- 12 May, 2025
Kottayam, Kerala, June 12, 2024: The CCBI VSCR Commission in collaboration with the Kerala region organized a three-day formation program for young clergy titled "Inculcating Human Dimensions in Our Pastoral Engagements" at Vimalagiri Pastoral Center, Kottayam from June 10 to 12, 2024.
The program targeting young clergy ordained between 2020 and 2024, aimed to enhance personal and pastoral integrity, emotional development, and leadership skills. Forty-eight young priests from 10 dioceses participated.
Most Rev. Justin Alexander Madathiparambil, Auxiliary Bishop of Vijayapuram inaugurated the program, urging participants to maintain zeal and spiritual fervor, echoing St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 12:11: "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."
The course began with a recollection talk on "Personal Integrity in Our Pastoral Life," followed by adoration and confession, led by Msgr. (Dr.) Sebastian Poovathumkal. Fr. Sebastian Olikkara shared his 41 years’ experience of being a priest, contrasting seminary knowledge with current pastoral realities, moderated by Fr. Stephen Thomas, CDPI Regional President.
Key sessions included "Self-Awareness and Discernment Leadership," "Emotional Development and Interpersonal Relationships," and "Clergy and Digital Challenges," presented by Fr. Joye James SJ and Mr. Linson Paul. The final day sessions focused on three videos: CCBI, Communio, Catholic Connect along with the CCBI Pastoral Plan 2033. Fr. Charles Leon facilitated group work on the regional Pastoral Plan 2024-26, guiding participants in creating their competency and commitment (CC) graphs. The program has fostered personal growth and strategic planning among the young clergy, making it a fruitful engagement.
Note: The Vocations, Seminaries, Clergy, and Religious (VSCR) is a commission of CCBI that fosters the formation of seminarians and the on-going formation of the clergy all over India.
By Fr. Charles Leon
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