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Priests Harness AI for Enhanced Pastoral Ministry at Canara Communication Centre Workshop

Mangalore, May 22, 2024: The Canara Communication Centre organized a groundbreaking AI Workshop for priests of the Diocese of Mangalore at Sambhram Hall, St Anthony Charity Institutes, Jeppu Mangalore. The event, running from 9 AM to 4 PM, aimed to equip the clergy with the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and its practical applications in religious and pastoral activities.

The workshop featured distinguished resource persons, Mr Leo Victor and Fr AI Fernandes. Mr Victor, an AI Evolution Mentor and Digital Media Expert, serves as the Director of Madre Trinity Consulting and Oxidane Enviro LLP. Fr AI Fernandes, the Director of the Canara Communication Centre, is a seasoned AI Coach and Communication & Media Professional.

The workshop was divided into three comprehensive sessions. The first session provided an in-depth overview of artificial intelligence fundamentals. Participants learned about advanced AI models such as ChatGPT, Co-Pilot, and Gemini LLMs. Key topics included prompt engineering for content generation and the utilization of GPTs by priests and religious figures within the Catholic Church. The session featured practical prompt creation with live demonstrations and concluded with an engaging Q&A segment.

The second session focused on visualizing AI-generated content. Attendees were introduced to tools like Canva and Microsoft Designer for creating visuals, videos, and audio content from text inputs. A hands-on practice session enabled participants to create simple AI-enhanced projects, with guidance provided throughout. This session also ended with a Q&A discussion, fostering collaborative learning.

The final session introduced new AI tools aimed at enhancing productivity in both office settings and personal life. Participants learned about innovative presentation tools that streamline the creation process and improve efficiency. The session concluded with an open-floor discussion, allowing attendees to ask final questions and share their insights from the day.

The workshop was met with enthusiasm and appreciation, as around 25 priests discovered new ways to integrate AI into their pastoral work, enhancing their communication, content creation, and overall productivity. The Canara Communication Centre’s initiative marks a significant step towards modernizing the tools available to the clergy, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the digital age.