By Matters India Reporter
Bengaluru, April 21, 2026: The Catholic Church in India will convene a National Synodal Assembly from May 1–3 in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru under the theme “Synodal Pilgrims of Hope.”
The gathering seeks to advance synodality in the life and mission of the Church, highlighting four themes: interreligious dialogue, inclusion of the excluded, poverty and ecology, and youth accompaniment.
The initiative forms part of the global synodal process launched by Pope Francis in 2021, which invited the Church worldwide to reflect on communion, participation and mission.
In India, consultations have taken place at diocesan, regional and national levels, culminating in this assembly.
About 220 leaders will participate, including two cardinals, 25 bishops, 66 priests, 20 religious sisters, 49 women leaders, 43 laymen leaders and 15 youth leaders. Of the delegates, 107 are lay persons, reflecting the Church’s effort to strengthen the role of the laity.
Church leaders gather to advance synodal vision
A milestone in this journey was the 2024 publication of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) Pastoral Plan, “Journeying Towards a Synodal Church: Mission 2033.”
The plan called for pastoral renewal through deeper communion, shared responsibility and missionary spirit.
Further direction came from the 36th Plenary Assembly of the CCBI in 2025, which adopted “Pilgrims of Hope: Discerning the Synodal Path.”
That document outlined 16 pastoral priorities, four of which will be the focus of reflection in Bangalore.
The first theme emphasizes interreligious dialogue and peace building. In a diverse nation, the Church aims to foster mutual respect and collaboration with followers of other faiths.
The second theme addresses inclusion of the excluded, reflecting the Gospel’s call to accompany those on society’s margins.
The third theme, poverty and integral ecology, draws inspiration from Laudato Si’ to respond to “the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth.”
The fourth theme focuses on children and youth, echoing Christus Vivit in listening to young people and encouraging their participation.
The assembly will adopt the method of spiritual conversation, promoting prayerful listening and communal discernment guided by the Holy Spirit.
Assembly to shape future mission of the Church
Delegates will also review progress since 2021 and look ahead to the Jubilee year 2033, marking two thousand years of Redemption.
The assembly will explore how the Church’s pastoral vision can respond to contemporary challenges while strengthening collaboration among bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful. Special attention will be given to expanding the participation of women and youth.
The synodal journey will continue beyond May. A wider consultation is scheduled for September 12–14, 2026, to gather additional reflections and consider reorganization of Conference of Catholic Bishops of India commissions.
Outcomes will be presented to the 38th Plenary Assembly in January 2027 at Velankanni, Tamil Nadu, where bishops will take final pastoral decisions.
Through prayer, dialogue and shared discernment, the National Synodal Assembly seeks to strengthen the Church’s commitment in India to “walk together as the People of God,” witnessing to the Gospel as synodal pilgrims of hope.
(Photo supplied)