Media Release

Goa, Jun 8: The commission for Canon Law and other legislative texts in the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) formally inaugurated a one-year “Diploma Course in Canon Law for a Synodal Church.” on June 7. This initiative is strategically designed by Prof Merlin Ambrose, under the guidance of Antonysamy, the chairperson of the same commission, to foster a more synodal and missionary Church, aligning with contemporary ecclesial priorities.

The programme has garnered substantial international participation, with a total of 264 participants comprising priests, religious, and lay faithful. These participants hail from 14 countries, reflecting a broad global engagement with the course’s objectives.

His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, president of the conference of Catholic Bishops of India, in his inaugural address explicated the pivotal role of the laity within the Church, specifically highlighting their participation in the tria munera Christi, namely, the teaching, sanctifying, and governing offices. Subsequently, Dr Stephen Alathara, deputy secretary-general of the CCBI, delivered a felicitation address, highlighting the significant contribution of the Canon Law Commission's activities to the advancement and growth of the Church in India. The keynote address was delivered by Elias Frank, bishop of Asansol who emphasised the imperative of engaging with Canon Law as a means to enhance the active participation of the laity and to foster a deeper internalisation of the Church's teachings.

The comprehensive inaugural ceremony was organised by Prof Merlin Rengith Ambrose, who serves as both the executive secretary of the commission for Canon Law, a professor of Canon Law at St Peter’s Pontifical Institute and a member of the International scientific committee at the Pontifical Urban University. He will be the coordinator for this entire annual formative programme.