H. E. Most Rev. Dr. Ambrose Puthenveetil, our Chief Guest and honorable member of the Board of Trustees of PAROC; V. Rev. Dr. Sebastian Chalakkal, Rector of the Marymatha Major Seminary; Rev. Dr. Sibi Cheruthottil, Director, MIP; Rev. Dr. Paul Pulikkan, Director, MIT; Reverend Fathers, Distinguished Members of the Faculty, Dear Graduates, Seminarians, Religious, and Honored Guests:

It is a profound honor to stand before you today. A convocation is more than a formal ceremony; it is a sacred milestone that marks the intersection of disciplined inquiry and the commencement of a lifelong commitment to discovery. Today, we do not merely award certificates; we commission sentinels of truth. Our Mission: The Asian Context and Signs of the Times This convocation for the PAROC Research Institute is an occasion to rededicate ourselves to our core mission: the promotion of inter-disciplinary research in socio pastoral studies in the light of Scripture, Tradition, and Magisterium, analyzing the living experience of faith within the unique socio-economic and cultural tapestry of Asia. Our mandate remains clear—to form leaders among the laity, religious, and clergy who possess the intellectual depth and pastoral heart to respond effectively to the ‘signs of the times.’ Research Impact: From Theory to Ecclesial Practice The past academic year has been defined by researches that move beyond the ivory tower and into the heart of the Church. Our study on Seminary Formation has achieved significant ecclesial impact; I am pleased to note that the Synod of Bishops of the Syro Malabar Church, in its January 2026 session, approved our proposed program for the propaedeutic stage for implementation this coming June. Furthermore, our commitment to micro-level research is evident in the parish of Kandassankadavu, where we are assisting in the development of a scientific pastoral plan. Perhaps most significantly, the Syro Malabar Synod has entrusted PAROC with a comprehensive study on the life, mission and challenges of priests in the contemporary context, supervised by the Episcopal Commission for Clergy. I place on record my sincere appreciation to Rev. Dr. Saji Kananyankal CST, our Coordinator, for ensuring that these projects maintain the highest levels of methodological rigor and innovation.

A Decade of Excellence and Expert Collaboration To commemorate the 10th anniversary of this Institute, the PAROC Data Centre organized the seminar ‘Explorations in Socio-Pastoral Research and Training.’ This was a vital moment of institutional self-examination. I thank Rev. Fr. Sajan Maroky for his diligent efforts in this regard. We continue to expand our intellectual horizons through the Forum of Experts in Social Sciences. Three new research groups, under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Pradheep Mapranathukaran, are currently investigating socio-cultural factors—including migration, employment and education, and health—that profoundly affect the well being of our community. I also wish to specially thank Rev. Dr. Sinto Porathur, Managing Editor of PAROC Explorations, for providing a digital platform for this high caliber socio-pastoral research. Training for Pastoral Leadership At PAROC, we view excellence not as a destination, but as a continuous habit of mind. Our training programs are designed to build resilience and critical thinking. Some of our programmes are: mentoring the youth in crisis, mentoring the adolescents in crisis, workshop on Christian Spiritual practices, Induction Programme for new priests, Spiritual Enhancement for joyful priestly life. In March, we will conduct a training programme for priests and religious on Pastoral Leadership at NBCLC, Bangalore. I commend Rev. Dr. Sajan Pindiyan and Rev. Dr. Justine Kaitharath for their coordination. Academic Growth: The Centre for Pastoral Studies The Centre for Pastoral Studies continues to adapt to changing realities. Our Diploma and Certificate programs, currently offered online with offline transitions in view, are governed by a Board of Studies that ensures every syllabus meets the dual demands of academic rigor and professional credibility. This year, we celebrate the success of: ? Certificate in Christian Spiritual Practices (35 participants) ? Diploma in Pastoral Leadership (43 participants, 3rd batch) ? Diploma in Pastoral Counselling (67 participants, 1st batch) 

I extend my gratitude to Rev. Dr. Taison Mandumpal and Rev. Fr. Nithin Ponnari for steering this Centre toward such fruitful results. Integrating Ministry and Inquiry: The Diaconal Project Another important highlight of our academic year is the Diaconal Project, a collaborative initiative with Marymatha Major Seminary. By engaging fourth-year theology students in pastoral social research, we bridge the gap between the sanctuary and the street. These Deacons have learned to analyse parish-based challenges scientifically, ensuring that as future ministers, their responses are both compassionate and evidence-based. A Note of Profound Gratitude No journey of this magnitude is taken in isolation. I wish to express my deepest gratitude: ? To His G. Andrews Thazhath, our Patron, and H. E. Mar Tony Neelankavil, our Chairman, and the Board of Trustees for their visionary guidance. ? To Rev. Dr. Taison Mandumpal (Associate Director), Rev. Fr. Jikson Thazhath (Finance Officer), and Mrs. Shilji for their administrative leadership. ? To the Rector, Staff, and Students of Marymatha Major Seminary for their unwavering institutional support. ? To our Faculty, who serve as the torchbearers of intellectual integrity. ? To all our students and PAROC family members for their collaboration. Conclusion To our awardees and graduates: you carry with you the reputation of this Institute. As we celebrate your achievements today, we reaffirm our collective commitment to serving the Church and society through quality education, research, and formation. Praising the name of our LORD Jesus, may I remain Thank you all Dr. Saijo Thaikattil, Executive Director, PAROC Research Institute