The Conference of Religious India (CRI) has launched its special program to prepare young Religious to meet the challenges posed by the India’s rapid socio-economic developments.

Some 100 religious men and women in the age group of 30-35 attended the July 1-4 program of CRI Kerala unit, called Young Religious Convention, in Renewal Centre, Ernakulam.

The program that discussed the theme, “Consecrated Life 2020” is first of a series of such program CRI units across India plans to prepare young Religious for modern India.

The participants of Kochi program studied, listened and reflected on the paschal mystery of religious life in order to create a common vision for the next decade and plan out strategies to reach there.

“The religious life is undergoing serious identity crisis and the young generation may be able to bring out a solution to this,” said Father Paul Thelakkat, spokesperson of Syro-Malabar Church.

Father Thelakkat, who edits Satyadeepam weekly, said the young religious have to look for new paradigms to work in the changing social scenario of Kerala.

Centuries ago missioners initiated and led modern education and health care facilities in several parts of India, including Kerala. Missioners led such facilities until some decades ago when commercial institutions began to appear and dominate.

However, educating the poor and caring for the abandoned continues to be the domain of Christian missioners. Religious have been venturing into “frontier missions” seeking to be relevant to their situations.

“It is a great opportunity for the young religious to come together, discuss and reflect on the enormous possibilities,” said Father Jose Panthaplamthottiyil, president of CRI Priest’s section, who opened the program.

The resource team for the program included Father Xavier Manavath CMF, Sister Maria Anto CMC, Father Olihver Inchody CMI and Brother Mani Mekkunnel SG.

The program reflected on the historical process of changes in religious life, the fast changing time, the concerns and challenges of Kerala, the vision and goals for Consecrated life in 2020 and strategies to realize the same.

The young Religious expressed their willingness to move into leadership positions to realize the dream of a vibrant religious life in the years to come.

Source: CRI release

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