Benaulim, Goa, January 23, 2024 (CCBI): In a significant development, Fr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of CCBI, announced that Catholics in India will be assigned unique identification numbers, akin to Aadhaar Cards. Fr. Alathara shared this news while inaugurating a diocesan administration course for Vicar Generals and Chancellors at Shanti Sadan in Benaulim, Goa, on January 23, 2024.
The initiative, facilitated through the Catholic Connect App, aims to generate distinctive identification number for the Catholics in India. 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.
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.
This 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 Catholic Connect App will officially launch on 30 January 2024 in Bangalore by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão.
The CCBI organized At Shanti Sadan, a diocesan administration training 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 23rd, will conclude on January 27th and it is attended by 22 participants from 17 dioceses.
The training sessions featured distinguished resource persons, including Justice Filomeno Manuel Reis, Fr Roland Coelho, S.J., Mr. 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, Rev. 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 specialized 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. For inquiries, please contact shantisadangoa@gmail.com or office@shantisadan.in, or call 9309110391.
Fr. Duming Gonsalves
Administrator, Shanti Sadan, Goa.