The CRI National Assembly 2024, held from May 14-17 in Bengaluru, brought together more than 600 religious men and women, including major superiors, superiors, and other designated delegates. This significant event was organized by the Conference of Religious India (CRI), the national body of major superiors of Catholic religious congregations.
Promoting Innovation and Creative Thinking
Apostolic Carmel Sister Maria Nirmalini, the forum president, emphasized the importance of unity in her opening remarks. "When we come together, it not only helps us promote innovation and creative thinking among ourselves but also helps us effectively address several pressing problems," she said. This sentiment set the tone for the assembly, encouraging participants to explore new ways of serving their communities.
Keynote Address by Archbishop Machado
Archbishop Machado, who has actively sought to end violence against Christians in India through legal action, delivered a powerful keynote address. He urged the congregations to become beacons of hope among the vulnerable, highlighting the increasing persecution and the need for innovative and relevant ministries to reach out to the poor.
Collaboration with the Church - Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli,
India’s Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, encouraged religious men and women to work closely with the local Church. He acknowledged the enormous contributions made by religious congregations throughout the country and recognized their efforts in fostering unity and support within their communities.
Theme: “Journeying with Hope: Relevance and our Prophetic Response”
The assembly's theme, “Journeying with Hope: Relevance and our Prophetic Response,” resonated throughout the event. Participants engaged in discussions and activities aimed at addressing current challenges and envisioning future paths for their ministries.
Presentation by Sr. Molly Mathew (MSMHC) on CRWI
Sr. Molly Mathew (MSMHC) presented the work of the Conference of Religious Women India (CRWI) and its structure. Under the leadership of Sr. Maria Nirmalini, the CRWI team achieved significant milestones within a year, including organizing the official documents of the CRWI Trust and shaping the organization effectively. Sr. Molly's hard work was appreciated by Sr. Nirmalini.
Sr. Molly's presentation highlighted the structure, mission, and vision statements of CRWI, aligning them with the process of synodality. She detailed various units within CRWI:
1. Institute Mater Dei, a program under the auspices of the Conference of Religious India (CRWI), serves as a theological formation institute dedicated to empowering women religious in India. Through tailored educational programs and resources, Mater Dei aims to deepen the understanding of faith and enhance the ministry of women religious, addressing their unique needs and challenges.
2. The Centre for Innovations and Initiatives for Religious India (CIIRI) is a vital department under the Conference of Religious India (CRWI) dedicated to supporting and promoting Women Religious within the Indian Catholic Church.
CIIRI operates with the vision of fostering unity and empowerment among the diverse backgrounds of religious sisters and communities, enabling comprehensive growth in every aspect of their existence. Through regular meetings, workshops, and bonding programs, CIIRI cultivates a spirit of solidarity among sisters, providing them with a platform to connect, share experiences, and feel heard.
3. The Grievance Redressal Cell (GRC) is a vital initiative established by the Women’s Executive of the Conference of Religious India (CRI) in response to the expressed need for a dedicated space for addressing grievances within the religious community.
4. The Centre for Research on Religious Life India (CRRI), an initiative under the Conference of Religious Women India (CRWI), addresses the need for a dedicated system for Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research within the religious community. CRRI aims to transform data into actionable insights to enhance the capacities of religious individuals and institutions, thereby improving services and fostering growth.
Research and Training Initiatives
Sr. Mini Joseph JMJ shared insights from the research conducted by CRRI, offering an overview of various research activities, surveys, and results.
Sr. Jamesy presented about the Institute of Mater Dei (IMD), emphasizing its importance and urging major superiors to send more nuns for training and collaboration. Sr. Nirmalini also requested the superiors to contribute their best resources to IMD.
Leadership and Future Directions
At the conclusion of the National Assembly, Sr. Maria Nirmalini was re-elected as the president of CRWI. Her vibrant and courageous leadership is set to continue guiding the organization in the coming years.
The CRI National Assembly 2024 showcased a collective commitment to innovation, unity, and proactive responses to contemporary challenges, reinforcing the role of religious congregations as beacons of hope and support in India.