Kolkata Symposium Explores Pope Francis’ Teachings on Marriage and Family

Kolkata, 19 March, 2025: On 15 March 2025, Morning Star Regional Seminary in Barrackpore, Kolkata, hosted a symposium on Pope Francis on Marriage and Family: An Integrated Perspective. Organised by the Morning Star Institute of Theology and the BRBC Commission for Theology and Doctrine, the event brought together nearly 500 delegates, including priests, religious sisters and brothers, and lay faithful from parishes across Kolkata.

Highlighting Pope Francis’ perspective on marriage in today’s world, Dr. George Panthanmackel MSFS delivered an insightful address. Archbishop Thomas D’Souza of Calcutta further urged the laity to embody family unity and faithfulness while Bishop Shyamal Bose of Baruipur, Chairperson of the Seminary’s Governing Board, reinforced the crucial role of marriage and family in preserving social and moral values.

Dr. Stanislaus Alla SJ of Vidyajyoti College of Theology, Delhi, highlighted Pope Francis’ balance between tradition and modern dialogue on marriage and family. Grounded in Thomistic thought and Gaudium et Spes, the Pope advocates a more merciful Church, easing annulments and extending pastoral care to cohabiting couples while supporting families and the vulnerable.

A significant moment of the symposium was the release of Visionary Leadership, Humble Service & Daring Commitment, a book authored by Dr. Henry Jose MSFS. Archbishop Thomas D’Souza presented the first copy to Bishop-designate Mgr. Fabian Toppo of Jalpaiguri.

The symposium featured academic presentations that deepened the discussion on Pope Francis’ teachings:

• A Biblical Perspective on Amoris Laetitia – Dr. Alex Ancheles CMF

• Tradition and Innovation: Pope Francis’ Moral Teaching and Pastoral Accompaniment in Marriage – Dr. Gigesh Thomas TOR

• God of Love as the Theological Foundation of Marriage and Family in Amoris Laetitia – Dr. George Panthanmackel MSFS

• Pope Francis and Bioethical Concerns in Christian Marriage and Family Life – Dr. Adikant Nayak

• Marriage and Family in the Reformed Church and Pope Francis’ Teachings on LGBTQ Issues – Dr. D. Isaac Devadoss

• Amoris Laetitia Through a Psychologist’s Lens – Dr. Joe Thannickal (TC) SDB

A dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Fr. Thumma, allowed the audience to engage directly with experts. The panellists—Bishop Elias Frank, Dr. Jhoncy Choorathottiyil SMI, Dr. Mary D’Cruz, and Mr. Rajen Banerjee—addressed complex issues such as mixed marriages, divorce, separation, advanced fertility treatments, euthanasia, and artificial intelligence in medicine. The programme featured carefully selected topics that kept the audience engaged, thoughtfully planned by Fr. Gigesh Thomas TOR and Fr. Henry Jose MSFS.

The symposium provided a platform for critical reflection on Pope Francis’ vision for marriage and family, encouraging greater understanding and pastoral engagement among the clergy and laity.

By Dr. Mary DCruz