The Conference of Religious India North East (CRI North East) unites 80 congregations, including 8 Brothers, 21 priests, and 55 women’s congregations, totalling approximately 4,040 women religious, 998 priests, and 52 brothers. Dedicated to enhancing collaboration among religious across North East dioceses, CRI North East prioritizes regional pastoral needs and Church initiatives. Serving as a vital liaison to the National Conference of Religious in India (CRI), it implements regional decisions and delivers essential services to local units. This report outlines CRI North East’s key activities and achievements of the past year.
Response to the Crisis in Manipur
In response to the crisis affecting Manipur, CRI North East demonstrated proactive solidarity and support throughout various initiatives. They organized a notable peace rally in Nongpoh, Meghalaya, on June 10, 2023, drawing participation from local residents, religious communities, and high-ranking officials from the Northeast Regional CRI. This event garnered extensive media coverage, highlighting their commitment to peace and unity in the region.
Additionally, a solidarity prayer and peace rally convened on June 23, 2023, at Don Bosco School ground, Pan Bazaar, Guwahati, brought together over 500 individuals in a powerful display of inter-denominational support. Collaborating with the Assam Christian Forum, this gathering emphasized the collective call for peace in Manipur amidst challenging circumstances.
Further addressing the situation, a closed-door discussion held on July 13, 2023, at the Peace Centre, Ambari, Guwahati, engaged bishops, provincials, social analysts, and legal representatives. The focus was on strategizing proactive measures to prevent future communal tensions not only in Manipur but also across the Northeast region.
Moreover, recognizing the need for psychological support, CRI North East, in partnership with the Conference of Catholic Psychologists of India, conducted a trauma counselling training program from July 24 to 27, 2023, at St. Paul’s Retreat Centre, Imphal. Aimed at Christian village leaders, this initiative aimed to equip them with skills to assist those affected by trauma.
In a compassionate outreach, the Regional Secretary of Northeast CRI, accompanied by four counsellors, visited displaced people from Manipur in Guwahati. The team included Bro. Varghese Mandapathil SG, Sr. Mary Thadavanal MSMHC, Fr. Joe Mariados, Sr. Elsy Mathew MSMHC, and Fr. Tom Mangathuthazhe, Secretary of NEIRBC Commission on Ecumenism. They provided counseling sessions and distributed essential relief materials, reaffirming their commitment to alleviating suffering and embodying solidarity with the affected people of Manipur.
PSYCHO-SPIRITUAL ACCOMPANIMENT SEMINAR:
From July 28 to 30, 2023, a Psycho-Spiritual Accompaniment Seminar was held at CDI, Bullarpar, Guwahati, led by Joseph Paarakad, Director of Sadhana Institute, Lonavala. Organized by Northeast Regional CRI, the seminar benefited 36 men and women from the Northeast. The seminar focused on the importance of addressing personal wounds and healing oneself to become a better individual. It included various activities and workshops, keeping participants engaged and enthusiastic. Both the animator and participants felt that the two days were too short for deep self-discovery and learning.
42nd NORTHEAST REGIONAL C.R.I. ASSEMBLY 2023
The 42nd Northeast Regional C.R.I. Assembly in 2023 convened at the North East Social Forum from September 6 to 8, drawing 78 participants including women and men religious, Major Superiors or their delegates, and Presidents and Secretaries of Local CRI units.
Key sessions featured Sr. Nirmalini AC addressing the theme “Synodality, a Way Forward,” emphasizing unity, reflection, and freedom of expression in the synodal journey. She highlighted the need for positivity, forming a national think tank, and aligning with Jesus’s Gospel message of unity. Sr. Nirmalini commended the NE Regional CRI for its support in Manipur and challenged members to enhance relevance and responsibility.
Bro. Varghese Theckanath discussed “Our Call and Context – The Way Forward,” exploring leadership challenges within the Church amidst contemporary issues like the ongoing synod and upcoming jubilees. He urged religious to prepare for the 2024 General Elections and emphasized the trans-formative impact religious can have on society.
The assembly also featured activity reports from 15 CRI local units, showcasing their mission efforts, particularly in conflict-torn Manipur. These included protests, peace rallies, prayer services, and humanitarian relief efforts in collaboration with local communities.
A significant draft on “Mutual Relations” between NEIRBC and NERCRI was presented by Bro. Varghese Mandapathil and approved after discussions. It was forwarded to the Northeast India Bishop’s Council for further consideration.
Sr. Rosina SABS shared a poignant testimony of her experiences during the violence between Meiteis and Kukis in Manipur, highlighting moments of divine protection and intervention for herself and her sisters. Her testimony underscored the human impact of regional conflicts and the role of faith in navigating such challenges.
NEURO LINGUISTIC PROGRAM (NLP):
Tony D’Souza, Director of Premanjali Family Counselling and Training Center in Vasai, Maharashtra, conducted a Neuro Linguistic Program. As a professional psychologist and spiritual guide, he helps people achieve emotional well-being and spiritual awakening. The program provided a safe, respectful, and private platform for 32 participants from different congregations in the Northeast to discuss personal concerns. Participants found the program enriching and useful for guiding young candidates and formees.
LEGAL AWARENESS PROGRAMME:
On October 21, 2023, the North East Regional CRI, in collaboration with the Assam Christian Forum, organized a legal awareness and interaction programme with Supreme Court Lawyer Colin Gonzalves at the Inspiration Centre, Karguli. Selected members of 10 religious groups in Assam discussed the implications of recent communal issues in India and the violence in Manipur. The meeting emphasized the need to educate and prepare religious and Christians to be vigilant against efforts to polarize people in the Northeast based on religion.
THINK TANK MEETING:
On November 24, 2023, the Archbishop of Guwahati convened a ‘Think Tank’ meeting at the Bishop’s house to discuss the emerging socio-political situation in Assam and the upcoming 2024 elections. Attendees included five Bishops of Assam, the President of NE Regional CRI, selected priests, lay leaders from the five dioceses of Assam, Provincials, and representatives of the Legal Cell, Guwahati. The meeting decided to create a ‘CORE GROUP’ led by Bro. Varghese, President of NE CRI, and Mr. Allen Brooks, spokesperson of the Assam Christian Forum, to coordinate activities and formulate strategies to uphold constitutional democracy in Assam.
MINORITY RIGHTS AND LEGAL MATTERS:
In collaboration with the Assam Catholic Educational Trust, CRI conducted a seminar on ‘Minority Rights and Legal Matters’ related to the administration of educational institutions in the Northeast. Held on January 19, 2024, the seminar featured Sr. Jessy Kurian, a prominent Supreme Court advocate, as the resource person. Nearly 120 participants, including principals and religious leaders, attended the seminar.
FINANCE MANAGEMENT SEMINAR:
On February 6 and 7, 2024, CRI, in collaboration with the Legal Cell for Human Rights and Child Friendly Guwahati, organized a Financial Management and Legal Compliance Seminar for finance administrators of religious congregations and dioceses in the Northeast. CA Vital Rao from Bangalore served as the resource person, and 57 participants benefited from learning about the latest income tax rules, managing charitable societies, and other compliance requirements.
LETTER TO ALL MAJOR SUPERIORS – FEBRUARY 2024:
In response to threats from fringe groups in Assam demanding the removal of statues of Jesus and Mary from Christian educational institutions and a ban on religious attire within school premises, the North East Regional CRI issued a letter on February 21, 2024. The letter advised all Provincial Superiors in the Northeast, especially those in Assam, to take necessary precautions to safeguard their students, staff, stakeholders, and institutional property, and to remain vigilant until the general election is over.
The Conference of Religious India North East (CRI North East) has been a prophetic force for justice and peace, embodying “leaven and salt” in society. Through diverse initiatives, they have addressed regional challenges and fostered long-term harmony. Echoing Pope Francis’s call for political engagement and addressing inequalities, CRI North East has prepared for the 2024 General Elections and advocated for minority rights amid recent threats. Their work aligns with the Pope’s vision of the Church as a place of mercy and inclusion. CRI North East’s commitment to justice, peace, and solidarity continues to inspire a more just and compassionate society.
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