The Telugu Catholic Bishops’ Council’s (TCBC) Commission for Canon Law, in collaboration with the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), held its Annual Canon Law Seminar on September 4 at the Pastoral Centre of Eluru Diocese.
The event, reported by Catholic Connect, was organized under the guidance of Bishop Dr. Jaya Rao Polimera, Bishop of Eluru and Chairman of the TCBC Canon Law Commission.
Around 25 canonists from the Telugu states took part in the one-day seminar, which addressed pressing issues in Church law and pastoral practice.
Themed “Graced Existence in Grace-filled Creation,” the seminar opened with a prayer service and an inauguration led by Fr. Dr. Dola Velangani Rao MSFS. The main session was delivered by Fr. Dr. Merlin Ambrose, Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Canon Law and Legislative Texts, who explained the new
Formulary for the Holy Mass for the Care of Creation.
He also addressed the emerging penal delict of Spiritual Abuse and False Mysticism in Canon Law. His reflections, shared in the context of the tenth anniversary of Laudato Si’, encouraged canonists to remain vigilant against distortions and to serve the
faithful with renewed integrity.
Other key contributions included Fr. Dr. Kolakani Marianna’s presentation on “Sacramentals as Acts of Divine Worship” and Fr. Margapudi Solomon Raju’s discussion on the Vatican Declaration Fiducia Supplicans.
These inputs broadened participants’ understanding of canonical principles and their application in contemporary contexts. Group sessions also examined tribunal functions and pastoral challenges.
The seminar concluded with a panel discussion on canonical concerns such as marriage tribunal procedures and the Church’s threefold office of teaching, sanctifying, and governing (tria munera).
Participants described the gathering as an important platform for updating themselves and strengthening their ministry. One canonist remarked, “The annual seminar is a momentous opportunity to update and flow with the mainstream of ecclesial thinking.”
As highlighted by Catholic Connect, the day-long program successfully fostered collaboration among canonists, equipping them to address today’s canonical challenges with both prudence and pastoral sensitivity.
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