- 09 July, 2026
KOCHI, July 9, 2026: The Kerala Regional Latin Catholic Council (KRLCC), the apex policy-making and coordinating body of the Latin Catholic community in Kerala, will convene its 47th General Assembly at the Alpha Pastoral Centre, Idakochi, from July 10 to 12, bringing together delegates from the state's 12 Latin Catholic dioceses to reflect on pastoral renewal, community development and the Church's future mission.
The three-day assembly will focus on long-term pastoral planning, social advancement and strengthening the participation of the Latin Catholic community in the life of the Church and society.
The gathering will be inaugurated by Kerala Fisheries Minister Adv. V. E. Abdul Gafoor. KRLCC President Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal will preside over the inaugural session, while Bishop Antony Kattiparambil will deliver the benedictory address. Deepak Joy MLA, KRLCC Vice-President Joseph Jude and Secretary Matilda Michael are also scheduled to address the delegates.
A keynote address on "Renewal and Progress in the Jubilee Fulfilment" will be delivered by Prof. Dr. Biju Terence, setting the tone for discussions on the Church's pastoral mission in the years ahead.
One of the principal agenda items will be the preparation of a Ten-Year Pastoral Plan, with KRLCC General Secretary Dr. Jiju George Arakkathara leading the deliberations. Dr. Justin George will present a paper titled "Latin Catholics – Present Reality and Possibilities for Progress," examining the opportunities and challenges facing the community. Kerala Higher Education Minister Roji M John is also expected to address the gathering. The first day's programme will conclude with a performance of Chavittu Nadakam depicting the life of the Servant of God Mother Eliswa.
The assembly will also review the council's activities through reports presented by Dr. Jiju George Arakkathara and summaries of the group discussions. Delegates will evaluate the work of the council's various service committees under the moderation of Sr. Molly Attully, Mother General of the CCR Congregation.
A panel discussion marking the KRLCC Silver Jubilee will explore the organisation's journey, achievements and future direction. The session, moderated by KCBC Deputy Secretary General Fr. Thomas Tharayil, will examine themes such as the council's founding vision, present challenges, opportunities for renewal and its contribution to society.
Another key session will review the J. B. Koshy Commission Report, focusing on welfare initiatives, educational advancement, employment opportunities and the socio-economic development of the Latin Catholic community. The discussion will be moderated by Msgr. Eugene Pereira, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram, and will be followed by an open forum on organisational and public issues.
On the concluding day, delegates will receive reports from the diocesan political affairs committees before reviewing the State Political Affairs Committee report presented by Adv. Sherry J. Thomas. The agenda also includes the presentation of the minutes of the previous meeting by Secretary Prabal Das and the annual financial report by Treasurer Biju Jose.
The General Assembly will conclude with the presentation of Faith Formation Scholarships and a closing address by Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal, reaffirming the council's commitment to strengthening the faith, unity and social advancement of Kerala's Latin Catholic community.
Ahead of the General Assembly, the Latin Catholic Bishops' Council met on July 9 to review matters concerning the region. Representatives from all 12 Latin Catholic dioceses in Kerala are expected to participate in the three-day assembly.
By Joseph Jude KRLCC
© 2026 CATHOLIC CONNECT POWERED BY ATCONLINE LLP
