By Matters Indian Reporter
NEW DELHI, May 9, 2026: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India has appointed two lay leaders and two women religious to national leadership roles, expanding participation of laity and women in the Church’s pastoral mission, according to a report by Catholic Connect.
The appointments were made during the CCBI Executive Committee meeting held May 5-6 in Bengaluru.
Adrian Rosario of the Archdiocese of Bombay was appointed executive secretary to the Commission for Laity. Ajin Joseph of the Archdiocese of Delhi was named associate executive secretary to the Commission for Family, with responsibility for the Pro-Life Ministry.
Sister Celina Surin from the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians congregation in Assam was appointed associate executive secretary to the Commission for Youth, while Sister Deepti Minj, a memebr of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross congregation from Raipur, was appointed associate executive secretary to the Commission for Women.
According to Catholic Connect, the appointments “reflect the growing commitment of the CCBI to promote participatory leadership and strengthen the role of lay faithful and women in the Church’s pastoral mission.”
The report said the recently concluded CCBI National Synodal Assembly, held May 1-3 at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, included 107 lay leaders among 220 delegates, making it “one of the most representative gatherings in the recent history of the Latin Church in India.”
“We are in the process of creating greater space for laity and women in leadership roles within the Church,” said Father Stephen Alathara, deputy secretary general of the CCBI.
“The CCBI Pastoral Plan 2024 strongly emphasizes the formation of lay leadership and shared responsibility in the mission of the Church,” he added.
Catholic Connect reported that the appointments have been widely welcomed within Church circles as a step toward a “more participatory, inclusive and mission-oriented Church in India.”
(Photo from CCBI Facebook page)