Lucknow: The Agra Regional Catholic Council (ARCC), the regional arm of the Catholic Council of India (CCI), successfully conducted its General Body Meeting at the Navintha Pastoral Centre in Lucknow on August 16–17, 2025. The two-day gathering brought together a diverse assembly of 61 delegates, including two bishops, 14 priests, seven religious sisters, and 38 lay faithful, reflecting the Council’s inclusive representation of laity, clergy, and episcopal leadership from across India.
The meeting was presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Raphy Manjaly, President of ARCC, with Most Rev. Dr. Gerald John Mathias, Bishop of Lucknow, gracing the occasion. The first day featured an insightful session led by resource person Mr. Ajin Joseph on the theme “Identity & Mission of Christian Families in These Challenging Times.” He emphasized the centrality of Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium as the three pillars of Divine Revelation. Drawing on the words of Sr. Lucia of Fatima, Mr. Joseph warned that “the last battle will be fought against marriages and families,” highlighting contemporary threats such as abortion, contraception, IVF, premarital relationships, and pornography. He called upon Catholics to serve as vigilant ambassadors defending the Church’s teachings on marriage and family life.
The day included in-depth group discussions, culminating in a Drafting Committee presentation of a Final Statement of Action, wherein members committed to initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the moral and social dangers posed by these practices. The session emphasized proactive engagement by families and communities to preserve the sanctity of Christian family life in today’s rapidly changing socio-cultural landscape.
On the second day, Archbishop Raphy Manjaly opened proceedings by recapping the previous day’s discussions and outlining the day’s agenda. Mr. Simon Peter presented the minutes and report of the last ARCC meeting held in Agra on September 2–3, 2023, which were unanimously approved. Diocesan ARCC secretaries also shared detailed reports from their respective jurisdictions, highlighting achievements, challenges, and future plans.
Following the reports, elections for the new office bearers of ARCC were conducted under the supervision of the Chairman, ensuring smooth leadership transition and continuity in advancing the Council’s mission. The two-day meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by the delegates to strengthen Christian families, uphold Church teachings, and promote active engagement of laity and clergy in guiding the faithful through contemporary societal challenges.