Indian Catholic Represents Country at Global Lay Leadership Programme in Rome

Rome, July 15, 2026: India's growing contribution to the mission of the universal Church was highlighted as Abhishek Joseph represented the country at the Summer Lay Leadership Programme 2026, an international formation initiative held in Rome from July 3 to 13.

Organised by The Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas and co-sponsored by Loyola University Chicago, the ten-day residential programme brought together Catholic lay leaders from around the world for formation in leadership, spirituality, synodality, discernment, innovation and service to the Church.

Inspired by the vision of the Second Vatican Council and the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the programme sought to prepare a new generation of lay Catholics for leadership in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world. It combined theological reflection, prayer, dialogue and practical leadership training while addressing contemporary pastoral, cultural and social challenges.

Abhishek Joseph, a Catholic digital evangeliser, youth speaker and content creator, was selected to represent India at the programme. His participation follows his representation of India at the Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers in Rome in 2025, underscoring the growing international presence of Indian lay leaders in the Church.

Participants were guided by an international faculty of theologians, educators and Church leaders under the coordination of Letty Garcia, Filipe Domingues and Sara Salvatori. The sessions focused on authentic Christian leadership, discernment and the vocation of the laity in the Church's mission.

Among the distinguished speakers, Donna Orsuto, founder of The Lay Centre, reflected on the witness of St. Catherine of Siena as a model of courageous Christian leadership. Sr. Nathalie Becquart, XMCJ, Undersecretary of the General Secretariat of the Synod, led an interactive session on synodality, while Fr. David McCallum, SJ, conducted an Ignatian retreat on discernment. Michael M. Canaris explored servant leadership through the example of St. Oscar Romero and contemporary Christian martyrs.

The programme also addressed pressing global concerns, including climate change, artificial intelligence, nuclear conflict and Catholic ethics, while encouraging participants to build communities rooted in dialogue, listening and communion. Sessions on digital evangelisation and innovation in ministry reflected the Church's commitment to engaging contemporary society with the Gospel.

As part of the formation experience, participants visited the General Secretariat of the Synod at the Vatican, the Pontifical Gregorian University, the Basilica of San Bartolomeo all'Isola and several historic churches in Rome, gaining deeper insight into the life and mission of the universal Church.

Reflecting on the experience, Abhishek Joseph said the programme broadened his understanding of the Church's universal mission through interactions with lay leaders from different countries and engagement with Church leaders at the Vatican.

"I return to India inspired to contribute more effectively to youth formation, digital evangelisation and the development of lay leadership within the Church," he said.

The Summer Lay Leadership Programme reaffirmed the Church's commitment to forming lay faithful as missionary disciples and servant leaders. India's participation in the initiative reflects the increasing role of Indian Catholics in contributing to the life and mission of the global Church.

By Catholic Connect Reporter