Seminar Highlights Practical Application of Canon Law in Diocesan Procedures

Bangalore, September 12, 2026: Practical application of canonical procedure at the diocesan phase came into focus as the Centre of Canon Law Studies at St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bangalore, conducted a national seminar titled “Procedural Praxis at the Diocesan Phase” on September 11.

The seminar brought together 53 priests and sisters from across India who are currently pursuing the Licentiate in Canon Law (LCL) at the Centre of Canon Law Studies.

Archbishop Elias Frank of Calcutta, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Asansol, was the keynote speaker and resource person. Drawing from his extensive experience as a former commissioner for in favorem fidei cases at the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), Archbishop Frank delivered a masterclass in canonical accuracy and procedural application.

The seminar was structured into three intense lecture modules, culminating in an extended question-and-answer forum. Archbishop Frank focused primarily on two complex areas of canonical jurisprudence: Pauline Privilege (Canons 1143–1147) and cases in favorem fidei (Favour of Faith Cases).

Throughout the sessions, Archbishop Frank demonstrated exceptional erudition, guiding participants through the practical application of procedural law using real-world case scenarios across diverse pastoral settings.

Fr. Merlin Rengith Ambrose, Director of the Centre of Canon Law Studies, organised the event with the active collaboration of the Centre’s faculty. He has a keen interest in promoting Church Law and its teachings on Marriage and its procedure and nurturing future canonists in India.

The faculty members who participated throughout the proceedings included Fr. Lourdusamy, Fr. Sahayaraj L., Fr. Sunil D’Souza and Fr. Anthony Joseph.

Fr. Valerian Sequeira, Sr. Mercy John and Fr. Antonappa also participated throughout the proceedings.

The seminar included an interactive Q&A session where participants engaged directly with Archbishop Frank on challenging diocesan tribunal situations. The students and participants appreciated these practical sessions on applying procedural law and insisted that such sessions be held more often in the future.

By Catholic Connect Reporter