Kochi: Emphasizing the importance of holistic development in the clergy, Justice Kurian Joseph, former judge of the Supreme Court of India, called for increased participation of laypersons in priestly formation. He made these remarks at the inauguration of the 24th annual gathering of rectors of major seminaries, held at the Alpha Pastoral Centre, Cochin, on Tuesday.
“Formators are like gurus, and seminarians must learn from their gurus,” Justice Joseph said. He highlighted the need for priests to embody human qualities, emotional balance, and an understanding of contemporary realities, stressing that spiritual formation alone is not sufficient in today’s rapidly evolving society.
The session was presided over by Archbishop Varghese Chakkalakal, chairman of the CCBI Commission for Vocations, Seminaries, Clergy and Religious and Archbishop of Calicut. Archbishop Chakkalakal underscored the integration of psychological insight and deep spiritual grounding as vital components in nurturing effective future priests capable of meaningful engagement with the faithful.
Delivering the keynote address, Bishop James Anaparambil of Alleppey urged rectors to actively involve laypersons in seminary formation. “Incorporating lay perspectives brings fresh insights and helps future priests connect more authentically with the communities they are called to serve,” he noted, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between clergy and laity in the life of the Church.
During the gathering, the annual report of the Association of Rectors of Major Seminaries (ARMS) was presented by Rev. Dr. Charles Leon, Executive Secretary of the Commission for Vocations, Seminaries, Clergy and Religious. Felicitations were offered by Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, while Rev. Dr. Richard Britto, ARMS president, welcomed the participants. The vote of thanks was proposed by Rev. Dr. Kommareddy Marreddy, vice president of ARMS.
The event commenced with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, with Archbishop Chakkalakal serving as main celebrant and homilist. Participants also honoured Bishop-designate Antony Kattiparambil, the newly appointed Bishop of Cochin, marking a moment of joy and blessing for the local Church.
India hosts 91 major seminaries under the CCBI, reflecting the vast network responsible for nurturing future priests. The 24th ARMS annual gathering, themed “Strategizing Laity Participation in Priestly Formation”, will conclude on November 7, 2025. The meeting is being hosted by the Kerala Region, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Grigory, Regional Secretary, and Rev. Dr. Francis Marottikaprambil, Rector of St. Joseph’s Seminary, Carmeligiri, Aluva.
This gathering marks a significant step toward strengthening collaboration between clergy and laity, aiming to equip priests with the skills, empathy, and practical wisdom necessary to serve communities more effectively in the 21st century.