The orientation programme for the new Diocesan Directors of Social Apostolate was organized by Caritas India from 25-27 August 2022 at Caritas India Head Office, New Delhi.  In total 28 Directors of Social Apostolate from various parts of the country participated in the orientation.  The programme was inaugurated by Caritas India, Chairman, Most Rev. Sabastian Kallupura along with Fr. Poly Varghese, Director, Caritas India, Fr. Jolly Puthenpura, Assistant Director, and Fr. Sushil Modi Administrator. Ms. M. Shimray anchored the orientation programme. The sessions were given by various resource persons including management team members, personnel from the programme, thematic, finance and strategy.

The objective of the orientation was to familiarize the newly appointed Diocesan Director of Social Apostolate (DDSWs) with Caritas India as an organization, her core values and principles, her structure, systems, policies, function, partnership and thematic interventions across the country.   It was also meant to build rapport with newly appointed directors and for sharing how Caritas India at the national level is exploring possibilities to keep pace with the changing development scenario for a shared understanding, greater collaboration and to remain relevant.

Fr. Jolly welcomed and introduced everyone while sharing expectations and appreciated the willingness and enthusiasm of the New DDSWs to be part of this three-day orientation programme.

Fr. Paul, in his Opening remarks and objective sharing expressed inspiration from biblical and encyclical quotes motivating the new DDSWs encouraging them to courageous, resilient and innovative so that they can take their organizations to a higher level. He also emphasized how as a leader, each of us should be exemplary to others in this ministry of Diakonia.  He emphasized the calling to serve others with joy.

The inaugural Message of Most Rev. Sabastian Kallupura began with a bible quotation from Acts 2:17 “Old People dream dreams, but young people see Vision”. He dwelt on how our faith asks us to look beyond the present, beyond our life. We live in the hope and we are sure that we will realise the hope that we hold. He emphasized living a discerned life, engaging in discerned activities, discerned before the Almighty, which is always convinced and universal. Thus, bringing all together as communities. He quoted all the Holy books of different faiths endorsing this aspect.

He highlighted that all the new DDSWs are the social face of the Church in their respective dioceses as Caritas India is the social face of the church at the national level. He also encouraged each one that they and their activities should be devoid of sectarianism and it should be an embodiment of unity and togetherness with no biases and favouritism.

He said that a true social worker with an ethical value system is spiritual and can transcend society to another level. Hence let credibility be our special Motto.

Citing “Development; a community-led journey” published by Caritas India, he emphasized the need to recognize Community intelligence and the need to make collective discernment when we launch any community programme.  He encouraged all the new leaders to have a vision for their organization.

Two days and half days were dedicated to understanding Caritas India and her development interventions as spelt out in the purpose of this orientation. A half day was spent having a glimpse of Delhi city.

We appreciate all the new Directors of social Apostolate, who have participated in the Orientation and wish them well in their journey in the Ministry of the social apostolate.