Telugu Region Catholic Lawyers Forum Holds Key Meeting on Marriage, Mediation, and Church Engagement

Secunderabad, Telangana, August 22, 2025: The Telugu Region Catholic Lawyers Forum convened a meeting today at the hall of St. Mary’s Centenary College of Management in Secunderabad to discuss various legal and spiritual matters affecting the Church and society. Around 40 Catholic priests and religious sisters who are also lawyers participated in the event, which was inaugurated by Most Rev. Polimera Jaya Rao, Bishop of Eluru, who serves as Chairman of the Forum. The gathering featured talks, reflections, and discussions on marriage, mediation, and community responsibility.

The meeting commenced with the inauguration by Most Rev. Polimera Jaya Rao in the presence of Fr. Vinay Polisety. The session opened with a prayer led by Fr. Dion, followed by Bishop Jaya Rao’s introductory address, which set the tone for the day.

Fr. Malavarapu Sundar, Judicial Vicar in the Archdiocese of Hyderabad Tribunal, delivered an insightful talk on the Sacrament of Marriage, highlighting the essential elements of Catholic marriage, the importance of annulments, impediments, and the spiritual and legal dimensions of marital life. Mrs. Aruna Bahuguna, IPS (Retd), addressed the theme “Preparedness in Challenging Times”, urging community vigilance and collective responsibility amid current societal challenges.

Sr. Jessy Kurian presented a session on “Court Annexed Mediation”, illustrating how mediation can serve as an effective conflict resolution tool. The meeting concluded with Fr. Raju Alex, Deputy Secretary of the Telugu Catholic Bishops Council, inspiring the legal community to play an active role in the Church’s Synodal mission, urging greater engagement and meaningful participation in ecclesial life.

By Rev. Fr. Raju Alex, 

Deputy Secretary, 

Telugu Catholic Bishops Council,

Hyderabad