Pastoral Gathering Examines Bioethical Challenges in Family Ministry

MUMBAI, July 25, 2026: A pastoral gathering organized by the Canossian Commission for Pastoral Spiritual Ministry of the Province of St. Francis Xavier – India Centre explored the ethical and moral challenges facing families in the areas of marital counselling, infertility and reproductive technologies.

Held at Nirmalashram and Canossa Ashram in Andheri under the theme, “Journeying Together in Faith, Love & Mission,” the gathering featured a session on “Ethical Issues in Family Therapy & Marital Counselling” led by Dr Pascoal Carvalho, Consultant in Diagnostics and Healthcare and former member of the Vatican’s Pontifical Academy for Life.

Dr Carvalho addressed the complex bioethical questions emerging from family therapy, marital counselling, infertility treatment and advances in reproductive technology. He urged pastoral ministers to accompany families with compassion while offering ethical guidance rooted in the Church’s teaching on the dignity and sanctity of human life.

The session examined issues including in vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy, embryo preservation and cryopreservation, gene editing and emerging biotechnologies. Dr Carvalho stressed the need to ensure that scientific and technological progress remains grounded in respect for human life from conception to natural death.

An interactive discussion allowed the Canossian Sisters to share insights from their pastoral experiences. Sr Jacinta from Goa raised concerns about the destruction of unused embryos in artificial reproductive procedures, observing that many childless couples seeking pastoral assistance may not be fully aware of the ethical implications of procedures such as IVF and surrogacy.

Sr Belinda from Belgaum highlighted the financial burden of advanced fertility treatments, noting that couples already experiencing emotional and spiritual distress can face additional pressure because of the high costs involved.

Adv. Sr Meena Godad, Provincial Counsellor, concluded the discussion by reaffirming the Catholic understanding of the sacred origin and inherent dignity of every human person. Reflecting on Dr Carvalho’s reference to Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas, she emphasized that every human being is a unique gift of God, created with purpose and dignity.

While acknowledging the significant advances in medical science and technology, Sr Meena stressed that scientific progress must always be guided by ethical principles and respect for the sanctity of life.

Quoting the words, “I am unique,” she reminded participants that every person is created in the image and likeness of God. “God has created me as one unique person; no one else is like me,” she said, emphasizing the irreplaceable identity and immeasurable worth of each human being.

She called on pastoral ministers to ensure that technological capabilities never overshadow the God-given dignity of the human person, but instead remain at the service of life, compassion and the common good.

The session concluded with a call for pastoral ministers to educate, mentor and accompany couples facing infertility and marital difficulties. By combining sound medical understanding with compassionate spiritual accompaniment, the gathering stressed, pastoral workers can help families navigate complex challenges with renewed faith, hope and fidelity to Catholic moral teaching.

By Nirmala Carvalho