Religious Superiors Reflect on Synodal Leadership at National Refresher Programme in Goa

Goa, February 25, 2026: Religious superiors from across India are participating in an intensive national refresher programme aimed at renewing leadership in consecrated life through a synodal and missionary lens. The formation initiative, organised by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India Commission for Vocations, Seminaries, Clergy and Religious, is being held at Shanti Sadan from February 23 to 28.

The programme opened with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, who called participants to reimagine leadership as a journey of communion rooted in humility, responsibility and pastoral care.

In his keynote address, the Cardinal reflected on the biblical images of the shepherd, steward and servant, emphasising that authentic authority must arise from compassionate love expressed through service and accountability. Drawing from Gospel encounters—including the call of Matthew, the conversion of Zacchaeus, the witness of Mary Magdalene, the Samaritan woman and Peter’s post-resurrection renewal—he underlined that missionary leadership flows from a personal encounter with Christ. Quoting Peter’s profession of love, he presented discipleship as the foundation of effective service in the Church.

Sessions throughout the week are inviting participants to rediscover the richness of consecrated life as articulated in Vita Consecrata, while fostering deeper self-awareness and emotional maturity. The programme focuses on building communities that are spiritually vibrant and pastorally responsive, with particular attention to mentoring, safeguarding of minors and the responsible use of media in evangelisation.

Resource persons, including Fr. Joye James SJ, Fr. Cyril Victor and Fr. Charles Leon, are guiding discussions through theological reflection, group processes and practical pastoral insights. Reflective exercises revisiting personal vocation journeys are helping participants renew gratitude for their call and strengthen fraternal bonds.

A pilgrimage to Old Goa forms a significant spiritual component of the programme, situating participants’ vocational witness within the broader missionary heritage of the Church in India. The shared experience has deepened the sense of communion and renewed commitment to collaborative ministry.

As the formation continues, the gathering remains marked by prayerful discernment, mutual support and missionary enthusiasm. Participants expressed hope that the experience will strengthen compassionate, collaborative and mission-oriented leadership within religious communities, fostering a renewed witness of communion and service in today’s Church.

By Fr. Duming Gonsalves