Madras–Mylapore Clergy Renew Commitment to Be Shepherds of Hope on the Synodal Journey to Mission 2033

Chennai, 11 November 2025: The Archdiocese of Madras–Mylapore conducted a two-day ongoing formation programme for its priests on 10 and 11 November 2025, bringing together almost the entire clergy. The participants were grouped according to age and pastoral experience — young, middle-aged, and senior — with sessions led by Fr. Christopher Vimal Raj, Fr. Jaison Vadassery, and Fr. Charles Leon, Secretaries of the CCBI Commissions.

The programme began with a Eucharistic celebration at the Salesian Provincial Chapel, presided over by Most Rev. George Antonysamy, Archbishop of Madras–Mylapore. In his homily, the Archbishop urged the clergy to live their ministry in a spirit of synodality — walking together in faith and service. He encouraged senior priests, particularly those with over twenty-five years of ministry, to accompany and mentor younger clergy, guiding them to grow in deeper configuration to Christ, the Good Shepherd.

The formation days provided a period of grace, reflection, and renewal — a time for the priests to rediscover their identity as diocesan clergy, called and gifted for service. The initial sessions examined contemporary pastoral challenges and emerging opportunities, drawing on current social and ecclesial contexts. Through data-based reflection and dialogue, the participants identified new directions for creative evangelisation and pastoral accompaniment.

A particularly moving moment came when priests revisited their vocation stories, sharing their journeys of faith, hopes, and expectations. This exchange deepened fraternity and rekindled enthusiasm for priestly life and mission. Subsequent sessions centred on pastoral goal-setting and spiritual discernment, guiding the clergy to listen attentively to what God desires them to become — personally, pastorally, and together as unum presbyterium — one united priesthood journeying toward the Jubilee Year 2033.

The final segment featured plenary sharing and collective discernment, aligning the fruits of the sessions with the CCBI National Pastoral Plan to ensure that archdiocesan priorities resonate with the wider national vision of the Church.

As part of this ongoing journey toward the Redemptive Jubilee 2033, the senior clergy proposed key pathways for renewed priestly life. They emphasised communion over individualism, authentic spirituality over routine duty, and mission-oriented zeal over mere maintenance. Collaboration with the laity, transparent stewardship, and fatherly leadership were underscored as hallmarks of a credible and unified presbyterium.

The two-day programme concluded with a renewed missionary spirit, inspiring priests to embrace transformative change across every aspect of their pastoral ministry. It was a profound experience of communion, discernment, and shared commitment — strengthening the presbyterium to journey together with one heart and vision toward Mission 2033.

Madras–Mylapore Clergy Renew Commitment to Be Shepherds of Hope on the Synodal Journey to Mission 2033

Latest News