Gulbarga Clergy Reflect on Synodality and Chart Local Implementation Plans

Gulbarga, August 1, 2025 — Approximately 50 diocesan and religious clergy from the Diocese of Gulbarga assembled at Sugyan, the Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Kotnoor, for a day of theological reflection and strategic planning centred on the Final Document on Synodality and its Implementation Pathways. The session, held on July 31, was led by Rev. Fr. Praveen Joy Saldanha, Professor of Systematic Theology at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore.

In his introductory remarks, the Bishop of Gulbarga, Most Rev. Dr. Robert Miranda, emphasised the necessity of ongoing formation for clergy. He encouraged priests to engage in continuous theological and pastoral learning, particularly through online courses, affirming that priestly formation is a lifelong commitment, not limited to the period before ordination.

Fr. Vincent Thoras, in his opening words, recalled their shared seminary journey and described Fr. Praveen as a theologian of profound insight and approachable simplicity. Fr. Praveen, delivering a lucid and compelling presentation, unpacked the core themes of the Final Synod Document. He highlighted the Church’s mandate to enact the document’s authoritative recommendations through processes of contextual discernment and decision-making. Stressing the principle of being “Glocal” (Global + Local), he urged the clergy to develop responses rooted in their own cultural and pastoral realities.

He also referenced the words of Pope Leo XIV in his first Apostolic Blessing delivered on 8 May 2025, where the Holy Father called the Church to be “missionary, bridge-building, dialogical, and welcoming”—qualities that are foundational to a synodal Church.

The session was followed by group discussions in which clergy explored practical strategies for embedding synodal values within the Diocese of Gulbarga. Summaries of these reflections were presented by group secretaries, outlining actionable proposals tailored to the local context.

Fr. Roshan D’Souza, Director of Premavani Communications, introduced the Catholic Connect App—an innovative digital platform aimed at networking parishes and Catholic institutions across India. User IDs were distributed to parish priests and commission directors, enabling them to upload parish events and news to foster deeper digital connectivity among the faithful.

The day ended on a note of collective gratitude and renewed commitment to advancing the synodal journey together as one pilgrim Church.

Gulbarga Clergy Reflect on Synodality and Chart Local Implementation Plans

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