CCBI Commission for Families Hosts National Conference

Bangalore, November 21, 2025 — The CCBI Commission for Families brought together key leaders and representatives from across India for a National Conclave with Family Movements, held from 17–19 November at St. John’s Medical College Annexe 3 in Bangalore. The gathering aimed to strengthen collaboration among family ministries and renew a shared pastoral vision for families in the Church.

Bishop Barthol Barretto of Nashik, Chairman of the Commission, and Bishop T. Joseph Raja Rao of Vijayawada, Member Bishop of the Commission, led the proceedings, with Fr. Arul Raj Gali, Executive Secretary, guiding the sessions. The conclave drew participation from 12 Regional Secretaries of the Family Commission and representatives of seven Family Movements, including Couples for Christ, Missionary Families of Christ, Christian Family Movement, Retrouvaille, Worldwide Marriage Encounter, Focolare, and Jesus Youth Families. Members of the National Council and the Peyton Institute for Families were also present, bringing the total number of delegates to 36.

The gathering opened on 17 November with a session setting the context for the conclave, outlining its goals and the approach for the discussions ahead.

The second day began with a Eucharistic Celebration led by Bishop Barretto, after which Fr. Arul Raj introduced participants to the Spiritual Conversation Methodology. Mr. Raja Shanmugam, Member of the National Council, presented the Pastoral Plan for the Family Commission and shared the latest updates on the Activity Matrix.

Movement leaders then took the floor, outlining their charisms, achievements, assessment methods, and challenges. Regional Secretaries followed with their insights on working with these movements in their respective areas. Several participants noted that the conclave was their first opportunity to understand the breadth of family movements active nationwide, expressing enthusiasm for future collaboration. Fr. Royal Nazareth also highlighted the services of the Peyton Institute for Families, encouraging attendees to make use of its facilities.

The final day saw Bishop Raja Rao preside over the Eucharistic Celebration. Delegates were divided into four groups to identify opportunities, challenges, resources, and forward-looking action plans. Through focused discussions, the participants agreed on eight specific action points to track and review regularly. A feedback session later revealed strong appreciation for the event’s organisation, the insights shared, and the renewed networks formed among leaders.

The Catholic Connect team presented the Catholic Connect Matrimony vertical, noting its steady growth with over 3,800 profiles from across India and highlighting its commitment in building Catholic families rooted in faith. They outlined key statistics and meaningful collaboration avenues, and engaged with the regional secretaries to explore collective efforts that could further strengthen outreach and pastoral support. The team received an encouraging and positive response, as the secretaries expressed interest in working together and underscored the need for a unified, nationwide Catholic matrimony platform to better serve families across dioceses.

The conclave closed with remarks from Bishop Raja Rao and a Vote of Thanks from Bishop Barthol Barretto, marking the end of a three-day event that strengthened connections and charted a more collaborative path forward for family ministry across India.

CCBI Commission for Families Hosts National Conference

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