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, Zambia, 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.
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The Online diploma course on canon law classes has enhanced my personal enrichment and professional skills to empowering me to participate in the mission within the Catholic Church's governance and structures. Pope Francis points out that Jesus Christ is to be at the center of all that canon law aims to accomplish. Ultimately, canon law is at the service of the Church. It exists to assist the Church in its mission to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to the world. The last canon in the code states clearly that the purpose of the law — indeed, the highest law — is the salvation of souls. That makes canon law a true work of mercy.
For me as a student to understand the true works of mercy, it was important to learn and understand the law of the Church, introduction to Canon Law and the Essence of Synodality which was the main thrust on laity participation. In the inauguration of the Diploma course, his Eminence Cardinal Philip Nerri, Most Rev Jeo Chirackel, Rev Dr Stephen Alathara and Most Rev Elias Frank gave us an outline of the Canon Law and the Essence of Synodality alongwith the Rev Fr Dr. Merlin Ambrose Professor Canon Law and the Executive Secretary of the commission for Canon Law in the CCBI helped us through series of lectures from different guest speakers.
I found the studies very much insightful and got valuable experience for my personal and professional growth. It was quite a challenging and analytical skill enabling me to analyze and contextualize religious, historical and theological framework. It gave me a personal and professional insight in Church governance and specific rules. My quest for learning and understanding Canon Law has left me to be wanting more to gain a truly comprehensive understanding. Overall the online diploma course can be described as positive, providing valuable knowledge that helped me in navigating the complexities of Church law and its faith.
Also Being part of an international cohort of laypeople dedicated to a more "Synodal Church."
Standing before Archbishop Antonysamy Savarimuthu and Rev. Prof. Merlin Rengith Ambrose to receive the diploma that officially recognizes my expertise in Church law
I was a student, and was proud to be in this historic moment for my Church in India and beyond also there are no words to says regarding this.
I am interested in enrolment details for the next cohort and more information on the specific subjects covered in the curriculum?
Once again my best Regards to Rev. Prof. Merlin Rengith Ambrose for a wonderful and hard working work done and giving me the best knowledge
Basil Daniells
I am very thankful to the CCBI Commission on Canon Law and Legislative Texts, in particular, Fr. Merlin.
I will definitely make use what I have learnt, for the growth and betterment of the Church.
I would like to also share the challenge that I faced during the entire course. As a family man, the 4 o'clock timing was really challenging for me on Saturdays. Overall, the course was excellent. Thank you
Archbishop's talk was the highlight of the event.
All the programs were planned nicely and executed maintaining the time and standard.
Fr.Merlin Ambrose deserves appreciation and congratulations for executing such a great international e event without any flaws.
The resources material given were a great help to me
Now I am able to understand the liaty' s role in the of Christ . .Thanks to Chairman of Canon Law Commission Rev Dr S Antonoysamy for opening this programme to those outside India. Well organised zoom programme by Dr Merlin...Thank you CCBI
The selection of the resource persons, shows his seriousness about the course.
The course doesn't simply stay with canons on Administration and Liturgy. It covered almost all the essentials that a lay person should know. I enjoyed the sessions on Evangelisation, Synodality, and the Final Document, in particular.
It was very systematic and very useful, not only to the Laity but also to the Clerics and the Consecrated, I suppose.
The Convocation ceremony is one more feather in Fr. Merlyn's cap. It was conducted very meticulously, extending a warm welcome to all and making all feel at home.
Once again I thank the CCBI and Fr.Merlyn for his dedication, sincerety and seriousness towards the formation of the Laity. Thank you Father.
Thanks be to God.
I sincerely hope that the course will be conducted again in the future.
I express my heartfelt thanks to the organisers for their time, immense hard work and unwavering dedication in making the programme so fruitful. I feel deeply blessed to have been part of this programme. May God bless you all.
Thank you all!!
i sincerely hope that the course may be conducted again in the future.
I express my heartfelt thanks to the organisirs for their time, immense hard work, and unwavering dedication in making the programme so fruitful. Again, I feel deeply blessed to have been part of this programme. May God bless you all. Thank you all.
The resources persons were excellent in every courses giving a right turn for the growth and betterment of the church, it helped me in various aspects. Thankful to the CCBI commission and especially Fr Merlin for all the knowledge. 🙏🙏
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