Jalandhar bishop marks first year, outlines vision for ‘synodal Church’

JALANDHAR, Punjab (India Catholic News) — Marking one year since his episcopal ordination, Bishop Jose Sebastian Thekkumcherikunnel of Jalandhar, has officially promulgated a new Diocesan Pastoral Plan to prepare the local Church for the Great Jubilee of 2033.

“It has been a year since the Lord appointed me to Shepherd His flock in the Diocese of Jullundur,” Bishop Thekkumcherikunnel wrote in a July 11 circular letter addressed to clergy, religious, catechists, and lay faithful. “Over the past year, I have experienced your love, encouragement, enthusiasm and commitment to the mission of our diocese”.

Building a synodal Church

The bishop noted that Jalandhar Diocese is moving forward “towards the vision of a synodal Church” and that the plan aims to guide the diocese’s trajectory over the next decade.

Following a year of discussions and spiritual conversations with bishops, priests, and lay faithful, the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India officially promulgated a national pastoral plan on Nov. 24, 2024. In line with those directives, the Diocese of Jalandhar conducted consultations across its commissions before launching its localized Pastoral Plan on July 11, 2026.

“The foundation of all these activities is a people set apart for the glory of God,” Bishop Thekkumcherikunnel stated. “Once each member of the Church realises this responsibility and personally contributes by living the faith, we can hope to be a Church sanctified by the Lord, holy and pleasing to Him”.

According to the bishop, the diocese’s strength lies in “the faithful pastoral ministry by our priests, the joyful witness of our religious, the tireless efforts of our catechists in handing on the faith, and the active participation of all our lay faithful”.

Parish initiatives and leadership

As part of the ongoing initiatives, parishes have been initiated as “a communion of Basic Ecclesial Communities, who generously support one another and intercede for the needs of the Church”. Churches are also being developed into prayer centres supported by volunteers, featuring daily adoration.

To further implement these priorities across the 17 deaneries, local priests have been appointed as Deanery Coordinators.

“The effective implementation of our Diocesan Pastoral Plan requires the active participation and collaboration of every priest, religious, catechist, parish council, and all the lay faithful,” Bishop Thekkumcherikunnel urged, calling on all members to journey together with “renewed vigour, enthusiasm, and missionary zeal”.

Pope Leo XIV appointed Father Thekkumcherikunnel, 63, as bishop of Jalandhar, the Holy See Press Office reported June 7, 2025. He was ordained a bishop July 12 the same year.

Ordained a priest for Jalandhar Diocese in 1991, he earned a licentiate in canon law from Rome’s Pontifical Urbaniana University and previously held numerous leadership roles within the diocese, including chancellor, judicial vicar, cathedral rector, and diocesan bursar.

Read the circulars: 1) marking the bishop’s first year. 2) appointing Deanery Coordinators.