Pro-Life Formation Prepares 55 Deacons for Priestly Ministry

BENGALURU, August 8, 2026: Fifty-five deacons preparing for priestly ministry in dioceses and religious congregations across India received three days of formation on contemporary challenges to human life, marriage and human dignity at St. Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bengaluru.

Held from August 5 to 7 as part of the seminary’s annual pastoral formation programme, the sessions were led by Ajin Joseph, Associate Secretary of the CCBI Family Commission with special responsibility for Pro-Life Ministry.

The programme sought to equip the deacons to discern the “signs of the times” and prepare them to proclaim the Gospel of Life and form the consciences of the faithful in their future pastoral assignments.

A significant part of the formation dealt with pornography and masturbation, their impact on personal well-being and the pastoral challenges they pose for young people and families. Drawing on the theological reflections of St Augustine and St.Thomas Aquinas, Joseph encouraged the deacons to approach such issues with compassion, pastoral sensitivity and a sound understanding of the Church’s teaching on chastity and human dignity.

The deacons were also introduced to The Chosen Encounter, a faith-formation initiative that uses selected scenes from the television series The Chosen for biblical storytelling and catechesis. Mr. Joseph demonstrated how the material could be adapted for parish and institutional catechesis. He also highlighted the significance of The Chosen: Crucifixion, scheduled for a global theatrical release, including in India, in March 2027, and encouraged the future priests to utilise it as an opportunity for faith formation and a deeper encounter with Christ.

The programme examined several bioethical issues, including abortion, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), surrogacy and population trends. Joseph presented the Church’s teaching on the dignity of human life from conception to natural death and discussed ethical questions surrounding different abortion procedures.

A practical session on IVF explored the embryonic losses that can occur during the process and introduced the Church’s teaching on the inviolable dignity of every human embryo from conception. The ethical implications of surrogacy, including concerns about separating procreation from marital union and the commercialisation of motherhood and children, were also discussed.

The formation further addressed contraception and Catholic teaching on marriage, responsible parenthood and the sanctity of human life. The deacons studied key Church documents, including Casti Connubii, Humanae Vitae and Evangelium Vitae, as resources for their future pastoral ministry.

Contemporary questions concerning gender dysphoria, homosexuality and LGBTQIA+ issues were also discussed from the perspective of Christian anthropology, Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Referring to the writings of saints including St Peter Damian, Joseph presented Catholic teaching on the human person and the complementarity of man and woman, while urging the future priests to communicate Church teaching with both clarity and charity.

The three-day programme concluded with an emphasis on the responsibility of future priests to accompany individuals and families facing complex questions concerning sexuality, marriage and human life.

Participants expressed appreciation for the practical nature of the formation and renewed their commitment to promoting the dignity of human life and strengthening Catholic families in the communities they will serve as priests.

By Catholic Connect Reporter