Telugu Bishops' Council Holds Canon Lawyers Convention

Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, September 4, 2025 — The Telugu Catholic Bishops’ Council’s (TCBC) Commission for Canon Law, in collaboration with the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), hosted its Annual Canon Law Seminar at the Eluru Diocese’s Pastoral Centre on Thursday, September 4. The event, held with the blessings of Bp. Dr. Jaya Rao Polimera, Bishop of Eluru and Chairman of the TCBC Canon Law Commission, brought together approximately 25 canonists from the Telugu states to explore contemporary issues in Church law and pastoral practice.

Themed “Graced Existence in Grace-filled Creation”, the seminar began with a prayer session, followed by an inauguration ceremony led by Fr. Dr. Dola Velangani Rao MSFS, in-charge of the seminar. 

The main resource person for the seminar was Fr. Dr. Merlin Ambrose, Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Canon Law and Legislative Texts. In his session, Fr. Dr. Merlin explained the new formulary for the Holy Mass for the Care of Creation and addressed the emerging penal delict of Spiritual Abuse and False Mysticism in Canon Law. This new Formulary for the Holy Mass is commendable as the Church celebrates the tenth anniversary of Laudato Si’. The insights shared by Fr. Merlin during his session empowered the canonists to be vigilant, ward off any aberrations, and serve the faithful more effectively.

Other notable sessions during the seminar included Fr. Dr. Kolakani Marianna’s lecture on “Sacramentals as Acts of Divine Worship” and Fr. Margapudi Solomon Raju’s discussion on the Declaration Fiducia Supplicans, which deepened participants’ understanding of canonical principles. Group discussions focused on tribunal functions and challenges were held during the seminar.

The event concluded with a panel discussion on various canonical issues, including emerging challenges within marriage tribunals and the Church’s teaching, sanctifying, and governing offices (tria munera).

Participants praised the seminar as a vital platform for ongoing formation. One canonist observed, “The annual seminar is indeed a momentous opportunity to update and flow with the mainstream of ecclesial thinking.” 

The day-long programme successfully fostered collaboration among canonists, equipping them to navigate contemporary canonical challenges with insight and prudence.

By Fr. Dr. Dola Velanganni Rao, D.CL., MSFS

Download the Catholic Connect App for Daily News Updates:

Android: Click here to download

iOS: Click here to download