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Naigaon, March 12
Salesian Animates Vasai Clergy on AI for Pastoral Discernment
News reported by: Dorothy Fernandes
Around 35 priests and religious from the Diocese of Vasai gathered at Don Bosco High School in Naigaon for their monthly deanery meeting, hosted by the Salesians. The session, titled “Artificial Intelligence – A Tool for the Discernment of Priests,” was led by Fr Joaquim Fernandes and explored the implications of artificial intelligence from a pastoral and Catholic perspective, with a focus on human dignity and the common good.
The meeting opened with an interactive segment featuring students from Classes V to XI, who shared their experiences with AI tools. While younger students reported moderated use under supervision, senior students acknowledged more extensive engagement. They highlighted both advantages and emerging concerns, including misinformation and overreliance. Responding to these insights, Fr Fernandes underscored that while AI can enhance learning, it cannot replace the human relationships essential for integral formation.
Providing a theological grounding, Fr Fernandes described AI as a product of human intelligence, itself a gift from God. Drawing on Church teachings, including Antiqua et Nova, he stressed that AI should complement rather than supplant human intelligence, moral responsibility, and spiritual discernment.
Tracing the development of AI, he noted its origins in 1956 when John McCarthy first coined the term, and highlighted its rapid evolution, particularly in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Today, he observed, AI significantly shapes various sectors of society, demanding careful ethical consideration.
The session also addressed pressing ethical challenges associated with AI, such as its effects on relationships, privacy, education, and the integrity of truth. Fr Fernandes cautioned against misuse, including the spread of misinformation and the growing threat of deepfakes, reiterating that AI must always uphold human freedom and accountability.
Referring to recent studies, he pointed out that AI is likely to disrupt cognitive professions more than manual labour. In the Indian context, he noted, small-scale farmers may face difficulties adapting to such technologies, raising pastoral concerns for already vulnerable communities. He urged participants to reflect critically on AI’s broader impact on employment, education, and ministry, emphasising that technological advancement must remain at the service of humanity.
Fr Fernandes also introduced Catholic-oriented AI platforms such as Magisterium AI, acknowledging their potential while advocating for prudent evaluation. He reminded priests of their responsibility to guide the faithful with discernment, noting that AI cannot substitute authentic teaching authority.
Highlighting the risks of misuse, he cited instances where AI technologies have caused harm, reinforcing the need for vigilance. He recommended reliable catechetical resources such as Kenosis to ensure sound faith formation in an increasingly digital age.
The session concluded with a call to embrace AI responsibly while remaining firmly rooted in Gospel values. Fr Fernandes reminded the gathering that technology must always serve the human person and uphold dignity, as the Church continues its mission of guidance and discernment in a rapidly evolving world.
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