Daijiworld Media Network- Bangalore (SM)
Bangalore, Jun 4: The institute for formators celebrated the silver jubilee of foundation on Sunday May 27 at Carmelaram, near here.
The Institute was started in 1982 with a vision of integrating psychology and theology based on the formation programme of the institute of psychology, Gregorean University Rome. Initially it was started in the premises of Fatima Retreat House, here. Later on it was shifted to Bangalore. The institute at present has a strength of 50 staff graduated from the Gregorean University and has formed about 500 formators of around 125 religious congregations, of several dioceses and secular institutes. Among them 55 are sisters of Charity, 44 Bethany sisters, 35 Apostolic Carmel and 26 priests from Mangalore Diocese.
On the eve of the jubilee a meaningful cultural programme was performed highlighting the theme of ‘Formation for Transformation’. Fr Paul Puthenangady, the Episcopal Vicar for Religious in Bangalore, who offered the solemn Eucharistic Celebration and presided over the felicitation meeting praised the good works done by the institute in the field of formation and suggested that such programmes should be extended to the professors in the Theology Colleges that there may be proper integration of theology and internalization of values.
Fr Joe Mathias SJ, the founding director of the institute highlighted the specific nature of the Institute in giving personal formation for the formators. Sr Marie Eugene AC had all praise for the selfless service of the Institute and its staff. Sr Jyothi BS, the superior general of sisters of Bethany and the vice-president of the CRI felicitated the Institute pointing out the commendable quality of formation imparted in the Institute. Fr James Kannanthanam, the director thanked the various congregations and dioceses who supported and sent students to the Institute.
The former and the present directors of the Institute were felicitated by Sr Veronica Kamath AC, the professor and the founding secretary of the Institute. Fr James Kannanthanam, the director was felicitated by Fr Roque D’Sa, a professor of the Institute. Sr Sheela, the secretary, proposed vote of thanks.