NBCLC Opens Museum as Diamond Jubilee Year Begins

BENGALURU, September 17, 2026: The National Biblical Catechetical and Liturgical Centre (NBCLC), Bengaluru, began its Diamond Jubilee celebrations on September 16 with the inauguration of a new museum dedicated to the Centre’s history and the legacy of its founder, Fr. D. S. Amalorpavadass.

The celebrations marked six decades of NBCLC’s service to the Church in India, with the opening programme recalling the founder’s contribution to Biblical, catechetical and liturgical renewal and his efforts to promote an Indian expression of Christian faith.

Cardinal Anthony Poola, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), blessed the newly developed lift, audio-visual hall and museum. Bishop Pauly Kannookadan of Irinjalakuda, chairman of NBCLC, inaugurated the facilities, while Cardinal Poola unveiled the memorial dedication.

The Diamond Jubilee Year was formally inaugurated with the lighting of the Jubilee Lamp. The celebration was attended by several bishops, priests, relatives of Fr. Amalorpavadass, staff members and collaborators of NBCLC.

Among those present were Bishop Vincent Aind, Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop Francis Kalist, Bishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto, Bishop Raphy Manjaly and Bishop George Antonysamy, along with Fr. A. John Baptist, director of NBCLC, Fr. Nysson Luka and members of Fr. Amalorpavadass’ family.

Fr. John Baptist delivered the welcome address, followed by the screening of a documentary tracing NBCLC’s history, vision and mission over six decades.

Cardinal Poola delivered the inaugural message, while Bishop Pauly Kannookadan gave the presidential address. The Diamond Jubilee Song was also presented. Vincent, a nephew of Fr. Amalorpavadass, shared reflections on his uncle’s vision and legacy. Bishop Francis Kalist of Pondicherry-Cuddalore also addressed the gathering.

A special felicitation was held to acknowledge bishops, priests, relatives, staff members and collaborators who contributed to the development of the museum, lift, audio-visual hall and documentary.

The new museum preserves documents, photographs and other material related to NBCLC’s development, offering visitors an account of the Centre’s contribution to Biblical, catechetical and liturgical renewal in India and the work of its founder.

Fr. Amalorpavadass, who was also known as Swami Amalorananda, is remembered for his role in promoting the inculturation of Christian faith and worship in the Indian context.

As part of the commemorative programme, a special Mass is scheduled at Pondicherry Cathedral on October 20, in connection with the proposed ecclesial recognition of Fr. Amalorpavadass as “Servant of God.” The initiative follows years of prayer and efforts to promote recognition of his spiritual and pastoral legacy.

The museum inauguration marked the beginning of a year-long commemoration of NBCLC’s six decades of service, linking its institutional history with the vision of its founder.

By Catholic Connect Reporter