Church Leaders from Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal Meet in Patna to Strengthen Synodal Journey

Patna, March 11, 2026: Church leaders, priests, religious and lay representatives from the regions of Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal gathered in Patna for a two-day seminar–cum–workshop aimed at deepening the Church’s commitment to the Synodal journey and identifying practical ways to implement it in local dioceses.

The programme, organised by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) National Commission for Theology and Doctrine, was held on March 6–7 at Navjyoti Niketan under the theme “Learning, Leading and Launching the Synodal Way Forward.” The initiative sought to help participants reflect on the meaning of synodality and discern concrete pastoral responses for the Church in the region.

Among those present were Archbishop Sebastian Kallupura, Bp Cajetan Francis Osta and Bp James Shekhar, along with seminary rectors, priests, religious and lay leaders from various dioceses across the three states.

The sessions were facilitated by Fr. Gilbert D’Lima, National Executive Secretary of the Commission for Theology and Doctrine, and Adrian Rosario, professor at Mumbai University. Their presentations drew on the final document of the Synod on Synodality and the CCBI Strategic Plan 2033, offering participants theological insights and pastoral perspectives on building a more participatory Church.

Discussions during the workshop focused on key themes of synodality, including rediscovering the Church’s call to walk together, fostering a culture of listening as a spiritual and pastoral practice, promoting shared responsibility and leadership, and strengthening discernment in decision-making. Participants also reflected on the role of synodality in mission and social engagement.

Fr. D’Lima emphasised that synodality goes beyond organisational structures or occasional meetings. “Synodality is not merely an event but a way of being Church, where all the faithful walk together, listen to one another, and discern the voice of the Holy Spirit,” he said.

The workshop adopted interactive methods such as role plays, group presentations and narrative sharing, enabling participants to experience spiritual conversation and communal discernment in practice.

During the Holy Eucharist, Archbishop Kallupura highlighted the importance of living synodality in everyday Christian life and encouraged participants to embrace a spirit of listening, collaboration and shared responsibility in their pastoral ministry.

Around 40 participants attended the programme and worked together to outline possible implementation plans for their respective regions in line with the Synod’s final document and the CCBI Strategic Plan 2033.

The event was coordinated by Fr. Antony Samy, Regional Secretary for the Commission for Theology and Doctrine, in collaboration with Fr. James Rosario, administrator of Navjyoti Niketan. The gathering concluded with participants renewing their commitment to foster a more participatory, listening and mission-oriented Church in their dioceses.

By Fr Anil Cruz,

Diocesean Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Theology and Doctrine

Diocese of Buxar.