Here is a brief account of what transpired in the Regional Annual General Body Meetings. Have a look: We can learn much from one another!
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Theme: “Rediscovering the Missionary Dimension of Consecrated Life in the Present Context.”
Issues we need to be aware of:
- Rise of Religious Nationalism and its agenda
- Stifling of democratic dissent and silencing of prophetic voices
- Pauperization of the poor and the worship of mammon
- Biblical response to the context of globalization
CHHATTISGARH
Theme: “Empowering Religious to Recognize, Prevent and Respond to Abuse.” Sr. Teresa Paul SCSC, Supreme Court Advocate, Delhi, highlighted the following points:
- The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO, 2012);
- Guidelines to be used when working with children;
- Sexual harassment of women;
- Clergy Sex Abuse: Prevention and healing;
- Plan: A memorandum of understanding with the Bishops of the Region for better relations between dioceses and religious.
Karnataka
Three youth representatives shared their views about the Church, religious and also their expectations from them during the youth panel discussion.
Concrete suggestions:
- Accompany the youth by sharing our faith experience;
- Equip our young religious for youth ministry and family apostolate;
- Initiate critical thinking and the right use of digital world and social media.
- Involve the youth in ministries with the migrants, street children, and other deprived and underprivileged and the care of our common home.
Kerala
Theme: “Shifting Trends in Culture and the New Dimensions of Formation to Consecrated Life”
Fr Augustine Mulloor OCD spoke on the new dimensions for formation to consecrated life.
KCBC-KCMS JOINT MEETING
All the Bishops of Kerala and 191 Major Superiors participated. Themes covered: Resolving the disputes within the church; ecology.
Retired Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil SDB spoke on: “Mission, the Heart of Christian Faith.” He said that we must be present where we are needed most and offer the best responses in word, deed and affection.
Tamilnadu-Pondicherry
Mr. Ambrose Christy made a presentation on the importance of systematic reporting and planning. It professionalizes our work, improves credibility and also serves as future reference..
Action plan:
- TNPCRI MoU will be circulated to all DCRI. There has to be an orientation on this MoU among all religious.
- The Church is commemorating 2020 as year of Youth. DCRI should ensure active participation.
- Response to major social issues; solidarity with social anger of people-led movement over inequality (link it with Laudato Si)
- Awareness on document of Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops: “New Paths for the Church and for an Integral Ecology”
West
There were 64 participants. Theme: “Peace and Reconciliation Within The Church.”
Fr. Michael Fernandes SDB conducted a session on Canon Law, Religious Life & Management of Assets, in which he explained the rights and duties of religious in matters concerning the foundation of new institutions, the drawing up of contracts with the diocese, administration of properties, remuneration of personnel working in diocesan offices, and the resolution of contentious issues.
Br Varghese Theckanath SG conducted a session on the Meaning and Purpose of Religious Life to help us understand the document “Economy at the Service of the Charism and Mission.”
He highlighted the guidelines for the administration of finances, goods and properties belonging to religious institutions in keeping with their specific charism and mission. He also took a session on Peace and Reconciliation within the Church, in which the participants discussed the 2006 CBCI-CRI document Mutual Relations between Bishops and Religious and the drawing up of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of Western Region Major Superiors with the Diocesan Bishops of the Region.
North-East
Brother Paul Raj SG led a session on: “Leadership in reflection for a renewed Leader shift.”
Main points:
- Methodology of appreciative inquiry; Changing face of consecrated life today; Nurture equality status between men and women religious and priests; Move towards multicultural and inter-cultural communities; Future of religious life in India; Importance of transparency and accountability; Evangelization and pro-poor activities are more important than massive structures; Scientific study of the growth and decline of Religious Congregations by the CRI
Issues that emerged:
- What do we do individually and collectively after the meeting?
- Most of the congregations are similar ministries (parishes and schools).
- With the current political scenario, can we work as a collective body to awaken and do something positively?
- Formation of formators.
There was a panel where people shared vocation stories. Sr Prema SCSC took a session on “Not for Sale: Human Trafficking and Bondage.”
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