(ANS – Bengaluru) – Dr Fr Gilbert Choondal, SDB, was awarded an honour by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CCBI) at St John’s National Academy of Health Sciences in Bengaluru on 3 May 2026. He received the honour from the president of the CCBI, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, who presented him with a shawl and a copy of the updated edition of the National Catechetical Directory, for which Fr Gilbert served as chief coordinator of the editorial committee. The tribute took place during the CCBI National Synodal Assembly, held from 1 to 3 May at St John’s National Academy of Health Sciences. Present at the Assembly were Bishop George Palliparambil (Miao), Bishop Nirmol Gomes (Krishnagar), Fr Maria Charles (Education), Fr Gilbert Choondal (Catechesis) and Sr Arokia Mary FMA (Ecology). Dr P. Stephen Alathara, Deputy General Secretary of the CCBI, outlined the context and highlighted the significant contribution of Fr Gilbert Choondal, emphasising his dedicated service to catechesis in the Church in India, both as a catechist and as a formator. In particular, he was the only member of the editorial committee of the 2015 National Catechetical Directory to continue as editor-in-chief and coordinator for its revised edition in 2026.
