CCBI to Hold Digital Evangelisation Course in Goa to Equip Church Leaders for Online Mission

Benaulim, Goa, July 5: Responding to the growing importance of digital media in the Church's mission, the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) will organise a five-day residential course on "Digital Tools for New Evangelization" at Shanti Sadan, Benaulim, Goa, from October 5 to 10, 2026.

Designed to strengthen the Church's digital outreach, the programme will bring together priests, women religious, catechists, lay leaders and others interested in evangelisation through digital platforms. The course will combine classroom instruction with practical, hands-on training aimed at helping participants communicate the Gospel more effectively in the digital age.

Participants are scheduled to arrive on October 5. The formal sessions will commence on October 6 with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 7 a.m. and conclude after lunch on October 10.

The curriculum will cover the theology of the New Evangelisation alongside practical digital communication skills. Sessions will include training in presentation techniques using PowerPoint, designing Church communication materials with Canva, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence for evangelisation, catechesis, homily preparation and content creation.

Participants will also receive practical instruction in producing short evangelisation videos using mobile phones and developing simple digital content for parish and community outreach.

As part of the programme, participants will undertake a half-day pilgrimage to some of Goa's historic Christian landmarks, including the Sé Cathedral de Santa Catarina, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Tomb of Fr. Agnel, St. Joseph Vaz Church, and St. John Baptist Church.

The resource person for the course will be Fr. Richard D'Souza of the Diocese of Mangalore, who has experience in digital communication and pastoral formation.

Participation is limited to 30 persons and registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The course fee is ₹9,000 per person for shared accommodation and ₹15,000 for single-room accommodation, covering boarding, lodging and the pilgrimage. Organisers have clarified that the registration fee is non-refundable and cannot be deferred.

For registration and enquiries, contact Fr. Duming Gonsalves, Administrator, Shanti Sadan, Benaulim, Goa, on 9309110391 or 9270494488, or email office@shantisadan.in.

By Catholic Connect Reporter