Mumbai, October 21, 2024: The CCBI Laity Commission for the Western Region organized a Training of Trainers (TOT) programme from October 4 to 6 at Vinayalaya in Andheri, Mumbai. The event, themed "Empowering the Laity to Be Leaders Today," brought together 42 delegates from ten dioceses.
Fr. Jorge Fernandes, Secretary of the CCBI Western Region Laity Commission, inaugurated the programme. Fr. Anthony J. Fernandes, CCBI Executive Secretary and Mr. Adrian Rosario, Member of the National Laity Council, addressed the participants. The training aimed to equip laity with leadership skills for active involvement in the Church and society.
The programme included various sessions led by experts on topics such as leadership in the Post-Synodal Church, political engagement and clergy-laity collaboration. Fr. Anthony J. Fernandes delivered a session on the role of Christians in the political sphere, highlighting the importance of justice and advocacy. Mr. Adrian Rosario's presentation on "Leader as a Missionary" emphasized the laity's role in today’s Church, while Fr. Felix D’Souza discussed the "Seven Habits for Effective Leaders." Participants also engaged in team-building exercises and spiritual activities, including the celebration of the Eucharist at Holy Family Church.
A key session by Ms. Seanna Rodrigues, a professional counsellor, focused on "Self-Awareness for Effective Leadership." The session explored how self-awareness can improve leadership effectiveness. Participants also toured the Vinayalaya campus, learning about its environmental and social outreach initiatives. Bishop John Rodrigues, Chairman of the Western Region Laity Commission, led discussions on the theological understanding of lay involvement and awarded TOT certificates to participants, marking the completion of the training.
The third and final day included discussions on the challenges faced by laity today, led by Fr. Anthony J. Fernandes. Mrs. Rohini D'Souza conducted a session on "Leading with Empathy," guiding participants through understanding diverse personality types and fostering leadership with compassion. The programme concluded with a review of the National Pastoral Plan - Mission 2033, with delegates planning activities for their respective dioceses.
The event was widely appreciated by participants, who expressed enthusiasm for future training opportunities and the application of their newfound knowledge within their parishes, small Christian communities, and families.
By Fr. Anthony J. Fernandes
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