National Meet of Seminary Formators Focuses on Synodal Priesthood

Guwahati, September 30, 2026: The role of propaedeutic formation in preparing future priests for a synodal Church is at the centre of the XI National Meet of Propaedeutic Seminary Formators, being held in Guwahati from September 28 to October 2.

Organised by the CCBI Commission for Vocations, Seminaries, Clergy and Religious (VSCR), the five-day gathering at INSPIRATION, NEIRBC, Joypur, Kharghuli, brings together 18 rectors and formators from 14 regions across India. The theme of the meet is “Propaedeutic Stage’s Formation in Synodal Pathways.”

Inaugurating the gathering with the Eucharist, Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati reflected on the ministry of formators in the light of the feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. He likened their mission to that of the archangels — protecting, guiding, listening to and accompanying young men as they discern God’s call in their lives.

The discussions emphasised that propaedeutic formation is more than preparation for the next stage of seminary training. It is a foundational period in which candidates are helped to understand themselves, encounter Christ, discern their vocation and learn to live in relationship with others.

A session on “Priestly Formation Shared with All the Baptized,” led by Fr Prakash Padu of Mumbai, explored the relationship between priestly formation and the vocation of the entire People of God. The session encouraged formators to consider how formation for priesthood can remain connected with the faith, life and mission of the wider Church.

Group discernment sessions enabled participants to identify common challenges and reflect on what the Church expects from propaedeutic formation today. Listening, dialogue, participation and communal discernment were highlighted as essential elements of a synodal approach to formation.

The participants also shared experiences from their respective formation houses during a workshop on “Sharing of Propaedeutic Formation in Our Formation Houses – 2025–26,” facilitated by Fr Charles Leon. Formation houses from the Northern, North-East, West Bengal and Odisha regions presented their initiatives, challenges and emerging practices.

The exchange provided an opportunity for formators to learn from different approaches and identify practices that could strengthen propaedeutic formation in other parts of the country.

The gathering is coordinated by Fr George Abraham, while Fr Amal Raj, RDS, is overseeing the local arrangements. Fr Charles Leon, Executive Secretary of the CCBI VSCR Commission, is facilitating reflections on the purpose of propaedeutic formation, collective leadership and synodal formation.

The national meet seeks to strengthen a shared vision of formation that places Christ at the centre while giving greater attention to personal accompaniment, community life and vocational discernment.

The discussions will continue through October 2, with participants reflecting on ways of preparing future priests to serve the Church as mature, joyful, missionary and synodal ministers.

By Catholic Connect Reporter