More than 100 Catholic Communication Animators from parishes and chapels across the Panjim Deanery in India completed a media empowerment and community building course, marking the culmination of a months-long diocesan formation initiative.
Around 102 animators gathered in December 2025 for the Diploma Day celebration of the Panjim Deanery Catholic Communication Animators at Our Lady of Rosary Parish, Caranzalem, organizers said.
The program was organized by the Diocesan Center for Social Communications Media in collaboration with the Panjim Deanery, and has grown from a small inspiration into one of its most impactful initiatives.
Held under the theme, “Sent forth to maintain the unity and dignity of the Body of Christ,” the celebration included a Eucharistic liturgy presided over by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao of Goa and Daman.
In his homily, Cardinal Ferrao said the faithful are called “to not only be builders of bridges but be bridges ourselves,” emphasizing the call “to be communicators of God’s love in our families, communities, and society at large.”
Organizers said the 10-day course, spread over four months through multiple sessions, equipped participants with skills in communication for community building, spiritual discernment, responsible social media use, and crisis response.
The program also included training in article writing and editing, while stressing that every person has a role in God’s mission, including those who serve quietly behind the scenes.
The Diploma Day program included the Holy Eucharist co-celebrated by Fr. Francisco Dias, Fr. Barry Cardozo, Fr. Pio Almeida, and parish priests of the deanery.
It also featured the taking of a pledge, sharing of personal experiences, distribution of diplomas, and a group photograph with clergy, marking a milestone for the newly trained animators.
