Redemptorists of Bangalore Province Commit to Synodality in Parish Ministry

Bangalore, March 7, 2025 – Forty parish priests from the Bangalore Province of the Redemptorist congregation participated in an online seminar entitled “Implementing Synodality in Parish Ministry and Administration” on March 3, 2025. The seminar was organised to deepen the participants' understanding of synodality and methods to integrate it into their parish structures in preparation for the Jubilee 2025. Very Rev. Fr. Edward Joseph Raju CSsR, Provincial Superior of the Bangalore Province, presided over the seminar.

In his presidential address, Fr. Edward urged the parish priests to actively embrace synodality as a way of being the Church. “We must own synodality in order to implement it effectively,” he said, highlighting the need for participation, co-responsibility, and inclusion in parish life.

Rev. Prof. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi, National Coordinator for Synod and Jubilee 2025, led the seminar with a detailed presentation on the practical steps for implementing synodality in parish governance. Drawing insights from "The Final Document of the Synod" and the "CCBI Pastoral Plan 2033," he highlighted how a synodal approach fosters deeper communion, greater participation, and mission-driven pastoral ministry.

The seminar, coordinated by Fr. Sandeep Menezes CSsR and Fr. George, deeply influenced the participants. Describing the session as an eye-opener, one of the attendees, Fr. Christopher, pledged to promote dialogue and participation of lay persons in his parish. Another participant, Fr. Arul Sekar CSsR, shared that by understanding synodality as shared responsibility, he now views his parish community as co-pilgrims in faith and that the voice of every parishioner matters.

As they step into the Holy Year Jubilee 2025, the Redemptorists of Bangalore Province reaffirm their commitment to making their parishes vibrant centres of synodal renewal. 

By Catholic Connect Reporter