- Tell us something about your early years.
I was born in the city of Lucknow, belonged to the Cathedral parish there, studied in Loreto till Degree College, then did B.Ed. in the Lucknow University (1975), after which, in 1976, I was appointed as Teacher in St. Agnes’ Loreto High School. My family had a simple faith, we were all well educated, and we learned to work hard in our early years. I became fluent in English and Hindi, and took active part in our diocese’s Catholic Youth Association in social work and dramatics.
- What attracted you to join the Order of Consecrated Virgins (OCV) and just how did you receive the call?
I started discerning my vocation from 1978. I was happy and popular with my students as their Teacher, yet after a deep God-experience during a Catholic Charismatic Retreat in 1979, I felt that there was something more I was called to. I prayed much and eventually said “yes” at once to an invitation given to me by my Parish Priest to do a one-year Bible Course in Bombay. I left my home and job and friends and beloved homeland to go to an unknown far away big city, which I had only seen in the movies, to study the Bible with other lay people from other cities of India. We were the first group of the Catholic Bible Institute in Mumbai, started by Fr. Fio Mascarenhas SJ, in 1979.
After that, my life’s journey with Jesus took me to the USA for M.A. (Th) studies, then back to Bombay in 1982 to serve in the Bible Institute, from where I was asked to work in the Regional Pastoral Centre of North India in Patna, because of my proficiency in Hindi. From there in 1984, my bishop sent me to Rome and I had to study Theology right from the start, including Philosophy and Latin at the same time! From the Baccalaureate in Theology to the Licentiate, and then to the Doctorate in Sacred Theology, I studied in the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (also in Regina Mundi for Philosophy).
In 1985, during my studies in Canon Law, I received a strong inspiration about my vocation to the “Order of Consecrated Virgins living in the world” (Ordo Virginum). The words of canon 604 immediately confirmed for me that this Order was for me! I enquired about it from my Professor, who told me to write to my bishop, because only the bishop can confirm the vocation and consecrate the candidate. My bishop told me to complete my doctorate first and by then he would do his own Research about this vocation, because not much was known about it in the Church in India. In 1991 I completed my Doctoral Dissertation on Mary, a Gift for India, defended my thesis, etc. and returned to Patna, and in 1992 Archbishop Benedict J.Osta, SJ consecrated me in the Khurji parish church, in the presence of my mother and all the parishioners, using (for the first time in India!) the special Rite for Consecrated Virgins.
- You have a doctorate in Sacred Theology and must be among the few women who have a doctorate in Scriptures.
My Doctorate is in Sacred Theology, but all my work has been in the field of Sacred Scripture, which is the foundation for all theology. When I completed my doctorate in 1991, I heard that I was the first lay woman to have earned a doctorate in Sacred Theology from a Pontifical University in Rome. I believe that it was all planned and executed by our loving God, who chose me for this privilege, all I did was to say “yes” and work hard single-mindedly while taking several risks.
- You have authored several bestselling books such as “Seeking Jesus in the OT”; Prayer for the Laity; Handbook for CCR Core Teams; and “Life of Jesus as Contemplated by Mary.” Do you feel your being a woman helped contribute a fresh perspective on the role of Mary in Salvation History?
Yes, indeed! The Lord God gave me the insights and experience, and Mary and Joseph guided me through. My contribution to Mary’s role is to see her as an exceptional human being whose whole life and attention was attuned to the movements of the Holy Spirit. She is a model Woman and not a goddess.
- You were Editor of Bible Aglow for 20 years, also Director of the Catholic Bible Institute for 22 years, have written articles in Foreign and Indian journals, and served for 6 years on the Executive Committee of the worldwide Catholic Biblical Federation. When you look back what do you think helped you to do justice to so many associations in the Church?
My basic nourishment came from my love and relationship to the Word of God and the vast experience of the theological and biblical world as I studied and travelled around the world, learning through all the dialogue and participation in international conferences. But my one centering point is FAITH in Jesus who never forsakes me, and in the Catholic Church of which I am a useful member.
- You were nominated by Pope Benedict XVI to attend the 2005 Synod of Bishops in Rome as an auditor. You were also a member of the Indian Theological Association and taught Scripture in the Pius X Seminary in Mumbai and in other institutions across the country. Did you experience gender discrimination and Patriarchy, when you worked in these positions?
I felt accepted and appreciated in my service to the People of God, perhaps because of my qualifications and talents. However, I am well aware of the subtle atmosphere of patriarchal and clerical monopolies in the Church!
- The CBCI invited you to address them at their PA in Bangalore. Did you find the Bishops ready to listen to you as a Professional woman?
I felt deeply honored to address the Plenary Assembly of the CBCI! It was a gift from the Lord to me, because I felt deeply unworthy of being called to serve in that manner. And the bishops’ happy response built up my courage and faith.
- You have rendered tremendous service to the Church. What do you think were your main contributions, especially to the church in India?
First, my Faith Formation seminars and retreats to far away villages of the poorest of the poor in the Patna Diocese for the Dalits; and in Ranchi and Dibrugarh dioceses for the Adivasis, mostly tea-garden workers, illiterate and very poor. Secondly, being the first member of Ordo Virginum in India, I helped Fr. Fio Mascarenhas, SJ from 1994 to begin the formation of interested candidates who felt called to this vocation. Cardinal Pimenta (and successors) had appointed him as our Chaplain. Now we have about 20 members in various parts of India consecrated by their respective bishops to serve the Church and the world. Still, much needs to be done and understood about this vocation and our mission. Praise Jesus!
Dr. Renu Rita Silvano, OCV
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