National Synodal Assembly Begins in Bangalore

Bengaluru, May 1, 2026: — The Catholic Church in India took a significant step forward in its synodal journey as the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) inaugurated the National Synodal Assembly 2026 on May 1 at St. John's Medical College, Bangalore. More than 195 delegates from across the country have gathered under the theme, "Synodal Pilgrims of Hope."

The assembly forms part of the worldwide synodal process launched by Pope Francis in 2021, inviting Catholics everywhere to deepen communion, foster participation, and renew the Church's missionary outreach. In India, the process has involved extensive consultation at diocesan, regional, and national levels.

The four-day gathering reflects the diversity of the Church in India, with the participation of two cardinals, 25 bishops, 65 priests, more than 20 women religious, and over 100 lay faithful, including youth and women leaders.

The assembly opened with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the CCBI. In his homily, the cardinal described the event as "a moment of grace and discernment," calling delegates to journey together as a synodal Church rooted in prayer, attentive listening, and missionary witness.

Emphasizing the centrality of the Risen Christ, Cardinal Ferrão urged the faithful to become courageous witnesses of the Gospel. Drawing inspiration from the Resurrection and the conversion of St. Paul, he reminded participants that every baptized person is called to proclaim Christ boldly in today's world. Reflecting on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, he also highlighted the dignity of labour and the universal call to holiness in daily life.

The formal inauguration began with the singing of Veni Creator Spiritus and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Welcoming the delegates, CCBI Deputy Secretary General Father Stephen Alathara described the assembly as "a spiritual journey" and "a moment of God's grace."

In his presidential address, Cardinal Ferrão recalled the CCBI's pastoral plan, Journeying Towards a Synodal Church: Mission 2033, and encouraged delegates to build upon the vision articulated during the 36th Plenary Assembly held in Bhubaneswar in 2025.

From the 16 pastoral priorities identified in that plan, four themes have been selected for focused discernment during the assembly: interreligious dialogue and peacebuilding; inclusion of the excluded; poverty and integral ecology; and accompanying children and youth.

The proceedings are being guided by the method of spiritual conversation, fostering prayerful listening, dialogue, and communal discernment under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Delegates are discerning how synodal principles can be translated into concrete pastoral action at every level of Church life.

Looking ahead, the assembly places its vision within the broader horizon of the Jubilee Year 2033, which will mark two thousand years of the Redemption. It seeks to renew the Church's missionary commitment while reaffirming the importance of collaboration among bishops, clergy, religious, and laity, with particular emphasis on the participation of women and young people.

The synodal journey will continue beyond this gathering, with further consultations scheduled for September 2026, culminating in the 38th Plenary Assembly of the CCBI in January 2027.

As the Church in India continues its synodal path, the National Synodal Assembly aims to strengthen its mission as a communion of believers walking together in faith, discernment, and hope.

By Fr. Nigel Barret 

PRO, CCBI