NBCLC Equips 32 Pastoral Leaders with Contemporary Management Skills

BENGALURU, September 5, 2026: An eight-day Pastoral Management Course organised by the National Biblical Catechetical and Liturgical Centre (NBCLC), Bengaluru, equipped 32 priests, religious and lay leaders with contemporary management skills to strengthen pastoral leadership.

Held from August 5 to 12, the programme combined professional management principles with Gospel values, focusing on leadership, financial stewardship, technology, organisational culture, people management and crisis response.

The course used group activities, role plays, case studies, games, discussions and reflection to provide participants with practical learning. Key areas included artificial intelligence and educational technology, financial analysis, creativity, institutional branding, vision and mission, emotional intelligence, diversity and inclusion, conflict management and cost management.

Dr Sonia Mathew introduced management fundamentals through parish-based case studies and role plays, while Dr Bindhia Joji led sessions on artificial intelligence and its responsible application in catechesis and youth ministry.

Financial stewardship received particular attention, with Dr Mareena Mathew, Dr Aparna Hawaldar and Prof Krishna M.C. addressing budgeting, financial accountability, cost management and responsible use of resources.

Leadership, creativity and institutional identity were explored through sessions by Prof Ajay Jose, Dr Jacob Joseph and Rev. Dr Fr Viju P.D., Pro-Vice Chancellor of Christ University. The sessions focused on innovative thinking, service-oriented branding, and the role of vision, mission and values in effective leadership.

People management and organisational culture were addressed through sessions on teamwork, communication, healthy relationships, leadership and organisational change. Prof George John, Fr Thomas T.V. and Dr Fr Jose C.C., Vice Chancellor of Christ University, were among the resource persons.

Participants also visited Christ University, gaining exposure to its academic environment, innovation centres, infrastructure and pastoral initiatives. The hospitality and professionalism demonstrated by the staff and MBA students were presented as practical examples of servant leadership.

Sessions on mentorship, emotional intelligence and crisis leadership were conducted by Dr Rekha Aranha, Dr Arun Kumar, Dr Sathiyaseelan B., Dr. Delma Thaliyan and Dr Anil Pinto, Registrar of Christ University. The discussions focused on mentoring, emotional maturity, resilience, decision-making and leadership during challenging situations.

Dr Deepti Sinha led sessions on diversity, inclusivity and conflict management through skits and role plays, encouraging participants to promote respectful and collaborative pastoral communities.

The programme concluded with a reflection and evaluation session led by Dr. Mareena Mathew and Dr Sathiyaseelan B. Participants reviewed their learning and discussed ways of applying the skills acquired in their respective pastoral ministries.

The programme sought to bridge professional management practices and Gospel values, enabling pastoral leaders to serve their communities with greater accountability, creativity, competence and compassion.

By Catholic Connect Reporter