CCBI Nurtures Community and Faith through Catholic Connect & Communio at SFX, Cathedral

On Sunday, March 17th, 2024, the Conference of Catholic Bishops’ of India (CCBI) proudly initiated the launch of their visionary project – the Catholic Connect app. This significant event took place at St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in Bangalore, marking a new era of digital engagement for Catholics across India. The app serves as a unified platform, offering seamless access to a wide range of resources and services in one convenient location.

Furthermore, the CCBI was also committed in promoting the Communio initiative, which is built upon the three foundational pillars of Prayer, Solidarity, and Mission. This initiative aims to enhance spiritual connectivity, foster a sense of unity among believers, and encourage active participation in the Church’s mission-driven activities.

The launch event at St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral was a significant occasion, marked by the collaborative efforts of the parish leadership and community. The parish Priest, Fr. Arokya Swamy, along with the Assistant Parish Priests, played pivotal roles in orchestrating the initial phase of the campaign. The strategy involved leveraging the regular mass announcements to capture the parishioners’ attention, followed by the distribution of brochures to foster further dialogue about the initiative.

The execution of this plan was entrusted to a group of 18 volunteers from the parish youth the Cathedral Youth for Christ (CYC). These volunteers received comprehensive information about Communio and Catholic Connect from CCBI representatives Rev. Dr. Christopher Vimalraj Hiruthya, Rev. Fr. Gangula Vignan Das, and Rev. Fr. Cyril Victor. Their enthusiasm was evident as they engaged in promoting the initiative and the app, ensuring that the parishioners were well-informed during mass announcements and through the brochures they distributed. The Implementation of this strategy across seven different masses, starting from the evening of Saturday, 16th March and continued through the morning of 17th March until evening. The subsequent feedback session, which included CCBI representatives along with Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara Deputy Secretary General of CCBI, Mr. Nigel Fernandes and Mr. Pramod Dsouza, provided a platform for constructive dialogue and shared insights, further enhancing the sense of community involvement.

This proactive approach by the church not only facilitated the promotion of the CCBI but also marked a significant milestone in being the first to support such an endeavour. The Communio and Catholic Connect App are poised to play a pivotal role in uniting Catholics, promoting fellowship, raising awareness, and nurturing growth in faith.

The positive response it elicited, underscores the community’s willingness to participate and contribute to the success of such initiatives. More than 100 parishioners have embraced the digital move by downloading the app, actively engaging with the Parish and Diocese's spiritual offerings.

The success of this endeavor is not just in the numbers or the immediate engagement, but in the lasting impact it has on uniting individuals in faith and fellowship. As the first parish to support CCBI in this capacity, St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral has set a precedent for others to follow, showcasing how technology like the Catholic Connect app can be harnessed to enhance spiritual growth and community cohesion. This innovative approach to faith-based community building is indeed a step forward in nurturing a connected and vibrant Catholic community.

-Maria Preethi Francis

St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral