Karnataka Bishops Review Pastoral Priorities, Seek Stronger Implementation

Bengaluru, September 30, 2026: Strengthening pastoral outreach, updating catechetical formation and responding to emerging social challenges were among the priorities identified by Karnataka’s bishops and pastoral leaders during a review of the region’s pastoral plan.

The Karnataka Regional Pastoral Plan Implementation Committee (KRPPIC) held its annual review with the bishops of the Karnataka Region on September 21 and 22, bringing together 50 participants, including 15 bishops, regional secretaries and joint secretaries.

The meeting, presided over by Bishop Peter Machado of Mangalore, president of the Karnataka Regional Conference of Catholic Bishops, assessed the progress of pastoral initiatives across the dioceses and identified areas requiring renewed attention.

Family ministry, mental health and lay evangelisation emerged as key areas of concern. Participants called for greater preparation for disparity-of-cult marriages and stronger promotion of family prayer. They also proposed that every diocese establish a mental health ministry and provide appropriate counselling training for those engaged in it.

The meeting stressed the need for closer formation and accompaniment of lay evangelisers and preachers. The role of diocesan bishops and spiritual directors in guiding those involved in preaching and charismatic renewal was also highlighted.

Liturgy and catechesis received particular attention. Participants called for the early approval of the Book of the Gospels and greater theological care in the preparation of liturgical hymns. They also sought correction of liturgical abuses and greater adherence to liturgical norms.

The existing catechism books were described as requiring revision and updating. The meeting proposed the formation of a core team to undertake the revision of school catechetical texts.

Environmental responsibility was another priority. In discussions on the Season of Creation, the participants encouraged dioceses and Catholic institutions to develop “green churches” and “green schools”, including greater use of solar energy. The green Church initiative at Attibele in the Archdiocese of Bangalore was cited as an example.

The bishops and pastoral leaders also discussed challenges faced by Christian communities in accessing reservation benefits, discrimination within the Church and concerns surrounding dual identity. The proposal for one per cent reservation for Christians was reviewed in the context of the existing reservation system.

Vocational promotion and formation were identified as areas needing sustained attention. The meeting called for a structured approach to vocational preparation and better formation for seminary spiritual directors. Bishops were encouraged to maintain closer personal contact with seminarians, while vocations to women religious life were also highlighted as a priority.

Migrant ministry featured prominently in the discussions, particularly the education of migrant children whose families struggle to meet school expenses. The Migrants Centre in Bengaluru was recognised for its continuing support to migrant communities, serving around 20 to 30 people each day.

The meeting also reviewed prison ministry, education, lay associations and labour welfare. Participants noted restrictions on prison visits and suggested exploring legal assistance through religious lawyers. The Labour Commission was urged to facilitate access to Employees’ State Insurance benefits for eligible people.

Fr. Christopher Vimalraj, Associate Deputy Secretary of the CCBI, led a session on the Synodal Journey, focusing on the implementation phase of synodality and the role of ecclesial discernment.

The review concluded with a call for greater involvement of religious men and women in implementing the Regional Pastoral Plan and for closer monitoring of its progress.

The regional leadership asked the secretaries to prepare a comprehensive two-year report following the prescribed guidelines. The report is to be submitted to Regional Coordinator Fr. Anil Joel Prasad by October 20 for verification by Bishop Emeritus Gerald Lobo and subsequent submission to the relevant stakeholders.

The Archbishop commended the secretaries for their reports and appreciated Fr. Anil Joel Prasad and his team for coordinating the review.

By Catholic Connect Reporter