India: Epsicopal Commission for Canon Law Concludes One-Year International Diploma Programme with Convocation
The Commission for Canon Law of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) marked the successful completion of its one-year international programme, “Diploma in Canon Law for the Laity for a Synodal Church,” with a convocation ceremony held on February 8, 2026.
During the ceremony, all participants were awarded diplomas in Canon Law by Bishop Antonysamy, Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Canon Law.
The event, held in St Peter's Pontifical Seminary, Bengaluru, south India, was also attended by Fr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, and Fr. Merlin Rengith Ambrose, Executive Secretary of the Commission for Canon Law.
The diploma programme, inaugurated on June 7, 2025, brought together 264 participants from across the globe, including Malaysia, the United States, Australia, Italy, Sri Lanka, Brunei, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Sudan, South Africa, Kuwait, England, Ireland, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and India. Designed as a year-long academic and pastoral formation, the course was organised by Fr. Merlin Rengith Ambrose under the guidance of Bishop S. Antonysamy.
At the inauguration of the programme, Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, President of the CCBI, highlighted the vital role of the laity in the life and mission of the Church, especially in relation to the tria munera Christi—the threefold mission of Christ as priest, prophet, and king. He emphasised that a sound understanding of Canon Law enables lay faithful, religious, and clergy to actively contribute to building a truly synodal Church.
Throughout the year, participants engaged deeply with the academic content, collectively submitting nearly 50 pages of written assignments. The programme witnessed strong international participation, reflecting a growing global interest in understanding Canon Law and its pastoral application in dioceses and parishes.
The faculty for the diploma course comprised bishops, senior professors of Canon Law, and well-known canonists from India and abroad, ensuring both academic rigour and practical relevance. Participants expressed enthusiasm in applying their newly acquired knowledge in their respective ministries and communities, describing the programme as an eye-opening and enriching experience.
The Catholic Church in India takes pride in these graduates, who are now better equipped to serve as informed collaborators and advocates of a synodal Church, contributing to the life of the Church through a deeper understanding of Canon Law.
