Media Release

Mangaluru, Feb 5: The CRI (Conference of Religious in India) of city unit observed a day of prayer and celebrated the World day for Consecrated Life at St Anne’s Capuchin Friary, Jail Road here on Sunday, February 4. The celebration is attached to the feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the temple.

The speaker of the day Fr Alfred Menezes, the director of Ryshivana, in his talk highlighted the theme ‘Goal of Consecrated life of men and women’. In his inspiring message he said, “Our goal is to know, to love and to experience a happy union with God the Father. A joyful religious will make life in the community, life of others and even the creation lively.”

Fr Dionysius Vaz, the rector of St Aloysius College, the principal celebrant of the Eucharist, in his homily said, “Our consecrated life is a love story and God has a specific purpose to each of us. Our attraction to God should increase day by day and we have the responsibility to take initiatives, deepen mutual sharing and become persons for God and for others.”

The solemnity of the liturgy was adorned with devout music and singing by the Ursuline Candidates led by Fr Jawahar Cutinho that was indeed a beautiful expressive prayer.

M P Noronha, a senior advocate and secretary of Mangalore Diocese Council addressed the gathering on current issues.

Fr Paul Melwyn D’Souza, the president of CRI, Mangaluru unit welcomed the gathering of 650 religious. Sr Edna Furtado, the secretary introduced the speaker of the day and Sr Lolita Pereira led the proceedings of the celebration. With efforts and collaboration of Sr Carmine Pereira, Sr Reema Crasta, Sr Neeta Alva, Sr Gracy Mathias, Sr Colin D’Souza and the Capuchin friars, the participants had a meaningful and a fruitful day.