Media Release

Udupi, Mar 11: The commission for social communications and the commission for seminary and religious formation of the Udupi Diocese organised a one-day workshop titled "MediaAI for Pastoral Excellence" at Anugraha Pastoral Centre. The event aimed to equip clergy, youth animators, catechism teachers, and commission office staff with essential AI skills to enhance evangelization and pastoral ministry.

Bishop emphasizes AI’s role in Church

The workshop was inaugurated by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo, who underscored the importance of embracing AI in the Church’s mission. "If we lag behind in this technological era, it will be difficult to catch up with the world," he stated, urging participants to explore AI’s potential in ministry.

Sessions explore AI tools and ethics

The event featured three key sessions led by experts in AI and pastoral ministry:

1. AI in Pastoral Ministry: Evangelisation, Catechesis, and Youth Ministry
Fr Anil Fernandes, director of Canara Communication Centre, introduced AI tools that enhance evangelisation, catechesis, and youth engagement. He emphasised how AI can make communication more effective for clergy, catechism teachers, and youth animators.

2. Opportunities and challenges of AI
Leo Victor Zalki, an Oracle certified generative AI professional, conducted a hands-on session showcasing AI tools such as Slido, Genspark, Leonardo AI, Vidu AI Video Generator, ElevenLabs, Simplified, and Suno. He also addressed AI-related risks, including deepfakes, morphing, and voice cloning, stressing the ethical responsibilities of AI use in ministry.

3. The Catholic Connect App: A digital link to Church
The final session introduced participants to the Catholic Connect App