The serene premises of the CCBI Secretariat in Bangalore echoed with vibrant energy and youthful enthusiasm as a group of 35 formees junior sisters and formators from neighboring religious communities gathered for a special Orientation Programme on the Church in India, the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), and the Communio initiative. Fours congregations participated, St. Ann Lurzern 14,
St. Joseph of Leons 7, St. Joseph of Anacy 6 and Congregation of Immaculate Conception Sisters 4, formators 4. The session, held from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, was a joyful blend of spiritual awakening, learning, interaction, and missionary inspiration.
The programme began on a lively note with an engaging ice-breaking session led by Sr Margarita Dias, SCB, who animated the gathering with cheerful activities that encouraged the participants to get to know each other, express themselves through creative actions, and build a sense of community. Her ability to bring everyone together in joy and openness set the perfect tone for the afternoon.
Following the welcome session, Fr Christopher Vimalraj, Associate Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, warmly greeted the participants and offered inspiring insights into the present-day Church. He shared updates about the current undertakings of the CCBI, and the renewed call for every Christian to be a witness of the Gospel in today’s world. He encouraged the young religious to be prayerful and proactive in supporting the mission of the Church and to pray fervently for all bishops and the work of the CCBI.
The group was then introduced to a fun yet thoughtful activity titled “Three Things from the Bible”, which challenged participants to interact with one another and identify unique elements from Scripture. This helped foster a deeper appreciation of biblical knowledge and the uniqueness of each person’s perspective.
The highlight of the day was an interactive reading session conducted by Fr Vignan Das, during which each participant received a copy of the CCBI Plenary Assembly magazine and the Communio publication. Fr Vignan invited the formees to browse through the materials and pick out a sentence, phrase, or image that touched their heart. What followed was a beautiful time of sharing, where participants brought forth their reflections, connecting deeply with themes of mission, communion, and the vibrant identity of the Church in India.Fr Vignan Das also shared his vocation story inspiring the formees to have persistence and perseverance in the vocation journey.
Adding to the richness of the session, Fr Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, joined the interaction and highlighted the significance of what the participants had discovered in the readings. He elaborated on the structure,various commissions and purpose of the CCBI, helping the young religious understand the organization’s pastoral, missionary, and administrative roles. Participants were also encouraged to take interest in the bishops of their respective dioceses and feel proud to be part of the Church’s larger mission.
Sr Margarita then stepped in once more to offer an inspiring introduction to Communio, the CCBI’s initiative to support and strengthen the Church in rural and mission territories through solidarity and self-reliance. She emphasized how each participant, even in formation, is called to be part of this missionary journey of communion and service.
The session concluded with a prayer led by Sr Margarita and a final blessing by Fr Stephen, who lovingly reminded the formees:
“Feel this CCBI Secretariat as your home — you are always welcome here.”
This heartfelt assurance brought smiles and a deep sense of belonging to the participants, many of whom expressed their appreciation for the orientation, describing it as a memorable and enriching experience. They felt more connected to the wider Church in India and were inspired to engage more actively in the mission entrusted to them.
Indeed, this gathering served not only as an orientation but also as a moment of encounter—with the Church, with mission, and with one another. It etched in the hearts of these young religious a deeper understanding of their vocation and their role in the missionary call of the Church in India.
