Religious Superiors Renew Leadership and Missionary Commitment at Goa Programme

Benaulim, Goa, July 26, 2026 — Twenty-eight religious superiors from 12 congregations renewed their commitment to prayer, community life and missionary leadership during a week-long refresher programme organised by the CCBI Commission for Vocations, Seminaries, Clergy and Religious (VSCR).

Held at Shanti Sadan, Benaulim, from July 21 to 25, the fourth batch of the Community Missionary Animation Leadership programme brought together religious leaders and community animators for a period of prayer, silence and discernment.

The programme invited participants to examine their personal lives, community relationships and missionary responsibilities through the practice of Spiritual Conversation. The reflections encouraged them to move beyond routine approaches to leadership and seek deeper communion with God, stronger community relationships and a more authentic witness to Christ.

Participants reaffirmed the importance of prayer, attentive listening, humility and generous service in religious leadership. They also reflected on the need to build communities rooted in trust, unity, shared responsibility and discernment, where every member experiences a genuine sense of belonging.

The programme also challenged participants to move beyond an activity-centred understanding of mission and embrace their identity as missionary disciples. They expressed a renewed commitment to accompany and serve people, particularly families and young people, with compassion, presence and missionary zeal.

The gathering concluded with a shared resolve to deepen their relationship with God, strengthen communion within their communities and renew their missionary witness with joy. Participants were encouraged to become visible signs of God's love in the contemporary world through their lives and leadership.

The programme was organised by Fr. Charles Leon, Executive Secretary of the CCBI VSCR Commission, and coordinated by Fr. Domingo Gonsalves, Administrator of Shanti Sadan, Goa. The resource team comprised Sr. Margaret Julie Thumma SSAM of Bengaluru and Fr. Joye James, Fr. Richard D'Souza and Fr. Charles Leon.

Organisers described the programme as a journey of renewal that challenged religious superiors to move beyond simply managing communities towards a grace-filled approach to leadership rooted in prayer, communion and mission.

By Catholic Connect Reporter