Fr. Anthony Lazar OFM Cap Appointed Secretary of KCBC Social Harmony and Vigilance Commission

KOCHI, August 31, 2026: Capuchin Franciscan priest Fr. Anthony Lazar OFM Cap has been appointed Secretary of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) Social Harmony and Vigilance Commission.

Fr. Lazar, a philosopher, educator, film studies scholar and researcher on human migration, brings more than two decades of experience in pastoral ministry, priestly formation, education and academic research to his new responsibility.

Ordained a priest on November 23, 1999, Fr. Lazar has served in a range of pastoral, educational and formation ministries within the Church.

He has pursued higher studies in philosophy, theology, education, communication ethics and film-philosophy, and holds a doctorate in Film and Philosophy from the University of Kerala.

His academic interests include film-philosophy, media and communication, the philosophy of Gilles Deleuze, human migration studies, priestly formation and educational leadership.

Fr. Lazar previously served as Rector of Mary Giri Institute of Philosophy, Kudappanakunnu, and Principal of Mary Giri Senior Secondary School. He has also held various pastoral and formation responsibilities.

Since 2025, he has been serving as Director of the Samaritan Academy for Global Migrants (SAGM), an initiative focused on issues related to migration and migrants.

During his academic career, Fr. Lazar has presented research papers and delivered lectures at academic forums in India, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates.

He is currently engaged in post-doctoral research examining the life, experiences and future of coastal Catholic migrants in Kerala.

His appointment to the KCBC Social Harmony and Vigilance Commission brings his experience in education, communication, research and migration studies to a commission concerned with promoting social harmony and vigilance on issues affecting communities and society.

By Catholic Connect Reporter