Five-Day Synod in Kurnool Diocese, Andhra Pradesh, Concludes with Resounding Success

Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, May 31, 2025: The five-day Kurnool Diocesan Synod, held from May 26 to 30 at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, concluded in a resounding success, setting a new benchmark for pastoral renewal and administrative planning in the Diocese of Kurnool. Convened under the leadership of Bishop Johannes Gorantla, OCD, Bishop of the diocese, the synod brought together clergy, religious, and lay representatives from across the diocese to deliberate on critical pastoral and administrative matters. and to chart a forward-looking path for the diocese.

The final day of the event commenced in the morning with a solemn Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Bishop Johannes Gorantla.

The morning session opened with prayers led by a group of catechists, who prayed for the success of the day's proceedings. This was followed by a discussion focused on the responsible management of diocesan temporal goods. Fr. K.D. Joseph and the lay secretary, Mr. Balaswamy, provided comprehensive inputs to guide the discussion. Delegates deliberated actively on critical issues such as protecting diocesan lands and properties, digitising land and property records, and creating an updated inventory of all diocesan assets. Recommendations were made to sensitise incoming parish priests and parishioners about local church property, enabling the whole community to act as vigilant stewards against encroachment and mismanagement.

A deeply engaging session followed on the Protection Policy for Vulnerable Persons, encompassing all diocese-run institutions. Chowrappa shared the civil law perspective on the protection of vulnerable children and adults. Participants shared thoughtful and practical suggestions, emphasising the need for awareness programmes on safe and respectful behaviour, including teaching children about appropriate boundaries and the importance of always upholding the dignity of women. Some also highlighted the challenges faced by clergy and the importance of mutual protection within a safe and nurturing ecclesial environment.

A dedicated session was held to discuss the role of clergy and seminarians. Rev. Fr. M. Prasanna, representing the preparatory committee, presented their key findings and recommendations to all the clergy in attendance. Following his presentation, the floor was opened for a comprehensive discussion on a range of important topics concerning the clergy. These included the promotion of priestly vocations; ongoing formation and spiritual renewal of priests; guidelines for vacation and travel, as well as matters related to retirement and pastoral support for senior clergy.

A feedback session revealed the immense impact of the five-day gathering. Participants expressed profound gratitude, describing the synod as a historic moment of grace and dialogue. One delegate remarked that being part of the synod was not unlike “sitting at the right hand of the heavenly Father”—a place of discernment, holiness, and responsibility. Many shared that they had learnt invaluable insights into various diocesan apostolates.

In his concluding address, Bishop Johannes Gorantla OCD expressed heartfelt thanks to all those involved in the organisation of the synod. He also gratefully acknowledged the group secretaries for their excellent synthesis of delegate opinions and the synod secretariat for their unwavering assistance throughout the event. He affirmed his intention to consider all recommendations and to formulate comprehensive diocesan administrative and pastoral guidelines in the near future.

The Kurnool Diocesan Synod was hailed by all as an extraordinary success, a model of synodal collaboration, spiritual depth, and pastoral engagement. It is now considered an inspiring template for other dioceses in the Telugu Catholic Bishops’ Conference (TCBC) and across India.

By Fr. Inna, Diocesan Secretary and Synod Secretary