CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS OF INDIA (VARANASI UNIT)
September 17-18, 2016
The CRI Local Unit Assembly, Varanasi, was convened by Rev. Dr. Jerome, IMS, President of the Unit. It was held at Nav Sadhana Regional Pastoral Centre, Varanasi on Sept. 17 to 18, 2016. It began with a prayer song, lighting of the lamp and Scripture reading at 9.30 a.m. The assembly paid tribute to St.Mother Teresa of Kolkata, as she was canonized at Vatican City on Sept. 4, 2016. The floral tribute was done by the director of the institute, officials of CRI and M.C. Sisters who were present on the occasion. A word of welcome was made by Rev.Dr. V.Sebastian, Director, Nav Sadhana. Rev.Dr. Jerome introduced Sr.Joann, M.C. and invited her to address the assembly, as she has been well associated with Mother Teresa of Kolkata. She stated that she lived with her company from 1975 to 1989 as Treasurer of the congregation and later as superior in Delhi. She pointed out that St.Mother Teresa had love, trust and appreciation of her service and commitment; she was a woman of faith, simplicity and humility. She did everything recognizing the Lord Jesus in the life of others, specially the poor and marginalized. She was totally available and flexible. She practiced the adage: practice is better than precept. She was ascetic, mortified and excelled in fraternal charity. She experienced God’s tender, human love. She exhorted to lend heart to love, hand to service, and head to listen. She had great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Rosary. She underwent the dark night of the soul for 50 years and offered it for her purification.
The assembly members reflected on the acts of mercy in the jubilee year of mercy declared Pope Francis, which lasts till Nov. 20, 2016. Many shared the acts and activities of mercy, which could be categorized under five headings: 1. Personal Reconciliation; 2. Church and Social Reconciliation; 3. Corporal acts of mercy; 4. Spiritual works of mercy and 5. Priestly, Religious Formation for acts of mercy. Later the special service done by ASMITHA to the deprived, marginalized, abandoned and people of periphery was narrated as well as the prison ministry. New Executive Team of CRI Local Unit was elected by the assembly. Sr. Meena, SHM was elected as President, Sr. Alphonsa, SRA as Vice President, Sr. Jessy, OLP as Secretary, Sr. Anupa, CJ, as Treasurer and Fr.Anand Mathew as Counselor. The New President thanked the old team for their relentless service and sought co-operation of all for future activities. All enjoyed the sumptuous food and clean, green and serene atmosphere of Nav Sadhana as well as expressed their gratitude to the Director and staff of Nav Sadhana for their generous, genial gesture and service.
