Pilar Hosts National Conference for Seminary Educators

Pilar, 30 May 2025: A two-day national conference for seminary educators was held at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre, Pilar, Goa, on 26–27 May 2025. Around fifty seminary educators, provincials, and members of the General Administration of the Society of Pilar came together for their annual deliberations and updates concerning the formation of young men for the priesthood. The educators, serving across various regions of India, work with candidates from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Safeguarding in Ministry: A Call for Responsible Leadership

Rev. Dr. Konrad Noronha, a Jesuit priest and the conference’s resource person, led the participants through an in-depth exploration of Safeguarding vis-à-vis Formation, Formees and Formators.

He emphasised that clergy are public figures and must be thoroughly educated on safeguarding protocols. He added that religious leaders must understand the boundaries and responsibilities involved in professional ministry to serve with integrity and effectiveness.

Fr. Steevan D’Souza, sfx, Chairperson of the Central Formation Commission (CFC) of the Society of Pilar, commenced the conference with a welcome address. This was followed by a keynote speech by Rev. Fr. Nazareth Fernandes, sfx, the Superior General. The sessions were moderated by Rev. Fr. Norman Almeida, sfx, Rector of the Mission Seminary, Pilar. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Rev. Fr. Richard Couto, sfx, Secretary to the CFC.

Society of Pilar: Serving the Margins Since 1887

The Society of Pilar, an indigenous missionary society, was founded by Fr. Bento Martins in 1887. It currently comprises 388 priests and 7 lay brothers serving in 42 dioceses across India and abroad. Committed to holistic human development without discrimination of caste, class, or creed, the Society has a strong presence in regions such as Jammu, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Daman, Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Internationally, it has established missions in Nepal, England, the USA, Germany, Italy, Mauritania, and Senegal.

By Fr. Elvis Fernandes SFX

Director Of Pilar