Ongoing Formation and Renewal Programme for Junior and Middle-Aged Clergy Held in Jalandhar
A two-day Ongoing Formation and Renewal Programme for Junior and Middle-Aged Clergy, comprising priests ordained between 2006 and 2020, was held at the Bishop’s House, Jalandhar, on 28–29 September 2026.
The programme was jointly organised by the CCBI Commission for Vocations, Seminaries, Clergy and Religious (VSCR) and the Conference of Diocesan Priests of India (CDPI) – Northern Region. Around 45 priests from various dioceses across the region participated in the programme, which provided a meaningful opportunity for reflection, renewal and fraternal communion.
The programme commenced with an inaugural address by Most Rev. Jose Sebastian, Bishop of Jalandhar and Regional Chairman of the Commission, who emphasised the importance of continuous personal, spiritual and pastoral renewal in responding effectively to the changing realities of ministry.
The sessions were animated by Rev. Fr. Jerome Paul, Professor at St. Joseph’s Regional Seminary, Allahabad. Through interactive and engaging presentations, he led the priests into deeper reflection on contemporary challenges in priestly ministry, spiritual vitality and effective pastoral leadership.
The programme included panel discussions on pastoral, educational and social ministries, group sharing, Eucharistic Adoration, and an evening film screening focusing on Church history and mission. The gathering also fostered fraternity and recreation through friendly basketball and volleyball matches between the participating priests and seminarians of Holy Trinity Regional Major Seminary, Lidhran.
The programme was coordinated under the leadership of Rev. Fr. A. Soosai Nathan, CDPI Regional Secretary, with the valuable collaboration of Rev. Fr. Varghese Chakara, Rev. Fr. Subin, Chancellor and Bishop’s Secretary, the Pallottine Sisters, and the resident staff of Bishop’s House. Their dedicated service ensured well-organised arrangements, comfortable accommodation and a warm atmosphere of hospitality and fellowship.
The two-day programme concluded with a group reporting session and synthesis of key insights, followed by lunch. The participants expressed their gratitude for the enriching and revitalising experience, returning to their respective dioceses with renewed spiritual strength, deeper fraternal bonds and a strengthened commitment to their pastoral mission.
Fr. Rexon
Secretary, Priests' Council
Chandigarh
