Junior Clergy and Religious Reflect on Digital Ministry, Ecology and Interfaith Dialogue

Bengaluru, August 27, 2026: Digital ministry, ecological responsibility and interfaith dialogue were the focus of an ongoing formation programme for junior clergy and religious held at the Subodhana Regional Pastoral Centre, KROSS, Bengaluru, on August 24 and 25.

The programme brought together 30 priests and two religious sisters with up to 10 years of experience in ministry. It was organised by the Karnataka Regional Commission for Vocation and Formation in collaboration with the Conference of Religious India, Karnataka.

The participants reflected on three areas considered increasingly relevant to contemporary pastoral and spiritual ministry: digital shepherding, eco-spirituality and integral ecology, and interfaith dialogue.

The session on Digital Shepherding, led by Cyril Victor, examined ways in which priests and religious can use digital platforms and media to accompany children, young people and adults in their faith journeys. The session stressed the need for responsible and pastoral engagement with digital spaces, particularly in reaching younger generations.

Eco-Spirituality and Integral Ecology was addressed jointly by P. V. Anthony and Precilla Lobo. Drawing on Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, they presented care for creation as an integral dimension of Christian mission. Participants were encouraged to examine their lifestyles and consider the need for personal and communal ecological conversion.

The third theme, Interfaith Dialogue, was addressed by Vinay Kumar, regional secretary for Inter-Religious Dialogue and Ecumenism of the Karnataka Regional Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Describing dialogue as an urgent need in contemporary society, he conducted a workshop on interfaith engagement followed by a panel discussion involving representatives of different religions.

The interactive session encouraged participants to become promoters of Samvada — dialogue for peace and fraternity. Discussions focused on how young priests and religious can respond constructively to contemporary social, ecological and pastoral challenges.

The programme provided participants an opportunity to deepen their understanding of emerging pastoral concerns and examine how their ministry can contribute to building stronger relationships, responsible engagement with technology, care for creation and greater understanding among religious communities.

Fr. Bonaventure Rodrigues

Secretary for Karnataka Regional formation and Vocation