- 04 November, 2026
KALYAN, November 3, 2026: More than 80 priests of the Archeparchy of Kalyan gathered on November 3 for their monthly clergy recollection, focusing on the theme “The Mind of Christ for a Priest” and the call to renew their commitment to Christ-centred ministry.
The recollection was led by Ajin Joseph, Associate Secretary of the CCBI Family Commission with special responsibility for Pro-Life Ministry. Fr Paul Kunduparambil welcomed the participants.
Drawing on Christ’s threefold commission to St. Peter in John 21:15–19 — “Feed My Lambs,” “Tend My Sheep” and “Feed My Sheep” — Joseph outlined the key responsibilities of priests in nurturing the faithful, guiding those who have drifted away from the Church and proclaiming the Gospel beyond parish boundaries.
Reflecting on the first mandate, “Feed My Lambs,” he urged priests to strengthen the faith of their communities and encourage Catholics who attend Mass only on Christmas, Easter and feast days to participate regularly in Sunday Eucharistic celebrations.
He stressed that effective pastoral ministry must flow from a personal relationship with Christ, sustained through daily prayer, the Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic adoration and thorough preparation of homilies through prayer, meditation and study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He also highlighted the importance of apologetics in helping priests explain and defend the Catholic faith through reason and faith.
Addressing the second mandate, “Tend My Sheep,” Joseph emphasised the responsibility of priests to guide and protect their communities and reach out to Catholics who have become disconnected from Church life. Referring to Canon 528 §1 of the Code of Canon Law, he reminded priests of their duty to ensure that the Word of God is proclaimed to everyone entrusted to their pastoral care.
He also called on priests to deepen their understanding of the Apostles’ Creed and the fullness of Catholic teaching so that they could effectively communicate the faith.
On Christian unity, he referred to the Second Vatican Council’s decree Unitatis Redintegratio, highlighting the Church’s commitment to ecumenism and the pursuit of full communion among Christians. He cited the missionary witness of St. Francis de Sales, St. Edmund Campion, St. Peter Canisius and St. Ignatius of Loyola as examples of dedication to strengthening and defending the Catholic faith.
Reflecting on the third mandate, “Feed My Sheep,” Joseph said the Church’s evangelising mission must extend beyond the Catholic community and parish boundaries. Citing Pope Paul VI’s Evangelii Nuntiandi and Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium, he reminded the priests that proclaiming the Gospel to all people remains central to the Church’s mission.
He further urged them to remain faithful to their priestly commitments, particularly celibacy, chastity, obedience, poverty and humility. Emphasising the importance of personal witness, he invited the priests to examine whether their lives and ministry inspire others to consider a vocation to the priesthood.
Reminding them that the Church belongs to Christ, he said priests must serve as humble stewards rather than owners of the communities entrusted to their care.
At the conclusion of the recollection, Archbishop Sebastian Vaniyapurackal of Kalyan felicitated Joseph and presented him with a copy of Reimagining Synodality in the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, acknowledging his contribution to the formation of the clergy.
The recollection called priests to renew their commitment to a ministry rooted in personal communion with Christ and expressed through prayer, sound teaching, pastoral responsibility and evangelisation.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
© 2026 CATHOLIC CONNECT POWERED BY ATCONLINE LLP
