The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) has appointed two lay leaders and two women religious to important national roles, marking a major step toward greater participation of laity and women in Church leadership.
The appointments were made during the CCBI Executive Committee meeting held on May 5 and 6 in Bangalore.
Mr. Adrian Rosario from the Archdiocese of Bombay has been appointed Executive Secretary to the Commission for Laity. Mr. Ajin Joseph from the Archdiocese of Delhi has been named Associate Executive Secretary to the Commission for Family, with special responsibility for Pro-Life Ministry.
Two women religious were also appointed to national positions. Sr. Celina Surin of the M.S.M.H.C. congregation from Assam has been appointed Associate Executive Secretary to the Commission for Youth. Sr. Deepti Minj of the S.C.S.C. congregation from Raipur has been appointed Associate Executive Secretary to the Commission for Women.
The CCBI said these appointments reflect its growing commitment to shared leadership and wider participation in the mission of the Church.
The recent CCBI National Synodal Assembly, held from May 1 to 3 in Bangalore, also showed this focus. Out of 220 delegates, 107 were lay leaders, making it one of the most representative gatherings in recent Church history in India.
Church leaders said the CCBI is creating more opportunities for lay faithful and women to take leadership roles at parish, diocesan, regional, and national levels.
As the largest Bishops’ Conference in Asia, the CCBI continues to promote a more participatory, inclusive, and mission-oriented Church in India through its National Pastoral Plan and synodal vision.
