Religious Superiors Embrace Synodal Leadership at CCBI Refresher Programme in Goa

BENAULIM, Goa, April 4, 2025 – A transformative five-day refresher programme for superiors of religious houses commenced on April 3, 2025, at Shanti Sadan, Benaulim, Goa. Organised by the Commission for Vocations, Seminaries, Clergy, and Religious (VSCR) of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CCBI), the event focuses on the theme “Community – Missionary Animation Leadership.” The programme aims to inspire religious leaders from across India to reimagine their roles through the Synodal model of governance.

Fr. Duming Gonsalves, Administrator of Shanti Sadan, welcomed all the participants and provided an overview of the centre’s logistics. The inaugural ceremony of the programme began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration led by Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and President of both the CCBI and the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC). In his homily, Cardinal Ferrao highlighted the vital role of religious superiors in shaping families, guiding youth, and nurturing faith. He called for a leadership style rooted in collaboration, inclusivity, and missionary dynamism in alignment with the evolving vision of a Synodal Church.

Rev. Fr. Charles Leon, Executive Secretary of CCBI-VSCR, introduced the objectives of the refresher course, setting the tone for the week-long formation. The first day of the programme featured thought-provoking sessions, including “Religious Life Based on Vita Consecrata” by Fr. Charles Leon and “Missionary Animation Leadership as the Need of the Present Time” by Rev. Dr. Aleixo Menezes, Parish Priest of St. John the Baptist Church, Benaulim, Goa.

In the afternoon, an engaging workshop led by Sr. Marykutty Antony, Provincial Superior of JMJ, Raipur, and Fr. Charles Leon explored contemporary challenges in community animation within religious life. Participants examined struggles at personal, community, and pastoral levels, discussing how animation leadership can drive renewal and resilience. The day concluded with a session titled “Self-Awareness and Self-Esteem Towards a Positive Self” by Sr. Marykutty JMJ. The session emphasised self-reflection as a cornerstone of compassionate and effective leadership.

With 38 religious superiors from 14 congregations participating, the initiative marks a significant step in strengthening leadership within religious communities. Recognising its impact, CCBI has scheduled a second batch of the programme in October 2025 to extend this invaluable formation to more superiors.

This refresher programme represents a pivotal move toward fostering collaborative, dynamic, and spiritually enriched leadership within religious communities across India. It serves as an invitation for superiors to rediscover their roles as shepherds of faith, unity, and service, ensuring a vibrant and evangelising Church for generations to come.

By Fr. Charles Leon