Giving Children a Voice

Dr Catherine Bernard is the Founder-Director of the Service and Research Institute on Family and Children (SERFAC), and served as the Chairperson of the International Program Planning Committee of the Global Conference. Dr Bernard is also the Convener of the International Think Tank of SREFAC, and belongs to the Congregation of the Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod. She is a medical doctor by profession and holds a degree in Religion and Religious Education from Fordham University, New York. She is a world-renowned speaker, organizer, writer and consultant on all aspects of family life, from natural family planning to effective parenting and family spirituality. She is the founder of the Society of Family Integrity and Development in South India and the Service and Research Institute on Family and Children, Chennai, India, of which she is currently the President and Director. Dr John Shea is Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling in the Institute of Religious Education of Boston College, Massachusetts, USA, Dr Shea has over 30 years of experience in the field of counseling, and is an international lecturer and speaker. He has also authored several books and numerous articles that focus on spirituality, experiencing and adulthood.