New Delhi: The Catholic Church in India is set to take a significant step in shaping its future mission as it prepares to convene a National Synodal Assembly from May 1 to 3 in Bengaluru. Centered on the theme “Synodal Pilgrims of Hope,” the gathering aims to deepen the practice of synodality and guide the Church’s pastoral direction in the years ahead.
This initiative is part of the global synodal journey initiated in 2021 by Pope Francis, which invited the faithful worldwide to reflect on how the People of God can walk together in communion, participation, and mission. In India, this process has unfolded through extensive consultations at diocesan, regional, and national levels.
Around 220 Church representatives from across the country will participate in the assembly, reflecting a broad and inclusive representation. The delegates include cardinals, bishops, priests, religious sisters, lay leaders, and youth representatives. Notably, more than a hundred participants are lay faithful, highlighting a growing emphasis on the role of the laity in the life and mission of the Church.
A key foundation for the upcoming assembly is the pastoral vision document released by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India in 2024, titled “Journeying Towards a Synodal Church: Mission 2033.” This plan calls for a renewed pastoral approach rooted in shared responsibility, deeper communion, and missionary dynamism.
Further momentum was gained during the 36th Plenary Assembly of the bishops’ conference, held in Bhubaneswar in early 2025. The gathering produced a guiding document, “Pilgrims of Hope: Discerning the Synodal Path,” which identified sixteen pastoral priorities for the Church in India.
From these priorities, four key themes have been selected for focused reflection during the May assembly. The first emphasizes interreligious dialogue and peacebuilding, recognizing India’s diverse religious landscape and the need for mutual understanding and cooperation. The second addresses the inclusion of marginalized communities, urging the Church to reach out to those on the peripheries of both society and ecclesial life.
The third theme explores poverty and integral ecology, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Laudato Si’, and calling for responses that uphold justice, sustainability, and care for creation. The fourth focuses on accompanying children and youth, inspired by Christus Vivit, with an emphasis on listening to young voices and fostering their active participation in the Church’s mission.
The assembly will follow the method of spiritual conversation, a key feature of the global synodal process, encouraging prayerful listening, reflection, and collective discernment under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
In addition to reviewing the progress made since the synodal journey began in 2021, the gathering will look ahead to the Church’s future, especially in light of the Jubilee Year 2033, which will commemorate two thousand years of the mystery of Redemption. Discussions will focus on making the Church more participatory, inclusive, and missionary in its outlook.
Participants will also examine how the national pastoral plan can be translated into concrete actions at diocesan and regional levels. Special attention will be given to strengthening collaboration among clergy, religious, and lay faithful, as well as expanding leadership roles for women and young people.
The synodal journey, however, will extend beyond this assembly. A broader consultation involving key Church stakeholders is scheduled for September 12 to 14, 2026, which will further refine the process and consider structural developments within Church commissions.
The outcomes of these consultations will ultimately be presented at the 38th Plenary Assembly of the bishops’ conference, to be held in January 2027 at Velankanni. There, the bishops will deliberate and take final pastoral decisions regarding the implementation of the synodal vision in India.
Through dialogue, discernment, and shared responsibility, the National Synodal Assembly seeks to renew the Church’s commitment to journey together as one People of God bearing witness to the Gospel as true pilgrims of hope.