Mangalore, December 3, 2024 — The Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops' Council (KRCBC) Commission for Family marked a transformative step in family life education with the launch of "Growing Joyfully," an innovative textbook on remote preparation for family life. The event took place at the Shanthi Kiran Pastoral Centre in the Diocese of Mangalore, setting the stage for a new era in strengthening familial bonds and values.
The program commenced with a serene prayer led by Rev. Fr Alwyn D’Souza, creating an atmosphere of reflection and gratitude. Rev. Fr Anil D’Souza, Regional Joint Secretary, extended a warm welcome to the attendees, including clergy, educators, and stakeholders in family ministry.
Mr Leslie Arouza, Regional Secretary of the KRCBC Commission for Family, presented an engaging overview of the textbook’s objectives. He emphasized its focus on equipping families with tools to navigate the complexities of modern life while fostering enduring values of faith, love, and understanding.
The ceremonial launch was led by the Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese. In his address, Bishop Saldanha lauded the collective effort that shaped "Growing Joyfully" into a meaningful resource. He underscored the textbook's critical role in addressing the challenges facing families today and nurturing their spiritual and emotional well-being.
The Chairman of the KRCBC Family Commission, Most Rev. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all contributors and collaborators who made the project a reality. He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to promoting holistic family education through initiatives like this.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Leslie Arouza, acknowledging the support of all participants and stakeholders. The launch of "Growing Joyfully" stands as a milestone in advancing the mission of the Catholic Church to prepare families for a fulfilling and faith-filled life in today’s dynamic world.
The textbook promises to empower families across Karnataka with a blueprint for living "joyfully" in faith, unity, and purpose, resonating with the core values of the Church.