In Grateful Remembrance of Rev. Fr. D. S. Amalorpavadass, Founder and first Director of NBCLC

The National Biblical Catechetical and Liturgical Centre (NBCLC), Bengaluru, marked a historic milestone on 16 September 2026 with the inauguration of its Museum and the commencement of its Diamond Jubilee celebrations, commemorating 60 years of its service to the Church in India.

The celebration was held in grateful remembrance of Rev. Fr. D. S. Amalorpavadass, founder of NBCLC, whose vision and pioneering contribution significantly shaped Biblical, Catechetical and Liturgical renewal in India. Historical sources identify him as the founder of NBCLC in Bengaluru in 1967 and its first Director. The solemn celebration began with an invocation of the Holy Spirit, the proclamation of Word of God, and the Prayer of the Faithful. The newly developed facilities were then blessed and inaugurated.

His Eminence Cardinal Anthony Poola, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), blessed the Lift, audio-visual hall and the Museum. Most Rev. Pauly Kannookadan, Chairman of NBCLC and Bishop of Irinjalakuda, inaugurated them. The Memorial Dedication was unveiled by Cardinal Anthony Poola.

Lighting of the Diamond Jubilee Lamp

The lighting of the Jubilee Lamp formally marked the beginning of the Diamond Jubilee Year. Cardinal Anthony Poola, Most Rev. Pauly Kannookadan, Most Rev. Vincent Aind, Most Rev. Peter Paul Saldanha, Most Rev. Francis Kalist ,Most Rev. Anil Joseph Thomas Couto, Most.Rev.Raphy Manjaly,Most.Rev. George Antonysamy , Rev. Dr. A. John Baptist, Rev. Fr. Nysson Luka, relatives of Rev. Fr. Amalorpavadass, other family members and Sr. Marialla participated in this significant moment. Rev. Dr. A. John Baptist, Director of NBCLC, delivered the Welcome Address. A 15-minute documentary presenting the history, vision and mission of NBCLC was screened, recalling the Centre's six decades of service and the contribution of its founder.

Cardinal Anthony Poola delivered the message inaugurating the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, followed by the presentation of the Diamond Jubilee Song. Most Rev. Pauly Kannookadan delivered the Presidential Address. Mr. Vincent, nephew of Rev. Fr. Amalorpavadass, shared reflections on the founder's vision and legacy. Most Rev. Francis Kalist of Pondicherry- Cuddalore also delivered the message.

A special felicitation was held to honour the bishops, priests, relatives, staff members and collaborators who contributed to the development of the Museum, Lift, Audio-Visual Hall and Documentary. The celebration concluded with the Vote of Thanks proposed by Rev. Dr. Nysson Luka, Assistant Director of NBCLC.

Remembering the Founder and His Spiritual Legacy

The Museum now stands as a place of remembrance, preserving the history and heritage of NBCLC and recalling the vision of Rev. Fr. Amalorpavadass. His work has been described by Church historians as an important contribution to the renewal and inculturation of the Christian message in the Indian context.

The Diamond Jubilee celebration also became an occasion to remember Swami Amalorananda, the name by which Rev. Fr. Amalorpavadass was also known in connection with his work for Indian Christian spirituality and renewal.

According to the information shared during the celebration, a special Holy Mass is scheduled to be held at Pondicherry Cathedral on 20 October 2026 in connection with the proposed ecclesial recognition of Rev. Fr. Amalorpavadass as “Servant of God.” The reported initiative acknowledges years of prayer and efforts connected with the renewal movement associated with his spiritual legacy.

The celebration at NBCLC was therefore not only a remembrance of the past but also a moment of renewed commitment to carry forward the founder's vision. The Museum, the Diamond Jubilee and the continuing spiritual initiatives associated with his legacy invite the Church and the faithful to remember with gratitude and to look towards the future with renewed hope.

The memorable evening was marked by gratitude, prayer, remembrance and renewed commitment to the mission of NBCLC.