National Communio Directors Programme Commences in Old Goa

Old Goa, October 21, 2025 – The inaugural First National Communio Directors Joint Reflection Programme began today at the Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old Goa. Communio Directors from dioceses across India have gathered to reflect, share experiences, and strengthen collaborative mission efforts.

The inaugural Mass was celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the CCBI, and concelebrated by Fr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of CCBI; Fr. Vignan Das, Associate Director of Communio; Fr. Henry, Director of St. Joseph Vaz Renewal Centre; and Fr. Candido, Communio Director of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.

In his homily, Cardinal Ferrão said that Communio Directors are “sowers of hope” tasked with reaching out to rural dioceses and fostering a spirit of communion and missionary zeal.

In his inaugural address, Cardinal Ferrão outlined the objectives of the programme: to foster Communio and sharing among diocesan teams, strengthen mission support, enhance visibility and participation, promote collaboration and networking, and equip lay missionaries for effective service.

He also highlighted the role of diocesan Communio Directors: to promote Communio in the dioceses, encourage prayer for mission, inspire generosity, build mission networks, support young missionaries, celebrate Communio Sunday meaningfully, share Communio resources, and conduct parish visits.

Cardinal Ferrão said, “Communio Directors are the torchbearers of hope. By fostering communion, encouraging prayer, and supporting young missionaries, they ensure that the mission of the Church reaches every corner of our nation, especially the most underserved rural areas.”

Sr. Margarita Dias SCB, Associate Director for Communio led the gathering in prayer. During the event, the book of the first encyclical of Pope Leo XIV was released, and as a token of gratitude, Cardinal Ferrão presented a Communio pen drive and a rosary to the participants.

The programme will continue over the coming days with sessions led by Fr. Joe Xavier SJ on spiritual conversation, along with workshops on collaboration, resource sharing, and strengthening lay missionary participation.

This programme marks a historic first step in uniting Communio Directors across India, fostering stronger networks of support, prayer, Solidarity and missionary outreach for the Church in India.

By Sr. Margarita Dias SCB