XVI CCBI National Catechetical Conference Underway in Jaipur

JAIPUR, September 23, 2025 – The XVI National Catechetical Conference of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) officially began today at Gyandeep Bhavan in Jaipur, bringing together 90 delegates, including bishops, diaocesan secretaries of commission for faith formation, religious, and lay catechists from across the country. The three-day conference, which runs from September 23 to 25, is focused on the theme, "Catechesis in and towards the sacrament of the eucharist."

The inaugural session featured a prayer led by Fr. Gali John Bosco and team and a welcome address by Fr. Manikya Raju, archdiocese of Delhi. A ceremonial lamp lighting was conducted by several dignitaries, including Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Kallarackal (Bishop of Jaipur), Most Rev. Dr. Anand Jojo (Member Bishop), Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Oswald Lewis (Bishop Emeritus of Jaipur), and Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara (Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI). Other delegates included Fr. Vijay Machado, Executive Secreatary, Fr. Jijo, Chancellor of the diocese and Fr. Victor Raj, local coordinator.

A highlight of the opening day was the release of the Hindi version of YOUCAT (Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church), presented by Bishop Kallarackal. This new publication aims to make catechetical resources more accessible to Hindi-speaking communities.

In his inaugural address, Bishop Kallarackal underscored the vital role of catechesis in deepening faith and inspiring young people to become witnesses of Christ. Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara also spoke, emphasizing the importance of training regional and diocesan secretaries in modern catechetical techniques, particularly those based on the new catechetical directory. Speaking about the conference's central theme, he stressed the importance of catechesis as a journey leading to and deepening one's relationship with the Eucharist in the Indian context.

Over the next few days, delegates will engage in discussions and reflections on various topics related to the main theme, including First Holy Communion, Lectors, Digital Media, and Liturgical Music. The conference is designed to be a period of prayer, reflection, and collaboration to strengthen the catechetical mission of the Church in India.

By Fr. Vijay Machado

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