By Matters India Reporter
Bengaluru, Jan 31, 2024: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI, Latin Rite) has launched a mobile app to serve as a comprehensive platform, offering access to spiritual resources, relevant news and a range of Catholic services in the country.
The Catholic Connect App was opened on January 30 by CCBI president Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão during the conference’s plenary assembly at St John’s National Academy of Health Sciences in Bengaluru.
The App “is set to spearhead a digital revolution within the global Catholic community, with a particular emphasis on India,” says a press statement issued by Father Stephen Alathara, CCBI deputy secretary general.
He claims the App will serve as “a transformative tool that seamlessly integrates technology with faith, promising to bring about positive changes within the Catholic community.”
By addressing various needs and fostering collaboration, the app has the potential to strengthen the sense of community, facilitate communication, and enhance the overall experience for users both in India and worldwide, the statement adds.
The app will help people to access Church services such as health insurance, education, jobs, and emergency assistance. “Additionally, users can conveniently locate nearby churches and access various services provided by the Church in India. This innovative approach promises to usher in a new era of transformation, fostering efficient communication, resource allocation, and community management.”
The app will provide information about various Catholic institutions, entities, and associations as stakeholders. The app will broadcast timely news and information from the conference’s 14 regions.
“This underscores its commitment to keeping users informed about local developments. This feature enhances a sense of community and connection among users, regardless of their geographical location,” the statement explains.
The App is expected to help Catholics connect with their parishes and dioceses as it provides a page for “My Parish” and “My Diocese” with sections for information, events, notice board, announcements and obituaries. Users can select their parishes and diocese during registration.
The app provides a dedicated space for CCBI Commissions, showcasing their activities, training sessions, and programs. This interactive platform allows commission secretaries to directly feature their initiatives, thereby maximising the reach and impact of CCBI’s various programs.
The CCBI’s 88th executive committee in May 2022 decided to have a database App to connect the Catholic community in India. The trial version was launched September 21, 2023, at the CCBI 92nd executive committee meeting.
Has CCBI taken into account the vast majority of the Catholics who live below poverty line and illiterate belonging to excluded communities that do not have proper infrastructure facilities like road, transport and internet etc.? It is my view that the “Catholic Connect” will divide Catholics into “Haves” and “Have-nots”.