Nagpur Archdiocese Strengthens Young Priests Through Ongoing Formation Programme

NAGPUR, July 27, 2026: Twenty-seven diocesan priests ordained within the past 15 years participated in a three-day Ongoing Formation Programme organised by the Archdiocese of Nagpur from July 20 to 23, focusing on spiritual renewal, pastoral enrichment and personal growth.

The programme was organised in accordance with Canon 279 §2 of the Code of Canon Law, which encourages clerics to pursue ongoing formation through pastoral lectures, theological meetings and conferences. It aimed to strengthen the priests in the spiritual, intellectual, human and pastoral dimensions of their vocation and equip them to serve the People of God with renewed zeal.

Archbishop Elias Gonsalves of Nagpur inaugurated the programme with a conference on the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis. He highlighted the importance of lifelong priestly formation and encouraged the priests to deepen their relationship with Christ while responding faithfully to the pastoral challenges facing the Church today.

The programme included daily celebrations of the Eucharist, Morning and Evening Prayer, group discussions, personal reflection and opportunities for fraternity. Formation sessions addressed a range of issues relevant to contemporary priestly ministry.

Fr Bala spoke on The Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor, while Fr Vivian Lobo presented insights from the Final Document of the Synod on Synodality. Fr Jomise Joy explored opportunities and challenges presented by the digital environment for evangelisation, and Fr Joseph Polishetty led sessions on healthy psycho-spirituality.

The programme also highlighted the importance of physical well-being in priestly life. Fr Prashant conducted a practical session on healthy eating habits and maintaining an ideal body weight, while Dr Sanjeev Chaudhary offered health and dietary guidance aimed at promoting long-term physical and mental well-being.

Interactive workshops led by Adrian, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Laity, focused on leadership, communication, personal growth and collaborative ministry. Group discussions and the sharing of pastoral experiences further strengthened fraternity among the participants.

The programme concluded with the priests expressing gratitude for the opportunity for renewal and reaffirming their commitment to serving the People of God with greater pastoral zeal and missionary spirit.

The Archdiocese of Nagpur, through its ongoing investment in priestly formation, continues to emphasise the importance of nurturing priests who are spiritually grounded, pastorally effective and prepared to respond to the changing needs of the Church and society.

By Catholic Connect Reporter