Agra Regional Catholic Council Holds General Body Meeting in Lucknow

Lucknow, August 17, 2025 – The Agra Regional Catholic Council (ARCC) convened its General Body Meeting at the Navintha Pastoral Centre, Lucknow, on 16 and 17 August 2025.

The ARCC, the regional unit of the Catholic Council of India (CCI), represents laity, clergy and bishops, and works to renew and update the life of the Church in light of current socio-political and religious challenges. A total of 61 delegates took part in the study sessions and deliberations, including two bishops, 14 priests, seven Sisters, and 38 lay faithful.

The two-day meeting was presided over by Dr. Raphy Manjaly, President of ARCC. Dr. Gerald John Mathias, Bishop of Lucknow, also graced the gathering.

Focus on Families and Faith

The first day featured Mr. Ajin Joseph as the resource person. A member of the CCBI Youth Commission Council, he addressed the theme “Identity & Mission of Christian Families in these Challenging Times”. Drawing on Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium as the three pillars of Divine Revelation, Mr. Joseph emphasised the critical role of families in safeguarding Christian values.

Quoting Sr. Lucia of Fatima, he warned: “The last battle will be fought against marriages and families.” He highlighted the growing threats posed by rising abortion rates, the spread of contraception, IVF, premarital sex, and other practices that, he said, undermine the sanctity of marriage and family life.

Mr. Joseph urged Catholics to act as ambassadors in defending Church teachings. He stressed that abortion, masturbation, contraception, and IVF constitute grave sins against Divine Law, warning that continued neglect of these issues could lead to the collapse of family life in society.

After group discussions, ARCC members pledged to take effective steps to raise awareness about the moral dangers of these practices. The first day concluded with the Drafting Committee presenting a Final Statement of Action.

Business and Elections

The second day opened with Archbishop Manjaly recapping the previous day’s proceedings and outlining the agenda. Mr. Simon Peter then presented the minutes and report of the last ARCC meeting held in Agra on 2–3 September 2023, which were adopted without major changes. This was followed by diocesan reports from the respective secretaries.

Later, elections for new office bearers were held under the guidance of Archbishop Manjaly.

Newly Elected ARCC Office Bearers:

• Vice President – Mr. Chinnadurai Amala Selvan (Agra)
• Secretary – Mr. Kiran Arato (Gorakhpur)
• Co-Secretary – Mrs. Seema Mathews (Lucknow)
• Treasurer – Ms. Pancy Thomas (Agra)
• Executive Members – Mr. Simon Peter (Varanasi), Mr. Noel George (Allahabad), Mrs. Anita Stevens (Varanasi), Mrs. Rita Vikrant (Bijnor)

The General Body meeting ended with renewed commitment to strengthening Catholic family life and reinforcing the mission of the Church in the region.

By Fr Saji Palamattom,

Regional Deputy Secretary,

Agra

Read in Hindi

Download Catholic Connect App for Daily News Updates: 

Android: Click here to download

iOS: Click here to download