On 19 June 2025, the CCBI Centre in Bangalore witnessed a joyful and grace-filled moment as Sr. Margarita Dias, SCB, was formally installed as the new Associate Director for Communio, who will be coordinating trainings and animation programs of Communio.
The event, held alongside the farewell of Rev. Dr. Yesu Karunanidhi and Fr. Baptist Pais, SVD, and the installation of Rev. Dr. Patrick Mathias, SDB, as the new Secretary for the Bible Commission, reflected the spirit of gratitude, collaboration, and renewed mission at the heart of Communio.
Most Rev. Antonysamy Peter Abir, Bishop of Sultanpet, presided over the installation ceremony in the chapel, during which Sr. Margarita Dias and Rev. Dr. Patrick Mathias were commissioned in their new roles. The moment was deeply prayerful, marking a new beginning in the shared mission of proclaiming the Word of God and empowering grassroots Church leadership through Communio.
Sr. Margarita brings with her a wealth of experience in training and formation. As Associate Director for Communio, she will play a key role in guiding and equipping lay volunteers across India, especially in rural and mission territories, through training programs, spiritual accompaniment, and leadership development.
During the farewell gathering at the CCBI, Sr. Margarita opened the gathering with a heartfelt prayer, invoking God’s blessings upon her new responsibility and lifting up the mission of Communio. The presence of various CCBI Secretaries, Bible Commission Council members, staff, and well-wishers added to the joy of the occasion.
Fr. Christopher Vimalraj welcomed everyone warmly. The event was graced by Bishop Peter Abir, Fr. Stephen Alathara, other Secretaries, the Bible Commission Council, well-wishers, and staff of the CCBI.
Fr. Stephen Alathara, the Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, offered the gratitude address, expressing appreciation for the faith, commitment, and missionary zeal Sr. Margarita brings to this ministry. He recalled her contribution to the Church and affirmed her role in strengthening Communio’s vision of a self-reliant, Gospel-rooted Church in India.
He also thanked her Provincial, Rev. Sr. Reetha Varghese SCB, and her Council members for their generosity in sparing Sr. Margarita Dias SCB for the mission of the Church. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Congregation and was appreciative of their goodness and generosity.
In her thanksgiving, Sr. Margarita thanked God for all the opportunities and plans over her life and expressed deep gratitude to Fr. Stephen Alathara, the Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, Fr. Christopher Vimalraj, Associate Deputy Secretary General, and Fr. Vignan Das, Associate Director of Communio (Administration & Projects), for placing their trust in her and appointing her to this new responsibility.
She also thanked her Congregation, and in a special way, Sr. Reetha Varghese Provincial Superior and her Council, for their continual support, encouragement, and for giving her this opportunity to serve the mission of the Church.
She expressed appreciation for the welcoming spirit and homely atmosphere of the CCBI, highlighting the serene and clean surroundings, as well as the warm and friendly approach of Fr. Stephen and his team, which makes everyone feel truly at home.
A special moment of honouring was observed for both the outgoing Bible and Ecumenical Commission Secretaries and the newly installed leaders. The gathering also acknowledged and celebrated Fr. Stephen Alathara for his dynamic and passionate leadership, which continues to inspire and animate Communio’s mission.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Fr. Vignan Das, followed by Bishop Peter Abir’s blessing and a shared meal — a fitting way to celebrate communion and new beginnings.
With Sr. Margarita Dias SCB stepping into this leadership role, the Communio Formation and Training Programmes enter a new phase, focused on building passionate, well-formed leaders committed to serving the Church’s mission in solidarity and faith.
As Communio looks ahead, this installation is a reminder that every new role in mission is also a new call — to serve deeper, love wider, and walk humbly with Christ, for the renewal of the Church in India.
Fr. Vignan Das
Associate Director,
Communio (Administration & Projects)
