Sr. Maria Nirmalini AC
President, CRWI
Sr Maria Nirmalini AC is the Superior General of the Apostolic Carmel Congregation (AC); President - Conference of Religious India (CRI) and President - Conference of Religious Women India (CRWI). She holds a post-graduate degree in MA (Education) and M. Com. She was the Principal of Mount Carmel Convent School, Delhi from 2002 to 2015. She was the Provincial Superior in AC congregation for 6 years (2015- 2021). She has made a significant impact by her involvement in education and human rights movements. She has been the recipient of several awards including World Human Rights Award, Best Principal Award, World Disaster Education Award and the Best Teacher Award. She has held several offices in the Church including Member - CRI Educational Cell (2003), Member - Education Commission, Delhi Archdiocese (2003), Member of Advisory Committee, Delhi Minority Commission (2008), Secretary - Education Commission, Delhi Archdiocese (2010), Regional Secretary - Education Commission, North India (2009 -2015). She was invited to address the Bishop's Conference at Fulda, Germany during the MISSIO Mission Campaign-India on Christian attacks in Kandamal Orissa. She has also addressed the German parliamentarians on the situation of minorities in India. She was also appointed in the Election Commission by Delhi High Court to oversee elections of YMCA India in 2019. Sr. Nirmalini was selected as participant of the Synod of Bishops in Rome in October 2023 which will culminate in October 2024. She was among the only two sisters who represented India.
Dr. Sr. Aruna Jose CHF
Vice President
Dr. Sr. Aruna Jose CHF is the Provincial Superior of the Delhi - Shanti Dhara Province of the Congregation of Holy Family. She holds a Licentiate and a Doctorate in Moral Theology from Accademia Alfonsiana, Rome.
Sr. Aruna has served her congregation in various roles, including Novice Directress, Juniorate Directress, Directress of the Family Apostolate Course, Local Superior, and Provincial Councillor. From 2018 to 2021, she was with Institute Mater Dei, serving two years as the Directress of the one-year Theology Course and one year as the Coordinator of Academics.
Additionally, Sr. Aruna is a Notary for the cause of the canonization of Sr. Dr. Fidelis SD.
Sr. Audrey D'Souza
Secretary
Sr. Audrey D'Souza is a dedicated Canossian Sister with extensive experience in education and leadership. She has served as a teacher and principal in Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, demonstrating her commitment to fostering academic excellence and holistic development.
Her missionary spirit led her to Sudan, Africa, where she served as the Principal of a Vocational Training Centre, empowering local communities through education and skills training. Currently, she is the Province Leader for the Canossians in India Centre, guiding and inspiring her congregation with her visionary leadership.
Sr. Audrey is passionate about the prophetic visionary role of women religious and advocates for preventive pedagogy over curative approaches in education, emphasizing the importance of proactive and supportive teaching methods.
Her unwavering dedication to education and her visionary approach make Sr. Audrey a respected leader and a source of inspiration within her community.
Sr. Celine Fathima
Treasurer, CRWI
Sr. Celine Fathima is the Regional Superior for the North and North East Region of the St. Anne Madras congregation. With 22 years of experience, she has served as a principal and teacher in West Bengal, Delhi, Jharkhand, and North Karnataka.
A native of Chennai, Sr. Celine completed her Teacher Training at Loreto School in Kolkata and earned a B.Ed. from Pondicherry University. She has also worked as an education coordinator and Regional Councillor, and has held leadership roles in the West Bengal and Sikkim Regional CRI, including vice president and treasurer.
Sr. Celine regularly conducts seminars and meetings for teachers and students, contributing significantly to educational and community development. We are proud to have her as an Executive Council Member.
Sr. Maria Goretti
Executive Council Member
Sr. Maria Goretti FS is the Superior General of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Fatima. She earned her doctorate in Women Studies from Mumbai University in 2007. Throughout her extensive career, she has served as a local superior, teacher, and principal of a higher secondary school.
Her leadership experience includes five years as a Regional Councillor, twelve years as a General Councillor, and two years as the Provincial of the Bangalore Province. She is currently serving her second term as Superior General.
Sr. Maria Goretti also teaches classes for priests, brothers, and sisters, focusing on topics such as collaborative mission, self-esteem, and the Evangelical Counsels. We are honored to have her as our Superior General.
Dr. D.J. Margaret
Executive Council Member
Dr. D.J. Margaret FMS is a devoted Salesian Sister of Don Bosco, boasting a rich academic background. She holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Mathematics from Auxilium College, Vellore-Katpadi, and Annamalai University, respectively. Additionally, she pursued theological studies at Vidya Jyoti College, Delhi, earning both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Theology. Dr. Margaret furthered her academic pursuits with a Ph.D. in Christian Studies from the University of Madras, Chennai. Her doctoral research delved into the role of spiritual beliefs and practices in post-diagnosis care for women living with HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Margaret's intellectual endeavors extend beyond her doctoral research. She has authored two notable books, "Women in Mission" (published by Arumbu Publication in 2006) and "Finding God in Illness and Care-giving" (published by Don Bosco Publication in 2017). Additionally, she has contributed extensively to the field of women's studies with 45 research articles.
Beyond academia, Dr. Margaret is deeply committed to education, formation, and the empowerment of young girls and women. She teaches courses on systematic theology, spirituality, gender justice, and women empowerment at various theological colleges, seminaries, and animation centers. Moreover, she actively engages in pastoral work, animating retreats and conducting seminars and workshops for religious, women, and young people.
With over a decade of experience in leadership roles within her congregation, including serving as a formator and Provincial Councillor, Dr. Margaret currently serves as the Provincial of the Province of St. Thomas the Apostle in Chennai.
Dr. Sr. Sheela Nicholas
Executive Council Member
Dr. Sr. Sheela Nicholas, from Kerala, is a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Anne, Bangalore, and the Provincial Superior of the Sacred Heart Province. She holds an MSc in Psychology, an MTh, and a PhD in Clinical Psychology. She has served as a formator, Provincial Councillor, professor, psychotherapist, and resource person at various prestigious institutions. Sr. Sheela founded Anne’s Eco Psycho Spirituality Centre and is an international affiliate of the American Psychological Association.
Certified in EMDR, Sr. Sheela has presented at national and international conferences. She teaches theology and psychology, focusing on eco-psychology and group therapy, and provides seminars and counseling to students, staff, and socio-medico pastoral centers. She also regularly serves as a resource person for prisons and Mahila Police.