Thiruvananthapuram: Eighteen propaedeutic seminary formators from fourteen regions under the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CCBI) convened on 23 September at the Kristu Jyoti Jubilee Memorial Animation Centre, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram, marking the commencement of the tenth National Training Programme for Propaedeutic Seminary Formators. The programme aims to equip formators with the skills, insights, and pastoral sensitivity required to guide seminarians in authentic spiritual formation amidst the challenges of the modern world.
The programme began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Archbishop Thomas J Netto of Trivandrum. In his homily, Archbishop Netto exhorted the participants to nurture seminarians in a manner that mirrors biblical exemplars: to “listen like Samuel, remain with Jesus like the apostles, and grow in discernment, authentic freedom, human maturity, and true community.”
The inaugural session, coordinated by Fr. George Abraham, provided a reflection on the previous year’s programme, including a presentation by Fr. Charles Leon. Msgr. Eugene H. Pereira, Vicar General of Trivandrum, addressed contemporary pastoral realities in his inaugural speech, emphasizing the importance of holistic formation in today’s dynamic ecclesial context. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Laurence Culas, Coordinator of Archdiocesan Ministries, on the theme “Biblical Perspectives of Spiritual Formation in the Digital Age.” Drawing inspiration from the lives of Jesus, Samuel, and Mary, Dr. Culas highlighted that spiritual formation is about nurturing the Spirit rather than merely imparting knowledge, stressing that formation is “taught rather than caught,” reflecting Jesus’ own method of discipleship.
Beyond lectures, participants engaged in an Emmaus Walk and group sharing sessions, deepening reflections on the keynote address. The programme emphasizes three spiritual traditions Ignatian, Carmelite, and Franciscan guided by Fr. Sunny Kunnapally SJ, Fr. Peter Chakkiath OCD, and Fr. Denis Gabriel Viegas OFM Cap., respectively. Interactive sessions included video presentations showcasing formation practices, modules, and exemplary approaches from different seminaries. Discussions also addressed practical concerns, such as mobile phone use, examination protocols at the propaedeutic stage, and effective implementation of formation curricula. Fr. Bhaskar Joseph, Director of the Animation Centre, extended a warm welcome, while Fr. Binny Mary Das proposed the vote of thanks.
The week-long programme is scheduled to conclude on Friday, 26 September, with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Auxiliary Bishop Christudas of Trivandrum. The training has set an inspiring tone for the participants, equipping them to accompany seminarians toward genuine discipleship while engaging with the complexities of contemporary digital culture.