45th General Assembly of KRLCC Begins in Kochi

Kochi, July 12, 2025: The 45th General Assembly of the Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council (KRLCC), the apex policy coordination body of Latin Catholics in Kerala, commenced at the Alpha Pastoral Centre, Edakochi on July 11. The inaugural session was presided over by Archbishop Dr. Varghese Chakkalakal, President of KRLCC-KRLCBC. Union Minister of State for Fisheries and Minority Welfare, George Kurian, officially inaugurated the assembly.

In his address, the Union Minister assured that the Central Government will not implement any measure that harms the interests of fishermen. He emphasised that the State Government must cooperate in facilitating central schemes aimed at benefiting ordinary people, and that it is the responsibility of the State to provide necessary recommendations to the Centre. The Central Government is ready to offer all needed support and collaboration in this regard.

He also stressed the importance of registering fishermen under the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), stating that all future welfare schemes for fishermen would be made available through this registration.

Dr. Joseph Antony, Senate Member of the University of Kerala, delivered the keynote address. Bishop Dr. James Raphael Anaparambil, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Cochin, delivered a blessing message. MP Hibi Eden and MLA K.J. Maxy offered their felicitations. KRLCC Vice President Joseph Jude, General Secretary Rev. Dr. Jiju George Arakkathara, and Secretary Patrick Michael also spoke at the event.

Union Minister George Kurian honoured Dr. Varghese Chakkalakal, who was recently elevated as the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Calicut. Honours were also extended to Bishop Dr. Selvaraj D of the Neyyattinkara Diocese, Benny Fernandes, the first Chairperson of the Kochi Metropolitan Authority, and Kochi Tahsildar Hertis Antony.

The three-day General Assembly includes the participation of bishops from the Latin Church in Kerala, lay representatives from all dioceses, and members of various religious congregations.

As part of the programme, study papers were presented on topics such as Lay Participation in the Church and Society by Fr. Benny Poothara and Education and Social Progress by Thomas K. Stephen, with Metilda Michael serving as moderator.

A session on preparations for local body elections was held, moderated by KLCA State President Adv. Sherry J. Thomas. This was followed by meetings of commission secretaries and the political affairs committee.

Upcoming sessions include presentations on Migration and Migrant Life by Fr. Noel Kurishingal and Children – The Future and Hope of the Church by Fr Arun Thaiparambil, with Patrick Michael moderating. Group report presentations will also take place, moderated by P.R. Kunjachan.

Further discussions will include Women in the Church and Society by Sr. Niranjana CSST and Justice, Peace and Development by Dr. Biju Vincent, moderated by Prabal Das. Additional group reports will be presented, with Joy T.F. moderating. A video report on the activities of the KRLCBC commissions will be presented by Fr. Stephen Thomas Chalakara. An open forum will also be held to discuss organisational and public issues.

The concluding day will feature final group report presentations moderated by Jessy James, a socio-political resolution presented by Joseph Jude, a business session, and various reports including the 44th General Assembly summary by Prabal Das, KRLCC activity report by Rev. Dr. Jiju George Arakkathara, financial report by Biju Jose, and the political affairs committee report by Adv. Sherry J. Thomas.

Scholarships will be distributed during the closing session, bringing the 45th General Assembly to a formal conclusion.

By Catholic Connect Reporter