Cardinal Ferrao to launch App in Bengaluru on January 30
PANAJI
In a significant development, Catholics in India will be assigned unique identification numbers, akin to Aadhaar Cards.
Fr Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), announced this while inaugurating a diocesan administration course for Vicar Generals and Chancellors at Shanti Sadan in Benaulim on Tuesday.
Fr Duming Gonsalves, Administrator at Shanti Sadan, Goa, said the initiative, facilitated through the Catholic Connect App, aims to generate distinctive identification number for the Catholics in India.
CCBI President Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão will launch the Catholic Connect App in Bengaluru on January 30.
“These unique IDs will serve a dual purpose, enabling individuals to access various services within the Catholic Church and fostering connectivity and collaboration with different parishes and dioceses,” stated Fr Gonsalves.
“The unique ID is optional, but those who wish to enrol could find it immensely helpful. This system aims to provide support for migrant workers and students, allowing them to connect with the Church for assistance, particularly in emergency situations.”
Fr Gonsalves said the “innovative approach not only signifies a technological leap for the Catholic Church but also enhances the efficiency of administrative processes within the Church, fostering a more connected and accessible network for its members.”
The CCBI organised a diocesan administration training at Shanti Sadan for officials of the diocesan curia, aiming to enhance the quality of ecclesial administration and equip them for effective diocesan management with a mission-oriented approach. The course, which commenced on January 23, will conclude on January 27 and it is attended by 22 participants from 17 dioceses.
The training sessions featured resource persons, including Justice Filomeno Manuel Reis, Fr Roland Coelho, SJ, Sunil Gonsalves, CA, Rev Dr Stephen Alathara, Rev Dr Jose Remedios Fernandes, Rev Dr Aleixo Menezes, Rev Dr Romeo Monteiro, Rev Dr Rosario Oliveira, Rev Dr Nelson Siqueira, Fr Barry Cardozo, and Fr Duming Gonsalves.
In addition to the training, the participants embarked on a pilgrimage to various significant locations, including Sé Cathedral and the Church of the Cross of Miracles in Old Goa, St Joseph Vaz Centre in Old Goa, Tomb of Agnel in Pilar, St Joseph Vaz Church in Sancoale, St John Baptist Church in Benaulim, and concluded with a Holy Mass celebration at Bom Jesus Basilica in Old Goa.
Shanti Sadan in Goa provides specialised courses, including the Financial Management Course designed for financial administrators at the diocesan and provincial levels, and the Diocesan Administration Course tailored for Vicar Generals and Chancellors.
These courses cater to the specific needs of individuals involved in the administrative and financial aspects of the Catholic Church.
