working alongside 12 religious sisters, the student priests visited approximately seven to eight families each day, listening to their concerns, understanding their living conditions and offering pastoral support.

Each participant stayed with a local family, gaining direct exposure to the social realities, livelihoods and faith practices of coastal communities. Fr. Rajshekhar, parish priest of St. John the Baptist Church, coordinated local arrangements and facilitated the pastoral engagement.

The participants also visited Vizhinjam International Seaport and celebrated Mass at Adilathaturai, a hilltop overlooking the coast.

The exposure programme highlighted the importance of community participation, attentive listening and personal accompaniment in pastoral ministry. By engaging directly with families and local communities, the student priests gained practical insights into pastoral approaches grounded in people's lived experiences.

At the conclusion of the programme, the participants expressed gratitude to the IIS faculty, resource persons, parish priests, pastoral teams, religious sisters and host families for their support and hospitality.

By Catholic Connect Reporter