The convocation ceremony of the Institute Mater Dei in Old Goa marked a profound moment of grace, celebration, and renewed mission for the Church in India—particularly for women religious. Rooted in the theme “Journeying Together in Hope,” the gathering brought together Church leaders, formators, and sisters in a spirit of thanksgiving and discernment.
Presided over by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, the Eucharistic celebration set the tone for a deeper reflection on the Church’s call to become truly synodal and missionary.
A Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission
In his address, Cardinal Ferrão echoed the vision of Pope Francis, calling the Church to embrace its identity as a communion of people journeying together. He emphasized that the synodal path is rooted in:
- Communion – embracing unity amidst diversity
- Participation – recognizing the dignity and contribution of every member
- Mission – reaching out especially to the margins with compassion and courage
He urged the sisters to be instruments of love, peace, and unity, and to remain deeply rooted in Christ while responding creatively to the needs of today’s world.
A Prophetic Call: Beyond Formation to Transformation
Adding a powerful dimension to the convocation message, Sr. Celine Fátima, Executive Member of CRWI, invited women religious to embrace a truly prophetic way of life—one that goes beyond structures and formation into authentic witness.
She highlighted three essential dimensions of prophetic religious life:
- Intimacy with God – the foundation of all ministry; no formation can replace a deep personal relationship with Christ
- Discernment in a Changing World – attentiveness to God’s voice amidst evolving social and cultural realities
- Courageous Witness – responding boldly to injustice and the needs of the times
Her message was a reminder that religious life is not merely about fulfilling roles, but about embodying the Gospel with authenticity and depth.
A Listening and Missionary Church
Both messages converged on the need for a listening Church—one that is attentive to the Holy Spirit, to one another, and to the cries of the poor and the marginalized.
This call challenges women religious to:
- Move from functional ministry to relational presence
- Engage in dialogue across cultures and faiths
- Become bridges of unity in a divided world
The Church, as emphasized during the convocation, is missionary by its very nature—called to go forth, accompany, and serve.
Celebrating Formation and Mission
The convocation also marked an important milestone in the lives of the sisters who completed their courses in theology and formation. Diplomas were conferred, testimonies were shared, and cultural expressions brought alive the theme of hope and journeying together.
The presence of CRWI leadership, including Sr. Celine Fátima, highlighted the organization’s ongoing commitment to the holistic formation and empowerment of women religious in India.
Moving Forward: A Call to Women Religious
The message emerging from Mater Dei is both affirming and challenging. As women religious, we are called to:
- Build communities of communion and inclusion
- Foster participatory leadership and shared responsibility
- Live with prophetic courage rooted in prayer
- Become missionaries of hope in a wounded world
The future of the Church lies in walking together—listening, discerning, and responding to God’s call in the realities of today.
Let us continue to be pilgrims of hope, embodying a Church that is not only synodal and missionary, but also deeply prophetic in love, truth, and service.