Bengaluru: Rev. Dr. Merlin Rengith Ambrose, one of India’s leading canon law experts and residential Professor of Canon Law at St Peter’s Pontifical Institute, Bangalore, has unveiled two influential books—“Christian Living” and “Reforming the Law, Renewing the Church”—in a significant launch during the golden jubilee celebrations of St Peter’s Pontifical Institute. This event was marked by profound academic, liturgical, and fraternal fervour, drawing bishops, archbishops, faculty, seminarians, and church leaders from across India.
The launch, held on September 17, 2025, formed the highlight of the institute’s 50th anniversary events. His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) and Archbishop of Goa & Daman, officially released the books. Fourteen archbishops and bishops were present to receive the first copies, symbolizing both the ecclesial significance of the occasion and the unity of India’s episcopate in championing canonical and ecclesial renewal.
“Christian Living: In Communion with the Magisterium” is a 250-page volume published by St Paul’s, Mumbai. This work systematically explores magisterial teachings of the Catholic Church, Canon Law, liturgy, synodality, and mission, offering a well-structured bridge between theological insight, pastoral imperative, and canonical reflection. Chapters address issues such as “Magisterial Teaching as a Guiding Compass,” “The Importance of Informed Faith,” and “Applying Faith to Modern Challenges.” There is also deep focus on “Synodal Discernment” and “The Active Participation of the Laity in the Threefold Mission of Christ,” making the book relevant for clergy, theologians, seminarians, and the faithful alike.
The book integrates recent papal documents, conciliar principles, and curial guidance, providing readers with clear guidance on living out their faith amidst contemporary complexities. Thematically divided into five parts—Magisterial Teachings, Canon Law, Liturgy, Synodality, and Mission—the text demonstrates true sentire cum Ecclesia, inviting every Christian to think with the Church and integrate faith and action.
“Reforming the Law, Renewing the Church”: A Canonical Vision for Today
Fr. Ambrose’s second work, “Reforming the Law, Renewing the Church,” at 350 pages and published by ATC Publishers, Bangalore, is described as both timely and prescient for contemporary ecclesiology. It offers a deep dive into the renewal of canonical foundations, the neo-humanism of Pope Francis, synodality, lay empowerment, and ongoing curial and structural reforms within the Church. Special attention is given to the primacy of justice in the new penal law and its theological and pastoral implications, underlining the Church’s commitment to justice, participation, and synodal renewal.
The sixteen chapters within this volume collectively capture the Church’s current juridical and pastoral journey in evolving global and ecclesial contexts. By incorporating topics such as the empowerment of the laity and the pastoral dimension of ecclesial law, the book stands as a resource for the faithful, promoting renewed ecclesial commitment and serving as a guide for those vested in the Church’s missionary vision for humanity.
The Golden Jubilee Context
St Peter’s Pontifical Institute’s golden jubilee, celebrated from September 17–19, was characterized by scholarly reflection, prayer, and dynamic cultural gatherings. The event aimed to honor five decades of the institute shaping priestly and theological education in India. The presence of eminent theologians, including Prof. Dr Lucien Legrand and various bishops, gave further gravitas to the proceedings, which included panel discussions on the Holy Spirit’s work, cultural performances, and alumni gatherings.
Cardinal Ferrao, in his opening homily, underscored the institute not simply as an academic institution but as a cradle of faith, formation, and service. He exhorted all present to see the golden jubilee not as a time of mere celebration but as a call to deeper commitment to the Church’s mission in the modern world.
Rev. Dr. Ambrose serves not only as a professor but also as the Executive Secretary of the Commission for Canon Law in the CCBI and is a leading figure in the Canon Law Society of India (CLSI). With these two books, he extends his legacy as an accomplished authority in the field, supplementing his previously published volumes and numerous research articles in national and international journals.
Both books are now available through their respective publishers—“Christian Living” via St Paul’s, Mumbai and “Reforming the Law, Renewing the Church” through ATC Publishers, Bangalore—and may also be ordered directly from Fr. Ambrose. These works are poised to serve as important reference points for all who wish to deepen their grasp of the Catholic Church’s canonical, theological, and pastoral landscape amid rapid change.
Together, these books offer not only scholarly precision but also pastoral depth and practical insight, helping the Church in India and around the world to respond with wisdom, justice, and renewed zeal to contemporary challenges. The enduring legacy of St Peter’s Pontifical Institute, intertwined with Fr. Ambrose’s scholarly contributions, is set to inspire future generations in the service of faith and the ongoing renewal of the Church.
Both books can be purchased using the following two different links:
- https://joyofgifting.com/product/REFORMING-THE-LAW-RENEWING-THE-CHURCH-PB-10992/
- https://stpaulsbyb.com/product/christian-living-in-communion-with-the-magisterium/
Copies can also be ordered by directly contacting the author, Fr. Merlin Ambrose at +91 – 9884668927 or [email protected]