Indore Diocese Holds Canon Law Seminar as Part of Platinum Jubilee

Indore, September 29, 2026: Around 40 priests of the Diocese of Indore took part in a one-day seminar on Canon Law, focusing on delicts, penalties and the penal process, as part of the diocese’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Held on September 25 at Bishop’s House, Indore, the seminar was led by Fr. Dr T. Lourdusamy, President of the Canon Law Society of India and the Canon Law Society of Karnataka, faculty member at St Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bengaluru, and Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Bellary.

The seminar focused on “Delicts, Penalties and the Penal Process,” with particular reference to Book VI of the Code of Canon Law, which deals with sanctions in the Church, penal responsibility and procedures for addressing canonical offences.

Fr. Lourdusamy explained the revised penal discipline of the Church in the light of Pope Francis’ 2021 Apostolic Constitution Pascite gregem Dei, which brought significant changes to Book VI. The sessions examined the nature of canonical offences, circumstances affecting responsibility, different types of penalties and the procedures governing their application.

Particular attention was given to the need for justice, due process, prudence and pastoral sensitivity when dealing with difficult and sensitive situations in the Church. The seminar underlined the pastoral purpose of penal law, including the restoration of justice, amendment of the offender and repair of scandal.

The discussions also highlighted the relationship between justice and mercy and between Canon Law and pastoral ministry. A sound understanding of canonical norms, the seminar noted, enables priests to exercise their pastoral responsibilities with greater prudence and accountability.

Bishop Thomas Matthew of Indore attended the programme along with Vicar General Fr. Simon Raj and the priests of the diocese. Fr. Naveen Uttriya Raj introduced the resource person and highlighted the relevance of Canon Law to the ministry and responsibilities of priests.

The participants actively engaged in the sessions, raising questions and discussing practical situations related to the application of canonical norms.

Fr. Biju Matthew expressed gratitude to Fr. Lourdusamy for sharing his expertise and experience. He also thanked Bishop Thomas Matthew, the Vicar General, the organising team and the participating priests.

The seminar formed part of the diocese’s ongoing clergy formation during its Platinum Jubilee year and sought to strengthen the priests’ understanding of their canonical, pastoral and administrative responsibilities.

By Fr. Naveen Uttriya Raj