Allahabad, March 12, 2025 – A one-day Seminar on Liturgy was organized at Sadhana Sadan, Prayagraj aimed at enriching the clergy and religious with a deeper understanding of liturgy as the heart of the Church. The event was presided over by Most Rev. Louis Mascarenhas, Bishop of Allahabad Diocese, and featured Rev. Fr. Rudolph Raj Pinto OCD, Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Liturgy, as the main speaker.

Bishop Mascarenhas, in his inaugural address, urged participants to approach liturgy with reverence and awe, emphasizing its role as a sacred encounter with Christ rather than a mere ritual. He highlighted the transformative power of liturgy in fostering spiritual growth and unity within the Church.

Rev. Fr. Pinto delivered a compelling session on the theme “Journeying towards a Synodal Church: Formation on Information.” He underscored the centrality of liturgy in Church life and emphasized the need for continuous formation to ensure meaningful participation. He described liturgy as a vital force for deepening faith and strengthening the Church’s mission.

The seminar commenced with an inaugural session led by Fr. Reginald D'Souza, Vicar General of the Diocese, who proclaimed the Word of God. A symbolic lamp-lighting ceremony followed, representing Christ as the guiding light for liturgical renewal.

The Holy Eucharist was presided over by Bishop Mascarenhas, reinforcing the seminar’s message that the Eucharist is central to Christian life. Subsequent sessions explored theological and pastoral dimensions of liturgy, offering participants practical insights for implementation in their communities. The question answer session cleared air of many of the participants on various issues concerning liturgy.

The event was meticulously coordinated by Fr. Ronald Noronha, Diocesan Secretary for Liturgy. Sr. Rose George UMI concluded the seminar with a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all contributors and participants for their dedication to enhancing liturgical life.

The seminar concluded with a tea session, leaving attendees inspired to foster liturgical renewal in their respective ministries.