NESCOM, Guwahati, February 18, 2026: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Itanagar will host the Working Committee Meeting of the All India Catholic Union (AICU) from February 20 to 22, 2026. More than 75 delegates from across the country have registered to participate in the two-day national deliberative gathering.

Announcing the forthcoming meeting, Bishop Benny Varghese of Itanagar requested the prayers and support of the faithful for the success of the event and for fruitful deliberations.

Founded in 1919 and reorganised in 1930, the AICU is a national Catholic lay organisation representing an estimated 20 million Catholics belonging to the Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara rites in India. The Union functions through 120 diocesan and district units across the country and serves as a representative voice of the Catholic community on matters concerning social justice, human rights, minority rights, and constitutional protections.

The Itanagar meeting will bring together national and regional office-bearers to deliberate on key issues affecting the community. The AICU is currently led by Mr. Elias Vaz, who was re-elected National President for the 2024–2026 term. Mr. Anthony Chinnappan serves as Secretary General. The registered office of the organisation is located at the Catholic Centre in Chennai, with an administrative presence in Goa.

Local arrangements for the meeting are being coordinated by the Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association (APCA) under the leadership of President Nabam Pekhi and Secretary General Daniel Michi Challo. Mr. Taw Tebin, former APCA President and currently National Coordinator for the Northeast, is also assisting in the coordination of preparations.

The hosting of the AICU Working Committee Meeting in Itanagar marks a significant occasion for the Catholic community in Arunachal Pradesh and underscores the growing participation of the region in national ecclesial and civic discourse.