National Biblical, Catechetical and Liturgical Centre
{{Infobox organization
| name = National Biblical, Catechetical and Liturgical Centre
| abbreviation = NBCLC
| formation = {{start date and age|1967|2|6}}
| founder = D. S. Amalorpavadass
| type = Religious, Educational
| headquarters = Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| leader_title = Chairman
| leader_name = Mar Pauly Kannookadan (Bishop, Irinjalakuda)
| leader_title2 = Director
| leader_name2 = Antony John Baptist
| parent_organization = Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI)
| website = [https://www.nbclcindia.org/ www.nbclcindia.org]
}}
National Biblical, Catechetical and Liturgical Centre (NBCLC) is a theological and pastoral formation institute under the auspices of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI). It is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, and serves the Catholic Church in India with a focus on biblical studies, catechetics, and liturgical renewal.{{Cite web |title=Institutions under CBCI |url=https://www.cbci.in/nationalcentersdetails?title=national-biblical,-catechetical-and-liturgical-centre-(nbclc) |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=www.cbci.in}}
History
NBCLC was founded in the context of the reforms and renewal initiated by the Second Vatican Council. The initiative was led by D. S. Amalorpavadass, who became the first director in October 1966.{{Cite web |title=:: Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, Commission for Bible :: |url=https://www.ccbibible.in/history.html |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=www.ccbibible.in}}
The current director of the centre is Antony John Baptist.{{Cite web |title=New directors of the Biblical Departments of the CBF Full Members in India. |url=https://c-b-f.org/en/News/Regions/Asia/South-Asia/Changes-India |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=c-b-f.org}}
The centre was created to respond to the spiritual, liturgical, and catechetical needs of the Indian Church and continues to serve the Latin Church, Syro-Malabar Church, and Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.{{Cite web |title=:: NBCLC :: |url=https://www.nbclcindia.org/history.php |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=www.nbclcindia.org}}
The centre seeks to contextualize the ministry of the Word of God through inculturation and dialogue with Indian religions, cultures, and social realities. It promotes theological education, biblical literacy, and the inculturation of liturgy and catechesis.{{Cite web |title=New Ministers: Br Xavier Durai for India and Br Edilson Rocha for Brazil |url=https://ofm.org/en/new-ministers-br-xavier-durai-for-india-and-br-edilson-rocha-for-brazil.html |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=OFM.org |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=The force behind the Aggiornamento 1976 |url=https://www.heraldmalaysia.com/news/the-force-behind-the-aggiornamento-1976/56379/5 |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=Herald Malaysia Online}}
Programs and activities
NBCLC organizes retreats, seminars, training courses, and workshops for clergy, religious, and laity across India.{{Cite web |last=ICM |first=Team |date=2024-11-26 |title=B'luru: Empowering Future Leaders – Deacons Unite for a Synodal Journey at NBCLC Seminar |url=https://www.indiancatholicmatters.org/bluru-empowering-future-leaders-deacons-unite-for-a-synodal-journey-at-nbclc-seminar/ |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=Indian Catholic Matters |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Report |first=Mangalorean News |date=2024-11-26 |title=Priesthood Candidates National Seminar at NBCLC, Bangalore |url=https://www.mangalorean.com/priesthood-candidates-national-seminar-at-nbclc-bangalore/ |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=Mangalorean.com |language=en-US}}