REPORT ON THE SEMINAR ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
AND PASTORAL MINISTRY
The Diocese of Chikmagalur organized a one-day
seminar on Artificial Intelligence and its
Relevance for Pastoral Ministry for the clergy
of the diocese on 27th August 2025 at St.
Joseph s School, Cathedral Campus, Chikmagalur.
The seminar aimed to help the clergy understand
the growing significance of Artificial
Intelligence (AI) in today s world and to
explore how it can be effectively integrated
into the mission of the Church, particularly in
the areas of pastoral care, evangelization, and
administration.
Resource Persons
The sessions were animated by two distinguished
experts from St. Aloysius Deemed to be
University, Mangalore:
Mr. Royal Praveen D Souza, Assistant Professor
with 12 years of experience, a specialist in
Artificial Intelligence and Management Systems.
Dr. Reji P. John, Assistant Professor of
Economics, who provided valuable insights into
the socio-economic and ethical implications of
AI.
Highlights of the Seminar
Mr. Roayal Praveen D Souza and Dr. Reji P. John
delivered comprehensive presentations on the
foundations of AI and its applications across
different sectors. They highlighted how
AI-driven tools and digital systems can serve
the Church by enhancing pastoral administration,
strengthening communication with the faithful,
and streamlining parish management.
The sessions also shed light on the new
opportunities AI offers for evangelization
through digital platforms, while at the same
time underlining the need for ethical
discernment to ensure that technology always
remains at the service of human dignity.
Conclusion
The seminar proved to be an enriching and
thought-provoking experience. It enabled the
clergy to appreciate the potential of Artificial
Intelligence as a valuable tool that can support
and strengthen pastoral ministry, while
reaffirming that the essence of the Church s
mission continues to rest on human touch,
compassion, and spiritual discernment.
Fr Anil Lobo and Fr Alwyn Joe Commission for Communication and Media
Diocese of Chikmagalur
