Guwahati, May 5, 2026:
The Church in India continued its synodal journey with a focused consultation held in Bangalore from 1-3 May 202. The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) brought together 198 participants, including two Cardinals, Archbishops, bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful, for three days of prayer, reflection, and discernment.
The Assembly formed part of the ongoing synodal process aimed at preparing the Church for the Jubilee Year 2033, under the broader vision of proclaiming Christ to all.
Participants reflected on four key pastoral priorities identified for the Church in India. These included inter-religious dialogue and peace building, inclusion of the excluded, accompanying children and youth, and addressing poverty along with integral ecology.
The consultation emphasised the need for concrete and practical action. Guided by prayer and the Holy Spirit, participants worked towards developing pastoral responses rooted in the realities of Indian society.
The CCBI National Synodal Assembly also released the updated National Catechetical Directory titled "Fostering of Faith of the Pilgrim People". The document offers guidance for faith formation and strengthens the link between evangelisation, worship, and service within the Indian context. The CCBI Faith formation Commission, which led this initiative, is headed by Bishop George Palliparambil of Miao
Priests, religious, laity, and bishops shared their vision for the future of the Church.
The discussions reflected a common desire for a more inclusive, participatory, and mission-oriented Church.
The assembly also highlighted the role of digital evangelisation. Initiatives such as "The Chosen Encounter"were presented as tools to engage especially young people and to deepen their encounter with Christ.
The Latin Catholic Church also addressed some contemporary communication challenges through the release of media guidelines for priests and religious titled "Mission in the Digital Environment". 
These guidelines aim to promote responsible and unified communication in digital and public spaces.
Youth engagement was given importance through a nationwide Catholic Youth Survey launched by the CCBI Youth Commission. The initiative seeks to listen to the experiences of young people and shape future pastoral responses.
The concluding Eucharistic celebration was led by Archbishop Antonysamy Savarimuthu of Madurai, with Archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal, Bishop P. K. George of Miao, and other bishops concelebrating. In the homily, it was emphasised that synodality is a way of being Church. The importance of listening, participation, and shared responsibility in mission was highlighted.
The Northeast region was represented by participants from the Northeast India Regional Bishops’ Council (NEIRBC), including Deputy Secretary Fr. Dr. G. P. Amalraj, Fr. Dr. Hippolitus Toppo, Secretary for Basic Ecclesial Communities, Fr. Dr. Athnas Kerketta, Secretary for Canon Law and Legislative Texts Commission, Fr. George Jarain, Secretary for the Family Commission, and Sr. Wansuk Lyngdoh MSMHC, Sr. Celina Surin MSMHC and Former Vice Chancellor of Martin Luther Dr. Vincent T. Darlong.
Among the bishops joined the event from the region were Archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal, Bishop Lumen Monteiro of Agartala, Bishop P. K. George of Miao, and Bishop Benny Varghese of Itanagar.
The gathering reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to walk together as “pilgrims of hope,” strengthening communion and advancing mission in preparation for the Jubilee 2033.