National Canon Law Conference Held in Bangalore

Bangalore, February 10, 2024: The national canon law conference was successfully held in Bangalore from February 6 to 8, 2024, at Paalanaa Bhavan, organized by the CCBI Commission for Canon Law.

Themed "Aggiornamento in Theory and Praxis," the conference aimed to underscore the significance and ongoing evolution of Canon Law in shaping the life of the Church, with a particular focus on its practical application. The event drew participation from 48 canonists representing diverse regions of India.

The conference commenced with an inaugural address delivered by His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, President of CCBI, followed by a felicitation speech by Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of CCBI. Most Rev. Antony Savarimuthu, Chairman of the Commission, then delivered the presidential address.

Distinguished experts in canon law from both India and abroad enriched the conference with their insights. Among them were His Excellency Juan Ignacio Arrieta Ochoa de Chinchetru, Secretary of the Dicastery for the Legislative Texts at Vatican City; Most Rev. Dr. Antonysamy Savarimuthu, Bishop of Palayamkottai; Most Rev. Dr. Elias Frank, Bishop of Asansol; Most Rev. Dr. Alex Vadakumthala, Bishop of Kannur; Msgr. Varuvel Gnanadhasan, an official of the Roman Curia at Vatican City; Msgr. John Renken; Rev. Prof. Jesu Pudumai from St. Paul’s University, Ottawa, Canada; Rev. Dr. Merlin Rengith Ambrose, Executive Secretary of the Commission; and Rev. Dr. Sebastian Payyapilly, Director of IOCL, Bangalore.

Participants lauded the meticulous organization of the conference and expressed satisfaction with the depth and engagement of the discussions. They underscored the need for similar conferences in the future to further enhance the aggiornamento and practical application of canon law, thereby contributing to its continuous improvement.

Dr. Merlin Rengith Ambrose