Kerala Government Assures Support for Coastal Communities at KRLCC General Assembly

KOCHI, July 10, 2026: Kerala Fisheries Minister Adv. V. E. Abdul Gafoor has assured the Latin Catholic community that the State Government remains committed to addressing the concerns of coastal communities and fisherfolk through welfare initiatives and policy interventions.

Inaugurating the 47th General Assembly of the Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council (KRLCC) at the Alpha Pastoral Centre, Idakochi, the Minister said the government would take proactive steps to resolve issues affecting coastal residents and give due consideration to the legitimate demands of the Latin Catholic community.

"The government will take the initiative to resolve the issues of coastal residents and fisherfolk," he said, adding that several welfare schemes and benefits for fishing communities are being planned.

The three-day General Assembly, attended by representatives from the 12 Latin Catholic dioceses of Kerala, is focusing on the Church's pastoral priorities and the socio-economic concerns of the Latin Catholic community.

The inaugural session was presided over by Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal, President of the KRLCC. Bishop Antony Kattiparambil delivered the blessing address. MLAs Deepak Joy and Muhammad Shiyas, KRLCC Vice-President Joseph Jude, General Secretary Dr. Jiju George Arackathara and Secretary Matilda Michael also addressed the gathering.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Dr. Biju Terrance reflected on the theme, "Renewal and Progress in the Jubilee Year," inviting participants to renew the Church's mission in the context of the Jubilee celebrations. Msgr. Jenson Puthenveettil, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Calicut, moderated the inaugural proceedings.

The first day's deliberations also focused on preparing a ten-year pastoral plan for the Latin Catholic Church in Kerala. Dr. Jiju George Arackathara led the discussions, while Dr. Justin George presented a paper on the present realities and future prospects of the Latin Catholic community. The session was moderated by Joy T. F.

Higher Education Minister Roji M. John addressed the evening session. Participants also witnessed a performance of Chavittunadakam portraying the life of Blessed Mother Eliswa.

The Assembly will continue with presentations on KRLCC's activities, pastoral planning, social development, education, employment, and the future direction of the Latin Catholic community. A panel discussion marking the KRLCC Silver Jubilee will explore the community's achievements, challenges and emerging opportunities, while another session will review the recommendations of the J. B. Koshy Commission and discuss welfare, education and employment-related issues.

The final day will feature reports from diocesan and State Political Affairs Committees, presentation of financial and administrative reports, and the distribution of Faith Formation Scholarships. Archbishop Chakkalakal will deliver the concluding address before the Assembly concludes on July 12.

Ahead of the General Assembly, the Latin Catholic Bishops' Council of Kerala also met to deliberate on matters concerning the Church and the welfare of the faithful in the region.

By Joseph Jude , KRLCC