Seminar on Canon Law and Legislative Texts Held in Allahabad

Allahabad, August 11, 2025: A pivotal seminar on Canon Law and Legislative Texts took place at the Bishop’s House, Allahabad, drawing clergy and religious from across the diocese for a day of reflection, study, and dialogue.

The programme began at 9:30 a.m. with a devotional bhajan led by Fr. Jacob Bona D’Souza, followed by the opening prayer from Fr. Babu Francis. Bishop Rt. Louis Mascarenhas extended a warm welcome to keynote speaker Fr. Jerom Paul, a distinguished professor at St. Joseph’s Regional Seminary, Prayagraj, renowned for his expertise in Canon Law. Priests and religious sisters joined in the reception.

The first session highlighted the latest edition of the Code of Canon Law, underscoring its fundamental aim—the salvation of souls. Fr. Jerom explained the significance of Pope John Paul II’s Motu Proprio Ad Tuendam Fidem, which amended Canons 598, 750, 1137, and 1436, strengthening fidelity to Catholic doctrine across both Latin and Eastern Churches.

In the second session, Fr. Jerom discussed Pope Francis’s Motu Proprio Competentias quasdam decernere, which introduced reforms in areas such as priestly formation, incardination, and the Order of Virgins. The seminar also examined De Concordia inter Codices, aimed at harmonising Eastern and Latin Church laws, particularly those concerning Baptism and Marriage.

After a short tea break, participants engaged with a detailed exploration of Book VI of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, focusing on penal sanctions (Canons 1311–1399). Fr. Jerom stressed that the Church’s penal measures primarily seek healing and repentance rather than punishment, with particular emphasis on safeguarding minors and addressing clergy misconduct.

The concluding session opened the floor for discussion. Priests sought clarity on Sacraments, inter-caste marriages, Mass stipends, and pastoral challenges. The exchange offered practical insights into resolving canonical issues faced in everyday ministry.

The event closed with a vote of thanks by Fr. Babu Francis, followed by a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Louis Mascarenhas. A fellowship lunch brought the gathering to a close, leaving attendees enriched and inspired to serve the Church with renewed dedication and a deeper grasp of Canon Law.

Seminar on Canon Law and Legislative Texts Held in Allahabad

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