NBCLC Course Equips Religious Leaders for Effective Pastoral Ministry

BENGALURU, August 7, 2026: A leadership training programme at the National Biblical Catechetical and Liturgical Centre (NBCLC), Bengaluru, has equipped religious formators and superiors with skills to address contemporary challenges in pastoral ministry and religious life.

Fifty-seven participants representing 23 religious congregations attended the eight-day Religious Leadership Training Course for Formators and Superiors held from July 27 to August 3. The programme focused on “Advanced Leadership Skills for Effective Religious and Pastoral Ministry.”

The course sought to strengthen participants’ leadership, pastoral and administrative competencies through sessions conducted by experienced resource persons. Key areas included canonical perspectives on ethics and moral issues in religious life, safeguarding children and vulnerable persons, prevention of workplace harassment, psycho-spiritual maturity during midlife, and building harmonious relationships between younger and senior members of religious communities.

Participants also examined mission-oriented leadership in the Indian context and reflected on leadership principles inspired by the Second Vatican Council and the teachings of Pope Francis. The programme emphasised servant leadership, with particular attention to synodality, collaboration, participation and shared responsibility.

Women’s empowerment and gender justice were also addressed, encouraging participants to promote human dignity, equality and inclusive leadership within the Church and wider society.

Interactive sessions, group discussions and fellowship provided opportunities for participants to connect the course themes with practical experiences in their communities and ministries. Spiritual reflection was integrated into the programme to help participants link leadership development with their vocation and mission.

The course concluded with a reflection on empowered leadership, urging participants to exercise leadership with vision, integrity, compassion and hope.

Certificates were presented to all 57 participants, who returned to their respective communities with renewed commitment to serve the Church and their religious congregations through competent, compassionate and responsible leadership.

By Catholic Connect Reporter