AI Workshop Held in Mysuru to Empower Catholic Religious Men and Women

Mysuru, April 14, 2025 – Around 17 Catholic religious brothers and sisters from Hyderabad, Darjeeling and Mysuru gathered at Dhyana Sadhana – The Centre for Holistic Spirituality in Mysuru on Friday, April 12, for an enriching workshop focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The one-day workshop was organised to introduce the participants to various AI tools and provide them with practical training in using these tools to enhance their respective missions and ministries.The workshop was led by Leo Victor, an AI generative trainer, renowned for his passion for helping educators and Church leaders harness the power of AI for meaningful purposes.

Participants who attended the workshop included religious men from St John's Regional Seminary, Hyderabad; Sisters from Darjeeling belonging to the St. Joseph of Cluny congregation; and religious men and women from the diocese of Mysore.

Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in interactive sessions covering several topics, including:

- AI Fundamentals simplified for religious life

- Text-to-Content tools for preparing reflections, homilies, and newsletters

- Text-to-Image generation for enhancing digital evangelisation

- Text-to-Audio and Music tools for creating prayers, podcasts, and meditations

- Text-to-Video creation for catechism, storytelling, and mission reports

- Specialised AI tools for educators and pastoral leaders

The atmosphere during the workshop was one of curiosity, creativity, and a deep sense of commitment. Leo Victor, who holds certifications from Google and Oracle, guided the group through practical demonstrations, helping participants understand how AI could be applied in religious and pastoral contexts. His clear explanations and supportive approach helped demystify the various myths and fears that many participants held regarding AI.

Rev. Fr. Richard Menezes OCD, Director and Superior of Dhyana Sadhana, attended the event and encouraged participants to embrace technology as a tool to enhance their mission and enrich their ministry.

Several participants shared that while they were initially scared or unsure about AI, the clear and simple explanations during various sessions of the workshop made everything accessible and exciting. “We thought AI was too complex,” shared one religious sister. “But now we see how beautifully it can serve the Church’s mission.”

The event marked a significant step forward for the Church in staying relevant in the digital age. As the day concluded, participants left not only informed but inspired, ready to integrate AI into their ministries with faith, creativity, and purpose.

By Catholic Connect Reporter