PANAJI
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) and Archbishop of Goa and Daman has highlighted the importance of serving the Church with joy and dedication.
He was addressing staff of various CCBI Secretariats at the Paalanaa Bhavana in Bangalore on Monday.
In his address, Cardinal Ferrão reminded the clergy, the religious, and the laity that a joyful heart is essential in carrying out their mission within the Church.
He encouraged the staff members to draw strength and inspiration through prayer and family life, urging them to reflect the love of Christ in all aspects of their service.
He also expressed deep gratitude for the dedication of the staff members working at the various CCBI Secretariats.
Prior to the programme, Cardinal Ferrão celebrated the Holy Mass with the staff members. Following the Mass, he met with the staff, where Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore delivered a benedictory message.
Archbishop Machado praised the remarkable growth of the CCBI in recent years, particularly highlighting new initiatives, such as the Catholic Connect app and Arclight Global.
The programme was attended by more than 52 staff members, including priests, religious, and lay faithful, representing various offices such as the CCBI General Secretariat, Pontifical Mission Organisations, Catholic Connect and Arclight Global.
According to CCBI Deputy Secretary General Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, the CCBI’s Catholic Connect mobile app, launched in January 2024, offers users access to a wide range of spiritual resources, relevant news, and practical services, including health insurance, education, job opportunities and emergency assistance.
Arclight Global, the publishing arm of the CCBI in collaboration with Asian Trade Cooperation, produces value education books and school textbooks, he added.
