By Matters India Reporter
BARUIPUR, India August 31, 2026: In the spirit of Lumen Gentium, the Second Vatican Council document affirming the Church as the People of God, two back-to-back seminars celebrated the life and principles of St. Devasahayam, Patron of the laity in India. The gatherings underscored Pope Francis’ reminder that *“without the Laity, there is no Church.”
Hosted by the Bihar Regional Bishops’ Council Commission for Laity under Chairman Bishop Stephen Lepcha of Darjeeling, and organized by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India’s Commission for Laity led by newly appointed Secretary Adrian Rosario, the events drew 69 lay leaders from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Their active participation reflected growing recognition of the laity’s direct role in Christ’s mission as Priest, Prophet, and King.
The first seminar was held August 25–26 at Dishari Pastoral Centre, Baruipur, for dioceses including Asansol, Krishnanagar, Kolkata, and Baruipur. The second followed August 27–28 at Loyola Pastoral Centre, Siliguri, serving Raiganj, Jalpaiguri, Bagdogra, and Darjeeling.
Rosario facilitated sessions from six perspectives: St. Devasahayam as a role model, leadership rooted in Christ, courage to stand for truth, inclusion and service, leadership that forgives and perseveres, and the journey from formation to mission. He also reflected on the path toward a Synodal Church and Mission 2033.
The methodology blended scriptural teaching with practical application, complemented by games, group work, role-play, and reflection. Participants explored how to embody Devasahayam’s witness in daily life, within the Church, and in society.
Laity’s role in Synodal Mission
The programme will be replicated across all 14 CCBI regions, continuing efforts initiated under Bishop Eugene Joseph of Varanasi, current Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Laity, and former Secretary Father Anthony Fernandes.
Notably, 99.99 percent of the Catholic Church comprises the laity. Despite papal emphasis on their capacity building and participation, their role remains marginal in many contexts. Leaders like Lepcha and Rosario are working to reverse this trend by fostering opportunities for lay involvement.
Rosario’s reflections emphasized leadership marked by courage, forgiveness, and perseverance. He urged participants to discern how the Church in India can truly become synodal — participatory, inclusive, and missionary — in the years ahead.
The seminars highlighted both the challenges and the promise of lay leadership. As the Church journeys toward the Jubilee Year 2033, the question remains: to what extent can the laity’s mission be fully embraced in shaping the Church’s future?
(Photo supplied)