Religious should have space for collective thinking, planning and being creative, said a meeting of young Religious in Andhra Pradesh.

Sixty-two religious in the age group of 30-35 attended the August 4-7 convention that discussed the theme “Consecrated Life 2020–a visioning study by young leaders.”

The meeting was part of a series of special programs that Conference of Religious India has launched to prepare the young Religious to meet the challenges posed by India’s socio-economic development in the next decade.

The meeting came out with a five-point agenda to be achieved in Religious life by 2020. The primary among them was to develop “inner freedom” and deep “inter personal relationships.”

They also wanted to become authentic leaders who have conviction, commitment and aptitude. They also should become people who can be entrusted with responsibility and freedom of decision making.

The Religious also should become a “communicating community” effective in struggling with the poor. They also need to be more open, flexible with regard to encouraging and implementing lay collaboration.

A report of the meeting said the Religious found themselves more “ritualistic” and “entrenched” in institutions that they begin to loose the essentials of consecrated life.

The meeting wanted the Religious to promote value-oriented life with personal convictions and the right understanding of the rules.

“Promote authentic leadership with the courage to confront the realities. Become more human, understand the needs and feelings of people and opt for the service of the people,” the meeting stated.

The Religious also wanted network with other congregations and take up jobs in government and private sector for more interaction with common people and to face challenges more deeply.

Source: Reported by Sr. Jesuina Fernandes SCCG, RCRI, A.P. Executive Secretary

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