Renewing Priestly Joy: North Region Clergy Gather for Formation in Jalandhar

Jalandhar, March 19, 2026 — In a concerted effort to deepen spiritual renewal and rekindle the joy of priestly ministry, the North Region of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) organised a three-day ongoing formation programme for senior diocesan clergy from March 16 to 18 in Jalandhar.

The initiative, jointly conducted by the CCBI Commission for Vocations, Seminaries, Clergy and Religious (VSCR) and the North Regional Conference of Diocesan Priests of India (CDPI), brought together 31 priests ordained before the year 2000. Hosted at Bishop’s House, the gathering drew participants from four dioceses, fostering a spirit of fraternity and shared reflection in view of the Church’s pastoral vision under Mission 2033.

Delivering the keynote address, Bishop Jose Sebastian of Jalandhar underscored the importance of ongoing renewal in priestly life. Speaking on the theme “The Call to Renew Ourselves: The Areas of Renewal,” he highlighted sacrifice, sanctification and personal transformation as essential dimensions of a faithful and fruitful ministry. An Emmaus-style sharing session that followed provided space for priests to engage in reflective dialogue and mutual encouragement.

Fr. Charles Leon, Executive Secretary of the VSCR Commission, animated key sessions centred on Sacred Scripture. His reflections on “Grace-filled Persons in Sacred Scripture” and “Priest as a Gift of God to the People” invited participants to rediscover their vocation as a grace-filled journey, marked by authenticity, compassion and pastoral sensitivity.

A structured SOAR (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations and Results) discernment process enabled the clergy to assess their ministerial strengths and articulate concrete commitments aligned with Mission 2033. This was complemented by moments of personal reflection on their vocational journeys, strengthening bonds of fraternity among the participants.

The programme also included an interaction with seminarians at Holy Trinity Interdiocesan Major Seminary, offering an opportunity for senior priests to mentor and inspire those preparing for priesthood. Sessions reflecting on “Joyful Figures in Sacred Scripture” further emphasised the centrality of joy in priestly witness, encouraging clergy to be sources of hope for both younger priests and the laity.

The event was coordinated by Fr. Soosainathan, Regional Commission Secretary and Rector of the seminary, with the active involvement of Fr. Jaimon, Fr. Varghese Chakkarakadan, and Fr. Antony Thuruthy.

Participants described the programme as a meaningful step toward strengthening ongoing formation among senior clergy, renewing both their sense of fraternity and their commitment to a joyful, mission-oriented priesthood.

By Catholic Connect Reporter