National Conference Highlights New Initiatives in Evangelisation and Covenant Communities

Mumbai, March 12, 2026: Church leaders, missionaries, and lay representatives from across India gathered at the Sion Spirituality Centre from March 9–12 for a National Conference on New Initiatives in Evangelisation and Covenant Communities. The four-day event sought to strengthen missionary collaboration and explore fresh approaches to proclaiming the Gospel in the contemporary Indian context.

The conference was organised by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) Commission for Proclamation in collaboration with Suvarta Kendra and the Pontifical Mission Societies, bringing together frontline leaders of evangelisation, covenant communities, lay movements, and missionary ministries.

The gathering began with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolising Christ as the light guiding the Church’s mission. Fr. Raju Mathew welcomed the participants, while Sr. Sheeba Varghese introduced the theme and objectives of the conference.

Key reflections during the conference were offered by Bishop Ambrose Pichaimuthu, Bishop Augustine M., Bishop Lawrence Pius and Archbishop Francis Kalist, member bishops of the CCBI Commission for Proclamation. The bishops highlighted the enduring relevance of Evangelii Nuntiandi and called for renewed missionary zeal rooted in synodality, collaboration and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Their presence underscored the Church’s commitment to strengthening evangelisation efforts across the country.

Over the course of four days, participants engaged in theological reflections, testimonies, panel discussions and prayer sessions aimed at deepening missionary awareness and cooperation.

A Kairos Moment for the Church

The conference centred on the theme: “New Initiatives in Evangelisation: A Kairos of Renewal and a Shared Commitment to Mission in the Spirit of Evangelii Nuntiandi.”

Participants reflected on the present moment as a Kairos — a grace-filled time inviting the Church in India to rediscover its missionary identity. The theme drew inspiration from Evangelii Nuntiandi, the landmark apostolic exhortation issued by Pope Paul VI, which affirms that the Church exists in order to evangelise.

The discussions also looked ahead to Mission 2033, which will mark two thousand years since the Redemption of Christ, encouraging renewed missionary enthusiasm within the Indian Church.

Key Areas of Reflection

During the conference, participants explored several dimensions of evangelisation in the present context. One focus was recognising the Holy Spirit’s call for renewed proclamation of the Gospel amid changing social, cultural and spiritual realities.

Missionary leaders also shared experiences of new initiatives already taking shape across the country. These included grassroots outreach programmes, youth evangelisation initiatives, covenant communities and lay movements, intercessory prayer ministries, and evangelisation through Basic Ecclesial Communities.

Speakers repeatedly emphasised the importance of shared responsibility in mission. Evangelisation, they noted, must involve bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful working together as the People of God. The concept of synodality—journeying together through dialogue, discernment and collaboration—was highlighted as central to the Church’s missionary life.

Participants further reaffirmed the vision of Evangelii Nuntiandi, stressing the centrality of Jesus Christ in proclamation, the power of Christian witness as the first form of evangelisation, and the Holy Spirit as the principal agent of mission. The vital role of the laity in spreading the Gospel was also strongly emphasised.

The conference concluded with a prayer of anointing and commissioning, entrusting the future of evangelisation in India to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Organisers described the gathering as a moment of communion, discernment and missionary renewal. As the Church in India prepares for Mission 2033, participants committed themselves to launching new evangelisation initiatives and deepening collaboration in the spirit of Evangelii Nuntiandi, proclaiming the Good News with renewed courage and hope.

National Conference Highlights New Initiatives in Evangelisation and Covenant Communities

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