West Bengal, Sikkim Bishops and Canonists Review Recent Canon Law Developments

KRISHNAGAR, August 14, 2026: Bishops and canonists from West Bengal and Sikkim gathered at Bishop’s House, Krishnagar, on August 10 and 11 for the annual Canon Law updating programme, examining recent norms and emerging issues relevant to their pastoral and juridical responsibilities.

The two-day programme brought together 21 participants, including seven bishops and two religious Sisters. Participants included Archbishop Elias Frank of Calcutta, Bishop Nirmol Gomes of Krishnagar, Bishop Fabian Toppo of Jalpaiguri and Bishop Paul Simick of Bagdogra.

Also attending were Bishop Fulgence Tigga of Raiganj, Bishop Shyamal Bose of Baruipur and Co-adjutor Bishop Edward Baretto of Darjeeling. Canonists from Jharkhand were also invited, with Fr. Raiman Tobias Toppo of the Archdiocese of Ranchi taking part in the programme.

The resource persons were Archbishop Elias Frank, Bishop Edward Baretto, chairman of the regional Canon Law Commission, and Fr. Anand Raj, professor of Canon Law at Morning Star Regional Seminary, Barrackpore.

The sessions addressed several areas of current canonical importance, including norms concerning delicts reserved to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith under Article 6 of Sacramentorum Sanctitatis Tutela (SST), Vos Estis Lux Mundi (VELM), bi-ritual faculties and ascription, and Pope Leo XIV’s address to the Prelates of the Roman Rota at the inauguration of the 2026 Judicial Year.

Presentations were followed by discussions that allowed participants to clarify canonical questions, examine practical implications and share pastoral and juridical experiences.

The programme concluded on August 11 with expressions of gratitude to the resource persons and the Diocese of Krishnagar for hosting and facilitating the annual gathering.

By Fr. Abraham, Asansol

Regional Secretary