Religious must look beyond the boundaries of congregations and work with a universal vision, says the Andhra Pradesh unit of the Conference of Religious India.

Speakers at the 41st annual general body meeting of the state unit stressed “the essence of discipleship of Christ” and outlined the need of a broader vision.

Some 50 Religious, including Superiors, representatives and the executive members of the 13 local CRI units in the state attended the July 10-11 meeting in Hyderabad.

State unit vice-president Sister Leena was among those who addressed the gathering.

“Fervor, zeal and enthusiasm give saltiness to our discipleship. If that is lacking, our following becomes useless like salt without its saltiness,” Archbishop Marampudi Joji of Hyderabad said.

Appreciating the efforts of the religious in building up the Church in the state, he exhorted the members to think beyond the boundaries of convent or congregation.

“We are here to work for the universal, local and particular church. We all should grow in love for the Church, for we are the Church,” the Archbishop said.

Salesian Father Thomas Pallithanam stressed on the need to introduce human rights education in school curriculum so that more and more awareness could be created on the subject. He also spoke about forming human right clubs.

The program included group discussions on networking and collaboration, use of modern gadgets and relations with ecclesiastical authorities.

“Our efforts will be effective and our impact will be powerful, if we can work together and project ourselves as units at network,” said Montfort Brother K. M. Joseph, CRI national president and the executive council member of the Andhra unit.

Carmelite Father Johannes Gorantla was elected president of the state unit and Sister Leena was elected to continue vice-president for another term.

The other elected executive council members are Salesian Father Balaraj, Sister Monica of St. Ann’s of Providence, Brother K. M. Jose, Divine Word Father Jesu and Sister Celine.

Source: Reported by Sister Jesuina Fernandes, Executive Secretary APCRI

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