A The publication of Magnifica Humanitas (“Magnificent Humanity”), the first encyclical of Pope Leo XIV, marks a significant moment in the Church’s engagement with one of the defining realities of our age: Artificial Intelligence (AI). Issued in continuity with the Church’s rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching, the document seeks to guide humanity through the opportunities and challenges posed by rapidly advancing technologies. Rather than focusing merely on technology itself, Pope Leo places the human person at the center, reminding us that every innovation must serve human dignity, the common good, and authentic human flourishing. The Holy Father recognizes that AI is transforming almost every aspect of life: education, healthcare, communication, employment, commerce, governance, and even warfare. Like previous generations who faced the challenges of the Industrial Revolution, we are now living through a digital revolution. The Church cannot ignore these developments. Instead, she is called to read the “signs of the times” and respond with wisdom rooted in the Gospel. Pope Leo therefore encourages Catholics to adopt a dynamic and discerning approach, engaging with new technologies while remaining faithful to Christian values. One of the central insights of Magnifica Humanitas is that technology is neither inherently good nor inherently evil. AI is a tool created by human beings and reflects the intentions, values, and priorities of those who design and use it. Consequently, technology is never truly neutral. It can be used to promote justice, education, healthcare, and social inclusion; but it can also be misused to manipulate truth, concentrate power, exploit workers, invade privacy, deepen inequalities, and even automate violence. The Pope warns against what he calls a modern “Tower of Babel” mentality—a belief that technological progress alone can solve all human problems. Such thinking risks reducing human beings to data points, consumers, or replaceable units in an economic system. The Christian vision, however, sees every person as created in the image and likeness of God, possessing an inviolable dignity that no machine can replicate. Artificial Intelligence may process information with astonishing speed, but it cannot love, forgive, suffer, pray, exercise conscience, or enter into a relationship with God. These remain uniquely human capacities. Particularly important is the encyclical’s concern for truth. In an era of deepfakes, misinformation, and AI-generated content, Pope Leo stresses the need for critical thinking and moral discernment. Catholics must become responsible users of technology who seek truth rather than convenience. Likewise, the Pope highlights the impact of AI on employment, urging societies to protect workers, ensure just transitions, and prevent technology from becoming merely a tool for profit at the expense of people. For Catholics, the message is clear: we must not fear technology, nor should we embrace it uncritically. We are called to use AI wisely, ensuring that it remains a servant of humanity rather than its master. The goal is not simply technological advancement, but what the Church calls “integral human development” — growth that respects the spiritual, moral, social, and material dimensions of every person. Practical Guidelines for Catholics Using AI 1. Use AI as a tool, not a substitute for human judgment. Never surrender moral responsibility to a machine. 2. Verify information carefully. AI can generate convincing but inaccurate content. 3. Protect human relationships. Do not allow technology to replace genuine personal encounters, family life, or community. 4. Respect privacy and human dignity. Use AI ethically and avoid practices that exploit or manipulate others. 5. Promote the common good. Ask whether the use of AI benefits society, especially the poor and vulnerable. 6. Cultivate wisdom and prayer. Technological knowledge must always be guided by a well-formed Christian conscience. 7. Remember what makes us truly human. Faith, compassion, creativity, conscience, and love are gifts that no artificial system can reproduce. As Pope Leo XIV reminds us, the challenge before us is not merely to build smarter machines but to become wiser human beings. In the midst of extraordinary technological progress, Christians are called to safeguard the “magnificence” of humanity by ensuring that every innovation serves the dignity of the person and the glory of God. ST. ANNE’S CHURCH PALI HILL We care. We share. ~ Fr. Mario Mendes Magnifica Humanitas: Preserving Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence nneMater Parish Bulletin of St. Anne Church, Pali Hill, Bandra • July 2026• VOL. XXVII No. 3 (for private circulation) “To build a Community that is United, Caring and Witnessing” PARISH VISION STATEMENT

AnneMater July 20262 Women’s Day Celebration at Our Lady Of Egypt Church, Kalina on 14th June with Chief Guest Fr.Vernon HOPE & LIFE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN’S DAY LADIES SODALITY STATIONS OF THE CROSS - 18TH MARCH THE SEVEN SORROWS OF OUR LADY - 4TH APRIL Rajan Community Lenten Pilgrimage to Don Bosco Karjat 14th March Rosary at Parichay Bldg - 7th May Composting the Forest Floor Way Sustain@Annes at the Summer Club

AnneMater July 20263 ST. ANNE’S YOUTH VISIT TO PRANAM MARIA AT THE DYC CAMPS IN KHANDALA WEEKEND SUMMER CLUB ORGANISED BY SAY IN MAY ANNUAL PICNIC TO GORAI “Hey Siri, can you tell me how to write an article on the benefits of using AI for church activities?” was the first thought that came up when I was assigned the task of writing this article for the church bulletin. If you are like me, you will probably relate to how often we use AI in our everyday lives. While many people argue about the advantages and disadvantages of doing this, I sometimes sit and wonder how life would turn out if we didn’t use AI in today’s world. AI is changing how many organisations operate, and the Church is no exception. For many priests and parish teams, it has become a useful tool to streamline administrative work like creating bulletins, managing websites, and organising communication (don’t worry, that’s not what I did for this article... wink wink). It can also help build a social media presence and create content that spreads the Good News to a wider audience. Many people also use AI as a tool to help write prayers, reflections, and sermons. I don’t think this makes them any less meaningful. Instead, it can help people think beyond what is being preached and reflect more deeply on their faith. After all, AI may suggest the words, but it is still people who bring the intention, understanding, and heart to them. Would I worry about AI taking over the world? Maybe. Let’s be real—sometimes it feels like technology is moving faster than we can keep up. But as far as the Church goes, faith still stands strong despite AI. Technology can support the work of the Church, but it cannot replace community, belief, or our relationship with God. Because at the end of the day, AI cannot replace your heart and faith. -- Candida Noronha Artificial Intelligence in Church Activities

AnneMater July 20264 ST. ANNE’S BCS UNIT Session on Wills Succession & Estate Planning - 21st June 8th March Women’s Day Session on Bystanders Intervention Easter Community Mass Celebrating the joy of Easter - 10th April MALLA COMMUNITY Lenten outreach - Way of the Cross and shared moments of love and fellowship at Shanti Avedna- 21st March Rosary at Plague Cross seeking God’s blessings and Mother Mary’s intervention - 23rd May Cross Feast at the Malla Cross - coming together in prayer and thanksgiving - 31st May ALTAR SERVERS Altar Servers Rally/ Lenten Reflection at St.Andrew’s church on 15th March At the Ordination Ceremony on 21st March at Goregaon Seminary

AnneMater July 2026CATEGORY NAME PRIEST Coordinator / Lay-Head Secretary Treasurer / other office bearers Associations Charismatic Prayer Group Fr Joseph Melody Vaz Christabell Miranda NIL Legion of Mary Fr Mario Greta Noronha Bernadette Fernandes (vice president) Valentina Pereira Vida Saldanha Ladies Sodality Fr Mario Lily Castelino Maria Dmello Gracy Mendonca Hope & Life Fr Joseph Bernadine Dmello Bernadine Dmello Celine Monterio Good News Club Fr Joseph Sunita D’Souza Confirmation Fr Joseph Denise Pereira Pre-Baptism Fr Joseph Rufus D’Souza Liturgy Planning Fr Joseph Audrey Dmello Pastoral Coordination (Altar Servers, Lectors, Cantors, Choirs, etc.) Fr Joseph Natty Noronha Eucharistic Ministers Fr Joseph Bernard Fernandes S.V.P. Fr Mario Niloufer Pereira Flavia Fernandes Ushers Fr Mario Valentine Fernandes BCS Fr Joseph Mark D’sa Clotilda D’souza Annee Lopez SCCs Parish SCC Coordinator Fr Mario Natty Noronha PALAM Fr Joseph Michael Mendis Alex Fernandes Joel Dsouza Scheme Fr Joseph Jean Ambrose Gloria Vaz Robert Dsouza Rajan Fr Mario Natty Noronha Christina Gomes Slyvester Lewis Malla Fr Mario Janice Gonsalves Bernice D’silva Audrey Gonsalves Sherly Fr Mario Joseph D’Souza Doris Sequeria Annee Lopez Menino Lopez Cells Family Cell Fr Joseph Malika Fernandes Pinnette Reynolds Anne Castelino Social Development Cell Fr Mario Bernadette Lobo Lynette D’mello Elizabeth Rodrigues Anne Mater Bulletin Fr Mario Marion D’sylva Media Cell Fr Joseph Candida Noronha Karissa & Kassandra Daniella (joint coordinator) SustainAtAnnes Fr Mario Premilla Martis Parera Lily Castellino Audrey Gonsalves Goldies (Senior Citizens) Fr Joseph Clarissa Barrett Rochelle Almeida Michele Lawrence Youth Fr Joseph Jessica Fernandes Alano Miranda Kaelyn Dmello Stacey Viegas PYAT Fr Joseph Denise Pereira Olinca Fernandes Bible Cell Fr Jude Avril Fernandes Judith Fernandes Pinnette Reynolds 5 ST ANNE’S CHURCH, BANDRA: SCCs, CELLS AND ASSOCIATIONS (2026-2027) PARISH PICNIC - 26TH APRIL A beautiful day of fellowship, joy, and togetherness

AnneMater July 20266 PARISH PICNIC 26TH APRIL Scheme Community Birthday celebrations of our 80+ years super-seniors in April Way of The Cross on Convent Road - 18th March Rosary at Mendonza Villa, Gasper Enclave, Dunhill Building & Allied Building in May BAPTISMS 15th March, 2026 – Ismail Baiana (Adult) – son of Abdul Rehman Baiana & Madina FUNERALS 12th March, 2026 – Jane Fernandes, aged 86 years of Sherly 23rd March, 2026 – Colin Anil D’souza, aged 50 years of Rajan 24th March, 2026 – Jennifer Belinda Packham, aged 70 years of Goa 8th April, 2026 – Joe Peter D’souza, aged 85 years of Rajan 10th April, 2026 – Lumina Gita Miranda, aged 80 years of Palam 28th April, 2026 – Sophie Elizabeth Nazareth, aged 88 years of Scheme 5th May, 2026 – Joseph Pimento, aged 89 years of Mala 12th May, 2026 - Rosa Margaret D’sa, aged 93 years of Rajan 29th May, 2026 – Samir Christopher Fernandes, aged 48 years of Scheme Parish Records - March 2026 to May 2026

AnneMater July 20267 Stations of the cross to the sick and homebound during the season of Lent Rosary at Pali Pathar Cross ACIES - Legion of Mary(collective conscreation to Mother Mary) at Sacred Heart Hall - 22nd March PALAM COMMUNITYPope Leo XIV tweets.. If technology becomes the ultimate criterion, the human person risks being reduced to data, a cog in a machine or a commodity. If, however, technology is integrated with a wise perspective, it can become an instrument of growth, justice and fraternity. LEGION OF MARYSt Anne’s Church, Bandra Parish Pastoral Council 2026-29 NAME COMMUNITY/CELL/ ASSOCIATION Fr. Mario Mendes Parish Priest Fr. Joseph Priest - Assistant Fr. Jude Priest - In Residence Sr. Leema Rose Joseph Auxilium Convent Sr. Joanna R Priti Kunj Natty Noronha Rajan Joseph D’Souza Sherly Jean Ambrose Scheme Janice Gonsalves Malla Michael Mendis Palam Bernadette Lobo Cells & Associations Olinca Fernandes Cells & Associations Clotilda Dsouza Cells & Associations Premilla Martis Parera Cells & Associations Lynette Dmello Cells & Associations Leoba Alpha nominated Anne Castelino nominated Alex Fernandes nominated

AnneMater July 2026OTHER TIMINGS Confessions : During office hours with the priest on duty For other Sacraments : Contact the parish office / priest on duty Church Office : 10.00 a.m. – 12 noon & 5.00 p.m. – 7.00 p.m. (Mon – Sat) Mobile No. : 9152097320 E-Mail: stannechurch1950@gmail.com • Web: stannechurchbandra.org MASS SCHEDULE Weekdays: 6.30 a.m. & 7.00 p.m. Sundays : 8.15 a.m. , 9.30 a.m. & 6.00 p.m. PUBLISHED BY: St Anne’s Church, Bandra EDITORIAL TEAM: Fr. Mario Mendes, Lynette Sequeira, Dr. Rochelle Almeida DESIGN & LAYOUT: Marion D’Sylva E-MAIL: annematerbulletin@yahoo.com SHERLY COMMUNITY Parishioners gathered on 1st May at St Anne’s Church Grotto to begin the Month of the Rosary in honor of our Blessed Mother Stations of the cross around Sherly village in the month of March Lenten Outreach to Pranam Maria Exhibition MarchSherly Community mass at Hiten apartments in April