NBCLC Trains 30 Malayalam-Speaking Lay Leaders to Strengthen Church Mission

BENGALURU, October 16, 2026: Thirty Malayalam-speaking lay leaders gathered at the National Biblical, Catechetical and Liturgical Centre (NBCLC), Bengaluru, for a four-day formation programme aimed at strengthening lay participation in the Church’s leadership and missionary activities.

The Advanced Follow-up Programme on Christian Leadership Insights & Skills, held from October 10 to 13, focused on equipping participants with theological knowledge, biblical grounding and practical leadership skills to take on greater responsibilities in the Church.

Fr John Baptist, Director of NBCLC, inaugurated the programme, which brought together Church teachings, Scripture and contemporary management principles to explore the role of laypeople in the Church’s life and mission.

Dr Sonia Mathew, Assistant Professor in the MBA Department at Christ University, Bengaluru, introduced contemporary leadership approaches inspired by management practices. Dr Cyriac Thayyil, SDB, Professor at Kristu Jyoti College, Bengaluru, examined the missionary nature of the Church and the contribution of laypeople to its mission.

Dr Bitoy Mathew, OCD, Rector of the OCD Theologate, Carmelaram, discussed the theological foundations of lay leadership in the light of the Second Vatican Council and papal teachings.

Biblical formation was another key focus of the programme. Fr Dr Nysson Luka, Assistant Director of NBCLC, led sessions on the Word of God Ministry and lay formation, stressing the importance of Scripture in spiritual development and pastoral service. Participants were encouraged to integrate biblical values into their daily lives and leadership responsibilities.

Group discussions, personal sharing and a debate provided opportunities to examine leadership challenges and exchange experiences. Holy Mass, communal prayer, a Rosary procession, Eucharistic adoration and cultural activities complemented the sessions, fostering spiritual reflection and fellowship.

The programme concluded on October 13 with an evaluation, discussions on future initiatives and the distribution of certificates.

The initiative reflects NBCLC’s efforts to prepare lay leaders to play a more active role in the Church’s pastoral and missionary work, with an emphasis on combining sound theological formation with practical leadership skills.

By Catholic Connect Reporter