Justice Kurian Joseph calls for Greater Lay Involvement in Priestly Formation

Cochin, Kerala, November 4, 2025: Lay participation in priestly formation will enhance the quality and effectiveness of priests, said Justice Kurian Joseph, former judge of the Supreme Court of India. He was speaking at the inauguration of the 24th annual gathering of the rectors of major seminaries held at the Alpha Pastoral Centre in Cochin on Tuesday.

“Formators are like gurus, and seminarians must learn from their gurus,” Justice Joseph said. “The Church today needs priests with human qualities, emotional balance, and the ability to understand the realities of a changing world.”

Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal, chairman of the CCBI Commission for Vocations, Seminaries, Clergy and Religious and Archbishop of Calicut, presided over the session. He stressed the importance of integrating psychological insight and deep spiritual grounding in the formation of future priests.

Bishop James Anaparambil of Alleppey delivered the keynote address, urging rectors to include more lay persons in seminary formation. “Involving lay people will bring fresh perspectives and help future priests connect more closely with the communities they will serve,” he said.

The annual report of the Association of Rectors of Major Seminaries (ARMS) was presented by Rev. Dr. Charles Leon, Executive Secretary of the Commission for Vocations, Seminaries, Clergy and Religious. Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, deputy secretary general of the CCBI, offered felicitations, while Rev. Dr. Richard Britto, president of ARMS, welcomed the participants. Rev. Dr. Kommareddy Marreddy, vice president of ARMS, proposed the vote of thanks.

The event opened with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, led by Archbishop Chakkalakal as main celebrant and homilist. During the gathering, the participants also honoured Bishop-designate Antony Kattiparambil, the newly appointed Bishop of Cochin.

There are 91 major seminaries under the CCBI across India. The 24th annual ARMS gathering, held on the theme “Strategizing Laity Participation in Priestly Formation,” will conclude on November 7, 2025.

The rectors meeting is hosted by Keral Region under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Grigory, the Regional Secretary and Rev. Dr. Francis Marottikaprambil, the Rector of St. Joseph’s Seminary, Carmeligiri, Aluva.

By Catholic Connect Reporter