- 27 September, 2025
Hyderabad, Telangana, Sept. 27, 2025 – The Telugu Catholic Bishops’ Council (TCBC) convened an Extraordinary Meeting from September 23 to 25 at St. John’s Regional Seminary, Hyderabad. The event brought together bishops, clergy, and lay leaders from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to discuss pastoral initiatives, ongoing projects, and upcoming Church-led events in the region.
The meeting opened with a prayer and welcome address by His Eminence Cardinal Poola Anthony, TCBC President. The TCBC bishops then felicitated Archbishop Prince Anthony, the first Archbishop-elect of Shamshabad, and Mar Joseph Thachaparambath, CMI, the Bishop-elect of Adilabad.
Fr. Lourduraj SJ, CEO of Divyavani Communications, announced the upcoming release of The Face of the Faceless, a Telugu-dubbed film on the life of Sr. Rani Maria, and also provided updates on the new Divyavani Social Communication and Amruthavani Centre, slated for inauguration on November 15. Fr. Lourduraj also provided an update on developments at the TCBC complex, including a new lift, ground floor renovations, and rental occupancy generating an annual income of Rs. 1 crore.
The Montfort Brothers of Hyderabad Province requested land from the TCBC to establish inclusive schools. The council deferred the final decision regarding the request to the seminary governing body.In the evening, nine bishops attended a concurrent session organised by the Federation of Telugu Churches (FTC). Bishop Johannes Gorantla of Kurnool highlighted the upcoming 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed, stressing its historical and theological importance during the session.
On the second day, Fr. Joe Xavier SJ led a session on “The CCBI Pastoral Plan and Synodality: A New Way of Being the Church”, engaging bishops and commission secretaries. Bishop Moses D. Prakasam of Nellore Diocese then released three volumes of the Adult Catechism in Telugu. TCBC bishops also met with ATRCRI representative Fr. Stany SJ to discuss collaboration with religious communities for the Mission 2033 Pastoral Plan, challenges facing the Church in the region, and fee concessions in Catholic schools. The Council approved 50% fee concessions for deserving students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The final day focused on the Telugu Catholic Council (TCC), with Bishop T. Joseph Raja Rao highlighting its activities. The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed, and issues were addressed, with requests that TCBC consider recommendations from 2024. Fr. Joji Babu, professor at St. John’s Seminary, delivered a session on “Lay Leadership”, followed by group discussions whose outcomes will be submitted as formal TCBC recommendations.
Cardinal Poola Anthony concluded the meeting by expressing gratitude to all participants, particularly Fr. Lourdu Marreddy, Rector of St. John’s Seminary, for his support in hosting the event. He urged TCC members to remain active in diocesan life and support upcoming Jubilee Mini-Conventions across the Telugu region.
The meeting closed with the Angelus and Cardinal Poola’s blessing.
By Fr. Raju Alex,
Deputy Secretary,
TCBC,
Hyderabad
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