The National Biblical Catechetical and Liturgical Centre (NBCLC), Bangalore , conducted an eight-day Pastoral Counselling Course from 18 to 25 July 2026. The programme aimed to equip participants with the knowledge, attitudes, and practical counselling skills required for effective pastoral ministry by integrating biblical, theological, psychological, and pastoral perspectives.

The course brought together 22 participants, including women religious, priests, and brothers from various congregations and dioceses. The programme commenced with a prayer, followed by the inaugural ceremony with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Fr. John Baptist, Director of NBCLC, Fr. Nysson, Assistant Director, and the faculty members from Montfort College. Fr. John Baptist warmly welcomed the participants, while Fr. Nysson introduced the resource persons and outlined the objectives of the course.

Throughout the programme, participants were introduced to the foundations of pastoral counselling, emotional awareness and healing, self-concept, listening and communication skills, reflection of feelings, reframing, and practical counselling techniques through role plays and supervised practice. Special sessions addressed common mental health concerns, addiction counselling, the Gottman Method of Couple Therapy, Virginia Satir's Iceberg Model, and Albert Ellis's Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) with the ABCDEF Model. These sessions enabled participants to develop practical counselling skills and strengthen their capacity for compassionate pastoral accompaniment.

The course successfully combined theoretical learning with experiential activities, helping participants deepen their self-awareness, strengthen interpersonal skills, and enhance their ability to accompany individuals, families, and communities with empathy, respect, and hope. Participants appreciated the practical orientation of the programme and the opportunity to apply counselling skills in supervised settings.

The programme concluded with a course evaluation, a heartfelt vote of thanks, and the distribution of certificates to all the participants. The successful completion of eight days of learning, fellowship, renewal, and personal growth inspired the participants to continue their pastoral ministry with renewed confidence, compassion, and a deeper commitment to serving God's people.