New CCBI Secretariat for Pontifical Mission Organisations Blessed in Bangalore
Bangalore: A new building housing the Secretariat for the Pontifical Mission Organisations (PMO) was blessed and inaugurated on February 7, 2026, in Bangalore. The ceremony was attended by over 170 Bishops representing the Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara Churches, who were in the city for the concurrent CCBI (Conference of Catholic Bishops of India) and CBCI (Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India) meetings.
His Excellency Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, officiated at the inauguration. He dedicated the building through the recitation of prayers, a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a formal entry into the new premises. The Apostolic Nuncio also unveiled the building’s commemorative plaque.
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the CCBI, presided over the blessing ceremony. He was joined by Archbishop Peter Machado, Vice President of the CCBI; Archbishop Vincent Aind, Secretary General of the CCBI; Cardinal Anthony Poola of Hyderabad, the President-elect of the CBCI; and Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, President of the CBCI.
Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, delivered the welcome address to the assembled bishops, priests, and guests.
Following the blessing, a brief felicitation programme was held, presided over by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão. Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli conveyed his felicitations to those present. Archbishop Sebastian Durairaj, Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Proclamation, and Bishop Ambrose Pitchaimuthu, Director of the Pontifical Mission Organisations, also addressed the gathering.
The architect, engineer, contractor, and construction workers who contributed to the realization of the project were recognized and honored during the programme for their dedicated service.
Rev. Dr. Christopher Vimalraj, Associate Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI; Rev. Dr. Paul D’Souza, Executive Secretary for Proclamation; and Fr. Antonysamy, Associate Executive Secretary of the Commission, coordinated the event.
The completion of the new building marks the culmination of a long-term vision. The project was initially conceived by Msgr. Siluvai Ignaci of Tuticorin, who served as National Director from 1999 to 2011. The vision was carried forward by Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo of Mangalore, who served from 2011 to 2018. The project reached fruition under the leadership of Fr. Ambrose Pitchaimuthu of Chingleput. Following his appointment as Bishop in 2023, Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara assumed the responsibility of overseeing the remaining construction.
The foundation stone for the building was laid on January 29, 2024, by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão. Strategically located in the heart of Bangalore, near MG Road in Ulsoor, the building houses six office rooms, a boardroom, a chapel, a documentation room, and a media room. The new facility is expected to significantly enhance the operational capacity of the CCBI officials at the Secretariat.
The Pontifical Mission Organisations, comprising the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Society of St. Peter the Apostle, the Holy Childhood Association, and the Missionary Union of Priests and Religious, operate in India under the guidance of the CCBI Commission for Proclamation.
The CCBI maintains secretariats in five cities across India: New Delhi (General Secretariat), Frazer Town and Ulsoor in Bangalore, Shanti Sadan in Goa, Bethania in Faridabad, and Suvarta Kendra in Bhopal. Currently, 34 officials serve the CCBI as Executive Secretaries and Associates across these various secretariats.
