Three Indian Catechists to Receive Lay Ministry from Pope Leo XIV in Rome

New Delhi, 22 September 2025: Pope Leo XIV will confer the Ministry of Lay Catechist to 39 candidates from 16 countries at the Catechists Jubilee in Rome on 28 September 2025, where three Indian catechists have been chosen to receive this recognition.

The ministry of Lay Catechist, formally instituted by Pope Francis through the Apostolic Letter Antiquum Ministerium in 2021, will be highlighted at the Jubilee. Representing India are three trained catechists: Mr. Boban Cletus, from the Alleppy Diocese and a National Council member of the CCBI Commission for Faith Formation; Mr. Sunil Anthony Thomas, from the Archdiocese of Bangalore and a YOUCAT member; and Mrs. Larisa Peter, from the Archdiocese of Hyderabad and a YOUCAT member.

Their selection follows an initiative by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), Commission for Faith Formation, and YOUCAT INDIA. The Dicastery for Evangelisation in Rome extended the official invitation to the catechists. In addition, four other representatives from India will take part in the Jubilee celebrations.

The CCBI has extended its congratulations and best wishes to the three recipients as they prepare to receive this historic ministry in Rome.

By Fr. Vijay Machado