Welcome to the 37th Annual Conference of the Canon Law Society of India! This year, the prestigious event takes place in the beautiful city of Guwahati, gathering over 130 canon lawyers, priests, and religious sisters from all over the country.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Penal Sanctions in the Church,” a topic of great importance in today’s ecclesiastical landscape. It’s a unique opportunity for attendees to delve deep into the intricacies of Church law and explore how penal sanctions can be approached with compassion and justice.
Opening the conference, CLSI President Fr. T. Lourdusamy expressed the significance of holding the event in the Northeast region for the first time since the society’s inception in 1987. It marks a new chapter in the history of the Canon Law Society of India.
The event commenced with a heartfelt prayer led by Father Selvaraj, setting the tone for a spiritually enriching gathering. Bishop Albert Hemrom, chairman of the Canon Law Commission of the Northeast Bishops’ Council, extended a warm welcome to participants, embodying the spirit of hospitality with traditional tokens.
During the opening session, a special video message from Cardinal Oswald Gracias, CLSI’s founder, added a touch of inspiration to the proceedings. Despite being in Rome for the Synod on Synodality, Cardinal Gracias encouraged attendees to stay informed about changes in Church penal law and emphasized the importance of practicing compassion in its enforcement.
Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati delivered a poignant keynote address, shedding light on the evolving role of penal sanctions in the Church. He emphasized the need for pastoral care and spiritual well-being in applying penalties, drawing from Pope Francis’ recent amendments to the Code of Canon Law.
As the conference unfolds, Archbishop Linus Nelli of Imphal will further explore the Church’s stance on penal sanctions, highlighting the importance of balancing justice with mercy. The discussions promise to be insightful and thought-provoking, offering a deeper understanding of the nuances of canon law.
Stay tuned for more updates from the 37th Annual Conference of the Canon Law Society of India, where knowledge, compassion, and justice intersect to shape a better future for the Church.
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