Jalandhar Diocese Charts Pastoral Roadmap Aligned with CCBI Vision

Jalandhar, March 5, 2026: The Diocese of Jalandhar has initiated a coordinated pastoral planning process in line with the vision of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CCBI), as directors and executive secretaries of diocesan commissions and pious associations gathered at the Bishop’s House on March 4 to outline strategies for the Church’s mission in Punjab.

The meeting, convened under the guidance of Bishop Jose Sebastian of Jalandhar, focused on reviewing and presenting short-term, medium-term and long-term pastoral plans designed to strengthen coordination and missionary outreach across the diocese.

The session began with a hymn to the Holy Spirit led by Fr. John Teja, setting a prayerful tone for the deliberations. Participants were welcomed by the general secretary of the diocesan commissions, who then invited Msgr. Michael Ani to offer introductory reflections.

In his address, Msgr. Ani highlighted that the CCBI has encouraged dioceses across India to adopt a Synodal approach in preparing pastoral plans, stressing wider participation of the faithful in the Church’s mission. He underlined the need to expand the role of the laity and pointed to the growing importance of digital platforms for evangelisation in the contemporary pastoral context. He also called for stronger collaboration among diocesan commissions to ensure better coordination and effective pastoral outreach.

Representatives from the various commissions and associations subsequently presented their proposals, outlining initiatives and priorities aimed at strengthening pastoral life in the diocese. The plans sought to reflect the broader pastoral direction proposed by the CCBI while responding to the pastoral realities of the local Church in Punjab.

The proposals were reviewed by Bishop Jose Sebastian, who offered observations and suggestions to ensure that the plans could be implemented effectively within the diocesan framework.

Addressing the gathering, the bishop emphasised that Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) must remain a central priority if the Church is to deepen participation and strengthen its missionary identity at the grassroots. Strengthening these communities, he noted, would nurture faith, promote shared responsibility, and encourage the faithful to take an active role in the life and mission of the Church.

Bishop Sebastian also expressed appreciation for the efforts of those coordinating the process, including Msgr. Michael Ani and Fr. Robin Azad, as well as the directors and executive secretaries who presented their pastoral initiatives.

Encouraging continued cooperation, the bishop called on all commissions and associations to work together in a true Synodal spirit, ensuring that the pastoral vision of the diocese is translated into concrete action within parish communities across the region.