Antonine University (UA) hosted a full-day seminar titled “AI in the Service of Mission” on December 17, 2025, at its Hadat–Baabda Campus. Organized by the Institute for Training of Trainers (ITT) in collaboration with Upscale Hub and the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET), the seminar brought together seminarians, religious formators, and pastoral stakeholders for a thoughtful exploration of how artificial intelligence (AI) can be integrated ethically and responsibly into the Church’s mission.

A Seminar Rooted in Discernment and Service

Conceived in response to the rapid expansion of AI across all areas of life, the seminar addressed the growing need for discernment in the adoption of these technologies within pastoral, educational, and ecclesial contexts. Through a carefully structured program combining conceptual reflection and hands-on practice, participants were invited to reflect on how AI can support ministry and service while preserving the dignity of the human person.

Opening Reflections: Placing the Church at the Heart of Technological Evolution

The day opened with welcoming remarks that set the tone for the seminar. In her introduction, Ms. Hanane Merhej, Master of Ceremony, underlined UA’s conviction that AI represents not only an academic challenge, but also an opportunity for the Church. She emphasized that the seminar reflects the University’s decision to translate this vision into concrete projects that bring the Church to the forefront of contemporary evolution.

In his address, Fr. Michel Khoury, ITT Director, stressed the urgency of engaging seriously with AI, noting that it is no longer a marginal topic but a primordial one. He emphasized the need to learn how to use AI with intelligence, responsibility, and discernment, particularly within ministerial formation and pastoral service.

Prof. Roger Achkar, FET Dean, highlighted that AI is no longer a distant or abstract concept, but a tangible reality shaping daily life, communication, education, and modes of thinking. He stressed the responsibility of the University, and especially of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, to understand these transformations, guide their development, and channel them toward serving the human person and the common good.

Humanity at the Center of Innovation

The opening session concluded with an address by Fr. Michel Saghbiny, UA Rector, who situated the seminar within the broader responsibility of the Church to accompany the human person in a rapidly evolving digital age. He emphasized that the questions raised by AI are not merely technical, but deeply human and ethical.

Reflecting on the responsibility that comes with technological progress, Fr. Saghbiny affirmed that the human person must remain the measure of all innovation, noting that “the way we use the tools and technologies of our time, including artificial intelligence, is what determines the degree of our humanity.”

He further highlighted that AI should serve creativity and formation rather than foster dependency, warning that it must be used “to become more creative, not passive or reliant.” In a powerful reflection, he cautioned that misuse may lead to deeper consequences, stating:

"ليس فقط ذكاؤنا، بل أيضًا قلبنا قد يصبح اصطناعيًّا."

“Not only our intelligence, but even our hearts may become artificial.”

Through these reflections, the Rector framed the seminar as a call to discernment, ethical responsibility, and ongoing formation, reaffirming that innovation must always remain at the service of the human person and the Church’s mission.

Understanding AI: From Concepts to Responsibility

The morning sessions provided participants with a solid conceptual foundation. Dr. Imad El Hajj, Professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the American University of Beirut (AUB), delivered a clear and accessible introduction to artificial intelligence, explaining how it works, outlining its limitations, and dispelling common misconceptions. His intervention reinforced a central message of the day: AI supports human decision-making, but never replaces it.

This perspective was complemented by a session led by Mr. Joe Abi Aad, Founder and CEO of Netiks International, who traced the evolution of AI from predictive systems to advanced generative models. He highlighted the growing global emphasis on responsible and transparent AI practices, enabling participants to better grasp both the opportunities and the risks associated with these technologies.

Mr. Mario Korban, Operations Manager at Upscale Hub, then provided an overview of current AI tools and applications. His session illustrated how technologies related to text, images, audio, and data can support translation, accessibility, education, and communication within pastoral contexts, bridging technical understanding with real-life ministry needs.

From Theory to Practice: Tools at the Service of Ministry

The afternoon sessions formed the core of the workshop, translating reflection into concrete practice through three focused, application-driven workshops tailored to the realities of ecclesial life.

The first workshop addressed the daily academic and pastoral tasks of seminarians, demonstrating how AI tools can support the preparation of homilies and catechetical reflections through Gospel interpretation, idea organization, and content clarification. Participants also explored how AI can assist academic work by generating outlines, summarizing texts, organizing sources, and verifying references, all while maintaining theological accuracy and scholarly rigor. Emphasis was placed on discernment, affirming that AI remains a support tool, while human judgment and spiritual responsibility stay central.

The second workshop focused on youth ministry, inviting participants to explore creative and engaging ways to communicate faith to younger generations. Through practical exercises, participants experimented with developing ideas for youth meetings and gatherings, designing visual materials, preparing social media content, producing short videos, and creating interactive quizzes. The session highlighted how AI can enhance creativity and relevance in youth outreach, helping build stronger connections both in person and through digital platforms.

The third workshop examined administration and communication within parish and ecclesial contexts. Participants learned how AI can streamline everyday tasks such as drafting announcements and emails, translating content, summarizing meetings and documents, creating templates and forms, preparing parish bulletins, and organizing communication materials and event calendars. The workshop also introduced basic task management and automation tools, emphasizing efficiency without compromising pastoral sensitivity or the human dimension of service.

Together, these workshops illustrated how artificial intelligence, when used responsibly and ethically, can become a practical ally in formation, ministry, and administration.

Closing Reflections and a Forward-looking Vision

The seminar concluded with closing remarks by Fr. Ziad Maatouk, Secretary General and Vice Rector for Administration, who thanked the participants for their active engagement and encouraged them to carry forward what they had learned into their formation and pastoral service. He further highlighted that beyond managing information, AI can help free time for what matters most: being present with people, where technology itself cannot replace human encounter.

In line with UA’s commitment to continuous improvement, participants were invited to share feedback to help enhance future initiatives. The day concluded with the distribution of certificates of attendance, along with a small Christmas token in the form of bottles of wine, symbolizing appreciation and shared fellowship.

Innovation at the Service of Humanity

By creating a space where faith, education, and technology converge, Antonine University reaffirmed its commitment to initiatives that place innovation at the service of humanity. Through such engagements, the University continues to nurture a forward-looking vision that embraces progress while remaining firmly rooted in its mission of service, responsibility, and integral human development.

What began with this seminar is part of an ongoing journey, as Antonine University continues to explore thoughtful and ethical ways to integrate artificial intelligence in the service of faith, formation, and human flourishing.