Training of Trainers Workshop on Evangelisation held for Church Leaders from M.P. and Chhattisgarh

Bhopal, July 8, 2025 – A two-day Training of Trainers (TOT) workshop on the topic Animation & Formation for Proclamation was held from July 7 to 8, 2025, at Seva Sadan, Bhopal. The Proclamation Commission of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) organised the workshop in collaboration with the Pontifical Mission Organisations (PMO). The event brought together diocesan secretaries and leaders from various dioceses in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to equip them with the skills and spiritual formation they need for effective evangelisation in their regions.

The workshop aimed to form and empower diocesan leaders with theological, pastoral, and methodological tools for proclamation ministry. It further sought to animate participants spiritually and provide them with pastoral formation in line with the Church’s mission. It also aimed to strengthen regional collaboration among dioceses and to equip participants with effective methodologies for training others within their respective dioceses.

The event began on the morning of July 7 with a community prayer. Participants then completed their registration and later received a contextual introduction to the training programme.

Most Rev. Bp. Augustine, Bishop of Khandwa and Regional Chairman of the Proclamation Commission, delivered the keynote address. He reminded the participants that the whole Church must carry out evangelisation, not just a few individuals. His message inspired participants to embrace missionary zeal and renewed apostolic courage in their ministries.

Several expert resource persons conducted various sessions during the two days of the workshop.

Sr. Sheeba and her team of expert animators energised participants and fostered bonding and creativity through dynamic animation sessions.

Several subject experts conducted insightful sessions on topics such as proclamation theology, effective communication, leadership in evangelisation, and mission-oriented planning.

Group Dynamics sessions enabled participants to reflect together, share their diocesan realities, and develop collaborative strategies.

In the methodology presentation session, facilitators demonstrated how to conduct local-level training in diocesan settings based on the CCBI framework.

Each session during the workshop engaged participants through interactive methods, drew on their lived experiences, and guided them in planning contextually relevant strategies for their dioceses.

The workshop featured the celebration of the Holy Eucharist on both days. Bishop Augustine celebrated Mass on the first day, and Archbishop A.A.S. Durairaj SVD of Bhopal presided over the concluding Mass on July 8. Participants engaged in Divine Mercy devotions and a Holy Hour each day, experiencing profound spiritual renewal.

On the second day, Rev. Fr. Paul Chungath led a Work Audit session, offering an overview of past efforts in the field of proclamation and guiding participants in evaluating impact and planning future initiatives. The Participant Sharing session was a notable highlight, as leaders from various dioceses shared their pastoral experiences, challenges, and achievements in the mission field. 

Fr. Raju Mathew, Associate Secretary of the CCBI Proclamation Commission and Director of Suvarta Kendra, Bhopal, coordinated the entire program.

The Regional Proclamation Leadership & Formation ToT Programme helped in strengthening the Church's missionary mandate in Central India. Participants departed with a strengthened commitment to proclaim the Gospel and to train others in their dioceses to become “witnesses of the Word”.

By Fr. Raju Mathew

 Associate Secretary, CCBI Commission for Proclamation

 Director, Suvarta Kendra, Seva Sadan, Bhopal