A Fidelity that Generates the Future: postolic Letter on Priestly Formation Released

Bangalore, 11 February 2026: The CCBI has released the Apstolic Letter “A Fidelity That Generates the Future” and it is a timely and inspiring message of the Holy Father Leo XIV on the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of the Conciliar Decrees Optatam Totius and Presbyterorum Ordinis.

The Indian edition of the Apstolic letter was released by Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, in the presence of Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the CCBI; Archbishop Peter Machado, Vice President of the CCBI; Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha, Chairman of the Commission for Liturgy; Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI and Mr. Peter Purdue, a theologian from Great Britain.

Through this message, Pope Leo XIV encourages priests and future priests to become credible witnesses of hope, mercy, and service, so that their faithful dedication may shape the future of the Church. By reflecting on the importance of sound spiritual, human, intellectual, and pastoral formation, he stresses that seminarians and priests must be prepared to serve with humility, simplicity, and joy. The Holy Father calls the Church to renew seminaries and priestly formation programmes so that they respond to present challenges while remaining rooted in tradition.

For copies contact: Email: ccbipublications@gmail.com; Mob No: 9886730224.

Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara

Deputy Secretary General, CCBI