Indian Seminary Leaders Gather in Guwahati to Revolutionize Priestly For

NATIONAL MEET OF SEMINARY FORMATORS FOCUSES ON SYNODAL PRIESTHOOD GUWAHATI — As the Catholic Church continues its global push toward synodality, 18 rectors and seminary formators representing 14 regions across India have assembled in Guwahati for the XI National Meet of Propaedeutic Seminary Formators. Held from September 28 to October 2, 2026, at INSPIRATION, NEIRBC in Kharghuli, Guwahati, the five-day conference is organized by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) Commission for Vocations, Seminaries, Clergy and Religious (VSCR). Under the theme “Propaedeutic Stage’s Formation in Synodal Pathways,” participants are examining how the initial, foundational stage of seminary life can better prepare young men for a collaborative, listening, and missionary priesthood. Guiding Candidates Like Archangels Inaugurating the national gathering with the celebration of the Eucharist, Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati reflected on the vital role of formators in light of the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. He compared the formator’s mission to that of the archangels—protecting, guiding, listening to, and accompanying candidates as they discern God's call. The assembly highlighted that propaedeutic formation is far more than an academic prerequisite. It serves as a crucial human and spiritual foundation where candidates deepen their self-awareness, encounter Christ personally, and cultivate healthy interpersonal relationships before entering major seminary studies. Priesthood Connected to the Laity A key session titled “Priestly Formation Shared with All the Baptized,” led by Fr. Prakash Padu of Mumbai, explored the relationship between ministerial priesthood and the universal vocation of the lay faithful. Formators were challenged to ensure that priestly training remains deeply rooted in the life, faith, and mission of the broader Christian community rather than isolated within institutional walls. Through group discernment workshops, participants identified modern challenges in vocational discernment, stressing that listening, dialogue, communal participation, and personal mentorship are indispensable to forming joyful, mature priests. Nationwide Collaboration and Exchange During a workshop on “Sharing of Propaedeutic Formation in Our Formation Houses – 2025–26,” facilitated by Fr. Charles Leon, Executive Secretary of the CCBI VSCR Commission, delegates from Northern, North-Eastern, West Bengal, and Odisha regions shared emerging practices and challenges from their local formation houses. Coordinated by Fr. George Abraham alongside local organizer Fr. Amal Raj, RDS, the national gathering aims to establish a unified, Christ-centered vision for seminary training across India. As sessions conclude on October 2, delegates hope to return to their respective dioceses with refreshed models of formation that prepare priests to serve as joyful, missionary, and synodal leaders.