Fr Gilbert Choondal, SDB (INK), was elected President, and Fr George Chinnappan, SDB (INT), was chosen as Secretary. Their election places two Salesians at the service of the national catechetical body at a time when the Church in India is reflecting deeply on evangelization in the digital age.

The three-day assembly brought together 61 participants, including priests, religious, seminarians, and lay representatives from across the country. The meeting centered on the theme, “Catechesis in the Age of Social Media and AI,” addressing contemporary challenges and opportunities in faith formation.

The programme featured seven research presentations and two keynote addresses. Fr Limson, CMI, of Christ University, delivered the first keynote, tracing the evolution of social media and artificial intelligence and examining their implications for catechesis.

The second keynote was presented by Fr Gilbert Choondal, who offered a magisterial perspective on digital engagement. He highlighted the need for a hybrid catechetical model integrating online and offline dimensions, describing it as “onlife catechesis,” where digital and physical realities are harmoniously combined in the service of faith education.

Participants also reflected on the ethical dimensions of social media and AI, the preparation of relevant catechetical resources, and the development of practical guidelines for catechists and parents. A study session analyzing the Netflix series Adolescence provided an opportunity to examine the cultural context shaping Generation Z.

The assembly concluded with the approval of a Final Statement summarizing the deliberations. The ICA expressed gratitude to Fr Lawrence, CMI, and the CMI community of Samanvaya Theology Centre for their hospitality. It was also announced that the 2027 General Body Meeting will be held in Mizoram.