Nagpur Archdiocese Launches RNR Training for Catholic Educational Leaders

NAGPUR, August 13, 2026: The Archdiocese of Nagpur has begun a new initiative for the professional formation of Catholic educational leaders with the first training programme of its Resource and Research Centre (RNR), held on August 11 and 12 for school principals and managers.

The two-day programme brought together 36 participants for sessions on educational leadership, school administration, child safeguarding, mental health and emerging challenges in contemporary education.

The RNR was established to advance a long-standing vision of Archbishop Elias Gonsalves of Nagpur to create a dedicated centre for the continuing formation of principals, managers, teachers and administrators. It seeks to strengthen their knowledge, skills and competencies and help Catholic educational institutions respond effectively to changing demands.

The centre was inaugurated on July 7 by Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop Emeritus of Bombay, and blessed by Cardinal Filipe Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, in the presence of bishops of the Western Region Bishops’ Conference.

Focus on Leadership and Emerging Challenges

Fr. Joseph Koovely led a session on “Assessment of Our Educational Apostolate and Equipping Ourselves for Future Challenges,” inviting participants to evaluate their educational ministry and identify ways to prepare their institutions for emerging needs.

Fr. Anto, SAC, addressed school administration and management, focusing on institutional leadership, responsible administration and the role of educational leaders in building well-organised and mission-oriented institutions.

Child safeguarding was another major component of the programme. Mrs. Manisha conducted a session on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, highlighting its relevance to educational institutions and the responsibility of school leaders to understand and implement legal and institutional safeguards.

Fr. Dr Joseph Polishetty addressed mental health in schools, stressing the importance of psychological and emotional well-being and the need to create supportive and safe environments for students and staff.

Archbishop Elias Gonsalves also conducted sessions on challenges facing the contemporary education system and possible ways forward. He encouraged participants to respond to changes in education with vision, creativity and a strong sense of responsibility to the mission of Catholic education.

Building Professional Capacity

Participants described the programme as relevant and practical, while also appreciating the opportunity to exchange experiences and reflect collectively on the challenges confronting Catholic educational institutions.

Certificates of participation were presented to all 36 participants at the conclusion of the programme.

The training was coordinated by Fr. Jeyaprakash, RNR Coordinator, together with the RNR team.

The inaugural programme marks the beginning of the RNR’s continuing work in formation, research, professional development and capacity-building for Catholic education. The initiative seeks to promote professionally competent institutions that remain responsive to contemporary educational challenges while staying rooted in their mission and values.

The next RNR training programme is scheduled for August 18 and 19.

By Fr. Jeyaprakash ABE Secretary, Archdiocese of Nagpur