Training of Trainers on "Evangelii Nuntiandi" Held in Burdwan, West Bengal

Burdwan, W.B., Sept. 13, 2025 – The Regional Proclamation Commission of West Bengal and Sikkim held a two-day Training of Trainers (TOT) programme on Evangelii Nuntiandi on September 11 and 12 at Chetana Ashram, the Diocesan Catechetical Centre of Asansol Diocese in Burdwan, West Bengal. The training, organised in collaboration with the Pontifical Mission Organisation, aimed to renew the spirit of evangelisation during Mission Month and drew about 40 participants from eight dioceses across the region.

The event opened on the first day with the inaugural Eucharist presided over by Bp. Salvadore Lobo, Bishop Emeritus of Baruipur. In his homily, the bishop urged laity, youth, religious, and priests to become evangelisers in their parishes. Referring to St. Carlo Acutis as a “Missionary of the Millennium”, he encouraged the effective use of social media in spreading the Gospel.

Fr. Sarto, Secretary of the Proclamation Commission in Asansol Diocese, welcomed the participants and introduced the facilitator, Fr. Raju Mathew, Associate Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Proclamation. 

During the training, Fr. Raju highlighted the central message of Pope Paul VI’s Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Nuntiandi, noting its significance as the Church marks its golden jubilee year. He also urged participants to study, reflect on, and live the message of the document in their daily lives.

Through talks, group work, and presentations, Fr. Raju explained how every baptised Christian is called to be a messenger of the Good News. Quoting Scripture and Church documents, he encouraged all to become “pilgrims of hope”. Fr. Raju also offered practical guidance on celebrating Mission Month, Mission Week, and Mission Sunday in parishes and explained the history of Mission Sunday, instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1926.

Stressing the need for a personal encounter with Christ, Fr. Raju explained in detail about the Kerygma of the Church and how to live it out in daily life. He also reflected on Pope Francis’ 2025 Mission Sunday message, “Missionaries of Hope among all Peoples”.

Bishop Stephen Lepcha, Bishop of the Darjeeling Diocese and Chairperson of the Regional Proclamation Commission, emphasised the need to form proclamation teams in every diocese. He exhorted the participants to train others in their respective parishes in understanding their missionary responsibility. "Faith sharing in BECs and community action plans helps people to be messengers of the Good News," added Bishop Lepcha.

Several participants expressed gratitude for the training. Fr. Pathic Lakra, Secretary of the Proclamation Commission in Bagdogra Diocese, said it deepened his understanding of Evangelii Nuntiandi. Mr. Jesuraj Reddy of Calcutta Archdiocese stressed the value of family prayer, Bible reading, and BEC participation in fostering authentic Christian witness.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Fr. Peter Lingdamo, Secretary of the Regional Proclamation Commission. Participants pledged to celebrate Mission Month with renewed commitment in their respective parishes. Members of the Proclamation teams who participated in the training agreed to reconvene in January 2026 to review progress and plan future initiatives.

By Fr. I. Sarto

Secretary of the Commission for Proclamation,

Diocese of Asansol