Bangalore Archdiocese

By Fr Franklin Dsouza

Bengaluru, May 25 : The "Leadership of the Laity in the Church and Society in the Synodal Context of the Church in Karnataka" seminar took place from May 19-23, 2025, at NBCLC (National Biblical Catechetical and Liturgical Centre), Bengaluru.

The five-day seminar brought together laity to discuss the role of lay people in the Church and society. The event featured talks, group discussions and debates.

Day 1: May 19, 2025

- The conference began with an inaugural address by Most Rev. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore.
- Rev. Fr. Anil Joel Prasad delivered the keynote address, focusing on the leadership of laity in the Church and society.
- Talks on the society and Church in the Scriptures and Vatican II documents related to laity were presented by Rev. Fr. Jeevan Prasad MSFS and Fr. Santhraj SJ, respectively.

Day 2: May 20, 2025

- The theme "Laity in Society" was explored through talks on social teachings of the Church and Indian Constitution and democracy.
- Mr. Kennedy, National Coordinator for Social Justice of All India Catholic Union, and Rev. Fr. Jerald D'Souza SJ, Director, St. Joseph College of Law, presented talks.

Day 3: May 21, 2025

- The theme "Laity for Mission and Witness" was discussed, with a focus on women in the Church and women empowerment.
- Most Rev. Joseph Susainathan, Auxiliary Bishop of Bangalore, delivered a talk on the call to laity for mission and witness.
- Dr. Isabella, Joint Secretary for SC/ST/BC Commission, Karnataka Regional Catholic Bishops' Council, presented a talk on women empowerment.

Day 4: May 22, 2025

- The theme "Sections of Laity" was explored, with talks on youth and youth movements, and the role of laity in the synodal Church.
- Fr. Franklin, Director, Diocesan Youth Commission, Shimoga Diocese, and Fr. Lourdusamy, St. Peter's Pontifical Institute, presented talks.

Day 5: May 23, 2025

- The theme "Laity Building the Church and Society" was discussed, with a focus on family catechesis and Church catechism.
- Rev. Fr. K O Varghese sdb and Rev. Fr. Mahimai sdb, Kristu Jyothi College, presented talks.
- The conference concluded with a valedictory function and distribution of certificates by Most Rev. Satish, Auxiliary Bishop of Bangalore.

Key Takeaways

The conference highlighted the importance of laypeople's participation in the Church and society. It emphasized the need for integral formation, collaboration, and recognition of laypeople's roles in the Church's mission. The event provided a platform for clergy and laity to come together and discuss the synodal context of the Church in Karnataka.