Bengaluru, January 17-19, 2024: An ongoing formation program aimed at the young priests of the Archdiocese, ordained after 2010, was held at Paalanaa Bhavana, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre. Over fifty priests, serving in various capacities within the Archdiocese, actively participated in the three-day program.
The event commenced with an inaugural ceremony and the lighting of the lamp, presided over by Msgr. C. Francis, Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Arokiaraj Satis Kumar, Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Cyril Victor Joseph, Director of Paalanaa Bhavana, and two representatives from among the attending priests.
In his address, Msgr. C. Francis emphasized the importance of continuous learning and urged the priests to remain updated with new knowledge and skills. The program featured several resource persons, including Msgr. S. Jayanathan, Rev. Fr. Arokiaraj Satis Kumar, Rev. Fr. Cyril Victor Joseph, Rev. Fr. Lourduswamy, Rev. Fr. Arokiaswamy Sebastian, and Mrs. Roshni Sur, a lay representative.
On the final day, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Metropolitan Archbishop of Bangalore, addressed the participants. He urged the priests to be readily available to the people, particularly in a metropolitan city like Bengaluru, where they are expected to address diverse spiritual and social needs. The Archbishop commended the clergy for their contributions to the growth of the Archdiocese and encouraged them to maintain a joyful spirit in their ministry and vocation.
The program aimed to provide ongoing formation and guidance to the young clergy, emphasizing their crucial role in the spiritual and social fabric of the Archdiocese.