Jalandhar Clergy Receive Pro-Life Formation to Strengthen Family Ministry

Jalandhar, Punjab, July 12, 2026: More than 70 priests of the Diocese of Jalandhar participated in a two-day clergy recollection and pro-life formation programme at the Bishop's House on July 6–7, renewing their commitment to defending the sanctity of human life and strengthening pastoral ministry to families.

The programme was inaugurated by Bishop Jose Sebastian of Jalandhar, who called on the clergy to deepen their priestly vocation by promoting the dignity of every human person, supporting Catholic families, and witnessing to the Gospel of Life in an increasingly complex social and cultural context.

The formation was led by Mr. Ajin Joseph, Associate Secretary of the CCBI Family Commission with special responsibility for Pro-Life Ministry. Through a series of conferences, he invited priests to reflect on their pastoral mission and the Church's teaching on marriage, family life, and the protection of human life.

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In his opening session, The Mind of Christ for a Priest, Joseph reflected on Jesus' threefold commission to St Peter in John's Gospel (21:15–17), emphasising that priests are called to shepherd God's people by nourishing them through the Word of God, the Sacraments, and the authentic teaching of the Church.

A second conference, titled Holy Families & Marriages – The Root of All Vocations, focused on the central role of Christian families in nurturing vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. Drawing from Sacred Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the Church's pro-life teaching, he said that healthy and faith-filled families remain the primary cradle of vocations.

Joseph also examined contemporary challenges confronting families, including the erosion of moral values, contraception, abortion, in vitro fertilisation (IVF), divorce, gender ideology, declining faith, and the growing influence of pornography. He warned that these realities weaken family life and adversely affect the Church's vocational culture.

Addressing pastoral care for those struggling with pornography and masturbation, he referred to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2352 and 2354), encouraging priests to accompany the faithful with compassion through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, spiritual guidance, and ongoing formation in Christian chastity.

As part of the programme, Joseph introduced The Chosen Encounter, a faith formation initiative inspired by The Chosen television series, encouraging priests to implement it in parishes and educational institutions to help the faithful develop a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through Sacred Scripture. He also briefed the clergy on The Chosen: Crucifixion, which is scheduled for nationwide theatrical release in March 2027.

The recollection concluded with an appeal for priests to become courageous witnesses to the Gospel of Life by strengthening marriages, accompanying families through contemporary moral challenges, and fostering a culture that welcomes, protects, and cherishes every human life from conception until natural death.

By Catholic Connect Reporter