"The future of the Church depends largely on the active participation of the laity."

The five-day Tamil Laity Widening and Deepening Training Programme was successfully conducted at NBCLC, Bangalore, from 09 to 13 May 2026. The programme brought together 29 participants from various dioceses with the objective of forming committed lay leaders capable of contributing meaningfully to both the Church and society.

The programme began with an inaugural ceremony and welcome address by the Director, Rev. Fr. A. John Baptist, who encouraged participants to become responsible and active leaders in their dioceses and parishes. The keynote address by the Assistant Director, Rev. Fr. Nysson, emphasized leadership formation, equality, participation, and the need to overcome casteism and social divisions within the Church and society.

Throughout the five days, participants engaged in enriching sessions on the role of the laity in the Church, participatory Church structures, Basic Christian Communities (Anbiyam), social justice, liberation movements, leadership formation, social analysis, family ministry, youth empowerment, and environmental responsibility. Special attention was given to the prophetic, priestly, and kingly mission of the laity, encouraging participants to become agents of transformation and witnesses to Gospel values.

The programme also highlighted the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, synodality, communion, co-responsibility, and the importance of dialogue and collaboration between clergy and laity. Group discussions, presentations, reflections, and cultural programmes provided opportunities for active participation, mutual learning, and fellowship. A notable feature of the training was the emphasis on justice, equality, compassion, and service to the poor and marginalized. Participants were inspired to strengthen families, promote peace, build vibrant Christian communities, and contribute to the renewal of the Church and society.

The programme concluded on 13 May 2026 with evaluation sessions, participant testimonies, certificate distribution, and a commitment to continue the mission in their respective dioceses and parishes. The participants departed with renewed enthusiasm, leadership skills, and a deeper sense of responsibility toward building a synodal, participatory, and mission-oriented Church.

"The laity are called to be witnesses of Christ in every sphere of life.