CCBI Refresher Programme Brings Catholic Education Leaders Together in Goa

BENAULIM, Goa, September 22, 2026: Twenty-eight clergy and religious serving as principals and heads of Catholic educational institutions have gathered in Benaulim for a six-day programme aimed at strengthening their leadership and professional competencies amid changing educational realities.

Organised by the CCBI Commission for Vocations, Seminaries, Clergy and Religious (VSCR), the Refresher Programme is being held from September 21 to 26 at Shanti Sadan under the theme, “Enhancing the Professional Competency of the Principals and Heads of Higher Educational Institutions.”

The programme combines spiritual renewal, professional development, personal reflection and experience-sharing to help participants respond more effectively to the evolving needs of Catholic education.

The programme began on September 22 with Morning Prayer and Holy Eucharist presided over by Bishop Simão Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of Goa and Daman, who also delivered the homily. Reflecting on the transmission of faith, Bishop Simão stressed the importance of personal witness by parents, families and educational leaders.

He urged the participants to communicate the mercy and compassion of Jesus to young people through compassionate relationships, accompaniment and daily example, noting that faith lived authentically can often communicate more effectively than intellectual knowledge alone.

In the inaugural session, Fr. Alexio Meneses highlighted the need for educational leaders to combine professional competence with commitment to their institutions. Fr Charles Leon, Executive Secretary of the VSCR Commission, outlined the objectives and methodology of the programme, stressing continuous learning, self-renewal and openness to emerging realities.

Fr. Joye James SJ facilitated an introductory session in which participants shared their experiences and expectations. He later led a session on “Self-Awareness and Self-Esteem towards a Positive Self,” encouraging participants to examine their strengths, limitations, attitudes and patterns of interaction and their impact on institutional leadership.

A workshop by Fr. Charles Leon on “Challenges Emerging from the Student Community: An Adolescent Perspective” focused on issues confronting young people, including identity, relationships, technology and changing social expectations. The session stressed the importance of listening to adolescents and creating educational environments that offer sensitive guidance and accompaniment.

Sr. Thumma Margret Julie SSAM led a session titled “Reimagining Educational Excellence: From Yesterday’s Legacy to Tomorrow’s Future,” encouraging participants to preserve the heritage of Catholic education while adapting it to contemporary educational needs.

The programme also includes prayer, reflection, professional sessions and community recreation, providing participants opportunities for both personal renewal and fraternity.

The organisers hope the refresher programme will help Catholic educational leaders grow in self-awareness, compassion and professional competence while strengthening their contribution to the mission of Catholic education.

By Catholic Connect Reporter