Refresher Programme for Religious Community Superiors Commences in Goa

Benaulim, Goa, September 30, 2025: The second batch of the Refresher Program for Religious Community Superiors, organised by the CCBI Commission for Vocations, Seminaries, Clergy, and Religious (VSCR), was inaugurated on September 29, 2025, at Shanti Sadan in Benaulim, Goa. The week-long programme, running until October 4, brings together 37 religious superiors from various congregations across India to reflect, renew, and strengthen their leadership in consecrated life and missionary animation through sessions, workshops, and spiritual activities.

The programme commenced with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa. In his homily, Cardinal Ferrao emphasised active listening as a vital virtue for religious leadership, noting that genuine listening fosters joyful communities, nurtures communion, and strengthens synodality within both the Church and society.

Dr. Alexio Menezes delivered the keynote address on “Missionary Discipleship as the Need of the Present Time in India”, urging participants to build communities that transcend comfort zones and live the missionary call of Christ in today’s changing cultural and religious context. 

Fr. Charles Leon, Secretary of the CCBI Commission for VSCR, set the direction for the course, encouraging participants to rediscover their identity in the light of Vita Consecrata and embrace the programme as a time for reflection and renewal.

Resource persons engaged participants in insight-filled sessions during the programme. Fr. Joye James SJ, former Provincial of the Jesuits, shared insights drawn from his extensive leadership experience. Fr. Cyril Victor offered valuable perspectives on communication and mission, while Fr. Charles Leon guided participants with reflections on consecrated life and community animation.

The sessions during the week-long course will cover personal and communal growth topics such as self-esteem, team spirit, stress management, and creative leadership. Special attention will be given to the responsible and innovative use of media as a tool for evangelisation. The course will conclude with a pilgrimage to various spiritual centres in Goa, providing participants with moments of silence, prayer, and gratitude. 

The Refresher Program aims not merely to train but to transform—equipping religious superiors to inspire hope, nurture communion, and animate consecrated life with renewed zeal and joy.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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