The Sanyasa Sangama 2023, organized by Bangalore CRI, was a successful event celebrating our identity as consecrated persons with vibrancy, unity, and solidarity. Over 1000 consecrated members gathered as one voice, proclaiming their unity in Jesus and commitment to spreading His message worldwide. Fr. Xavier Manavath CMF delivered a captivating talk on the purpose of CRI and the need for collaboration to overcome challenges.
The Holy Eucharistic celebration, led by Rev. Fr. Juventius Andrade CSSR, emphasized active participation from all zones. In his impactful homily, Fr. Juventius highlighted the essence of religious life as a protest against comfort, urging for practical engagement and structural changes to live out Jesus’ teachings. He emphasized the metaphors of salt and light, calling for authentic witnesses who embody selfless dedication. Fr. Juventius stressed the importance of being authentic witnesses and embracing the “Theo drama” while shedding ego-driven behaviors. By living a committed religious life, one becomes a true example of selfless dedication, akin to a “White martyrdom.”
Prof. J. Philip, the Founding Director and Chairman of XIME Bangalore, a renowned figure in Business Management and an active member of the Catholic Church, addressed the gathering. He emphasized the importance of bringing efficiency to our organizations and staying attuned to the changing world to avoid becoming outdated. Prof. Philip exemplified this by sharing his personal efforts in establishing XIME, a successful college of administration. He quoted author Jim Collins, stating that “Good is the enemy of the great,” highlighting how many religious institutions have remained stagnant instead of striving to become great institutions. Prof. Philip encouraged the audience to transform Christian institutions into exceptional and distinctive establishments, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian society that can be recognized and accessed by all.
Mrs. Margret Alva, our Chief Guest, a distinguished former MP, Central Minister, and Governor, challenged us religious to awaken from slumber, to address the mistreatment of women, and to prioritize sharing Christ’s story. She called for unity, outreach to the poor, and collaboration between Christians and Muslims for mutual protection. She acknowledged the efforts of Christians in educating tribals, Dalits, women, and marginalized sections of society, and noted that Christians and Muslims played significant roles in the struggle for independence.
Bishop Sebastian addressed the gathering, acknowledging the challenge of attracting youth to the Church. He also expressed concerns about the feeling of insecurity among religious individuals, which hinders their proactive engagement. He encouraged them to focus on small acts of love within their communities, even if they may not be able to accomplish big things. Drawing inspiration from Francis of Assisi, Bishop Sebastian emphasized the importance of creatively finding ways to share the story of Nativity without reacting to challenges.
Most Rev. Archbishop Peter Machado, in his talk, underscored the need for religious individuals to fully realize their unique calling and endeavour to bring God into their personal lives and communities. He advocated for an attitude of synodality, going to the level of the simple people and reaching out beyond the comfort zone. He stressed the importance of connecting with families and engaging in meaningful dialogue with them. Archbishop Machado acknowledged the challenges posed by a potentially hostile atmosphere, particularly targeting Christians due to divisions among them. He urged Christians to unite and face these challenges together. He also highlighted concerns about the marginalization of minority rights guaranteed by the Constitution, with the introduction of new rules that sideline these rights. The archdiocese faced potential risks to its 93 schools as per the requirement of having a minimum of 25% Christian students to be considered a minority institution. He emphasized the need to enroll more Christian students in these schools to ensure their continued existence. Lastly, Archbishop Machado called for religious individuals to utilize their talents and extend their contributions beyond the confines of their respective domains.
The day was further enriched by cultural performances organized by different zones, and special thanks were extended to all performers and organizers for their efforts in making the event memorable.
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Prophetic Faith Dialogue
This event, on February 5,2023, brought together the religious of the CRI unit of Mangalore to engage in meaningful conversations about their prophetic roles in today’s world. Through inspiring talks, testimonies, and spiritual nourishment, participants were encouraged to embrace their calling and foster a dialogue of faith that empowers and uplifts. The highlight of the day was the input session delivered by Rev. Fr. Prince Xavier, a respected clergyman from the Archdiocese of Hyderabad. With deep-rooted conviction and personal life experiences, Fr. Prince shared profound insights on the prophetic role of the religious in today’s world. He passionately challenged the attendees to embrace authenticity and live as true followers of Jesus, inspiring them to be agents of change and transformation in society. His words resonated with the audience, stirring a renewed sense of purpose and calling. A significant moment came with the testimony shared by Ms. Divya Bhatt, a renowned filmmaker and social activist from Bangalore. Born into a Brahmin family, she shared her personal journey of encountering Jesus Christ, who became her way, truth, and life. Ms. Divya’s testimony served as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and the profound impact it can have on one’s life. Her words ignited inspiration and motivation among the participants, reaffirming their commitment to their own faith journey. After a refreshing lunch break, the participants received valuable insights on maintaining good health and overall wellness. Rev. Fr. Mervin Noronha from the Society of the Divine Word and Dr. Sr. Severine Menezes, the President of the Mangalore CRI unit, shared practical tips and advice to prioritize physical and mental well-being. Their guidance provided the religious individuals with valuable tools to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle, ensuring they can continue to serve others with vigor and dedication. The day culminated in a joyous Eucharistic celebration, concelebrated by five religious priests. This gathering united around 450 priests, sisters, and brothers in a powerful communion of faith and devotion.
To foster spiritual rejuvenation and renewal, an hour of Eucharistic adoration and the opportunity for confession were provided. This sacred time allowed the religious participants to reconnect with their faith, seek divine guidance, and recommit their lives to the service of the Lord. Sr. Cecilia, the President of KRCR (Karnataka Regional Conference of Religious), delivered a brief speech, highlighting the nobility of the religious vocation. She encouraged the attendees to invoke the Holy Spirit and live a life guided by Him. Sr. Cecilia also drew attention to the words of Pope Francis, calling upon all religious to actively work for the well-being of families, as the Diocese of Mangalore had dedicated the year to family ministry. She commended the President and executive team of the CRI for their commendable organization of the program, fostering an atmosphere of unity and collaboration among the religious attendees.
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Empowering Voters
The Karnataka Conference of Religious, India, in alignment with Archbishop Peter Machado’s conscientization efforts, played an active role in raising awareness about the Karnataka State Assembly elections. The CRI units across Karnataka were duly informed and encouraged to engage in motivating the public to exercise their right to vote. The CRI emphasized the importance of supporting socially active and secular-minded candidates who would safeguard the Constitution and uphold the interests of society. In collaboration with the Eddelu Karnataka campaign organized by the Jesuit priests, the Karnataka Conference of Religious worked diligently to mobilize resources and organize online meetings, enabling valuable discussions on the election. The local CRI units deserve commendation for their outstanding efforts in training individuals to obtain voter identification cards and prepare for the elections. By empowering the people, these units played an instrumental role in ensuring a strong and informed electorate. The success of the Congress party in the Karnataka State Assembly elections reflects the collective determination and commitment of the entire Church of Karnataka, the CRI and its collaborators in advocating for responsible and conscientious voting. This victory stands as a testament to the power of informed citizen participation in shaping the future of our democracy. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us recognize the importance of continued civic engagement beyond election cycles. It is imperative that we remain vigilant, holding elected representatives accountable for their actions and promoting the values of inclusiveness, social justice, and constitutional principles. As we move forward, let us embrace the responsibility of active citizenship and work towards building a society that upholds democratic ideals and serves the interests of all its members.
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