Kochi: Bishop Mar Jose Pulickal of the Diocese of Kanjirapally has been appointed as a member of the International Faith Training Council, also known as the International Catechetical Council, in a significant recognition of his contribution to faith formation and religious education. The appointment is for a term of five years and marks an important milestone for both the bishop and the Syro Malabar Church.
The appointment was made by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro Prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for Evangelisation, following the approval of Pope Leo XIV and in accordance with the recommendation of the Vatican Secretariat of State.
The International Faith Training Council functions under the Dicastery for Evangelisation and plays an important role in supporting the Catholic Church's mission of faith formation across the world. The council studies issues related to catechesis, prepares pastoral guidelines, develops policy recommendations, and helps coordinate faith formation activities in different countries. Its members include bishops, priests, and experts in religious education from various continents, bringing together a wide range of pastoral and academic experience.
Church leaders believe the appointment reflects the trust placed in Bishop Pulickal's leadership and his commitment to strengthening faith education within the Church. His experience in catechetical ministry and his active role in promoting Christian formation have earned him recognition beyond India.
Bishop Mar Jose Pulickal was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Kanjirapally in 2016 and became the diocesan bishop in 2020. Since 2024, he has also been serving as the Chairman of the Faith Training Commission of the Syro Malabar Church, where he has guided several initiatives aimed at improving religious education and strengthening faith formation among children, young people, and adults.
His work has also gained attention at the international level. In February 2026, he represented the Syro Malabar Church at the meeting of those engaged in faith formation under the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences, held in Manila. During the gathering, he presented the faith formation activities of the Syro Malabar Church, highlighting its achievements, pastoral approaches, and the challenges faced in catechetical ministry. His presentation offered valuable insights into the Church's efforts to pass on the Christian faith in today's changing social and cultural environment.
Church officials see his new appointment as international recognition of his dedicated leadership and valuable contributions in the field of faith formation. They believe his experience will enrich the work of the International Faith Training Council while also allowing the Syro Malabar Church to share its long standing traditions and successful catechetical practices with the wider Catholic Church.
The appointment is also expected to strengthen the presence of the Syro Malabar Church in global discussions on religious education and evangelisation. Through his participation in the council, Bishop Pulickal will contribute to developing future guidelines and recommendations to support faith formation initiatives in Catholic communities worldwide.
The Diocese of Kanjirapally and the Syro Malabar Church have welcomed the appointment with joy, describing it as an honour not only for Bishop Pulickal but also for the entire Church in India. They expressed hope that his service on the international council will further promote collaboration between local Churches and the universal Church to nurture and strengthen the faith of future generations.