Media Release

Bengaluru, Feb 27: Leaders of three major political parties with varying status converged at a spot on the occasion of Sanyasa Sangama 2018. Over 2000 priests, brothers and sisters (nuns) gathered at Christ University auditorium on Sunday, February 25 to deliberate on the theme ‘Response of the Consecrated to the Changing Scenario of India’.

The special programme was organized by Conference of Religious, India (CRI). Fr Edward Thomas, president, CRI, Bangalore chapter, welcome all. About 20 zones participated in the massive programme.

Lighting the traditional lamp by various leaders of social status marked the meticulously planned and executed Sanyasa Sangama. The leaders included Metild D’Souza, member, minority commission, Karnataka, Pericho Prabhu, Harry D’Souza, Bro Jerome and Philip Raj Kumar among others. The leaders were also honoured with a shawl and a bouquet each.

Congress Working president, Dinesh Gundu Rao was the first to address the gathering. Felicitating the priests and nuns, he said they have contributed to the different aspects of growth of Karnataka, mainly, developmental, social, educational, political and religious. Quoting Fr Edward, Gundu Rao said mixing politics with religion is the most dangerous. “Religion is to imbibe in people with better values and to support good life for a just society. Enmity and division are created if one says my religion is better. Riots and violence follow. Recently someone was attacked and hanged due to the food habit of that person. Forces, if inhuman, it is dangerous. Christianity itself is a religion for service and to build nation. They work among the poorest of the poor,” he said.

The Congress working president was presented with a special memento. Among other leaders who received a shawl and a bouquet included Amruth Narayan, Nathen Daniel, B S Raghunath, A C Charles, Cherian P K, Elisa and Jaijo Joseph.

Br Jerome Ellens who was also a provincial in his congregation, dwelt at length an elaborative, educative and enlightening talk in detail touching different topics and aspects of the theme.

In between the programmes, Fr Cyriac of KJC introduced the book on Fr Tom’s captivity in Yemen. Anto Akkara, writer and a journalist presented a brief narration of the struggles the Christians of Khandhaman had to undergo. He has also authored two books – ‘Who Killed Swami Laxmanananda?’ and ‘Early Christians of 21st Century.’ He presented a number of video and paper clippings to support his stand and findings.

Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bengaluru Archdiocese was the chief celebrant at the concelebrated Eucharist during the Sanyasa Sangama. He was also felicitated on his golden jubilee of priesthood. Sr Shobha presented a brief background and history of Archbishop – his birth, studies, priesthood and as bishop of Belgaum and Archbishop of Bengaluru.

Some of the JD(S) leaders present on the occasion included PGR Sindhya, vice-president, JD(S), Wilson Reddy (Minority Christian Wing), James (Minority Christian Wing), George (Minority Christian Wing), Prithvik, Anthony Raj, Suresh, General Secretary and Ramesh Babu. Wilson, speaking on the occasion called for cooperation from the Christians as to find how to work together. He felicitated the CRI and thanked them for the opportunity given and said good days are ahead.

A host of BJP leaders also visited the Sanysa Sangama. Uday, BJP General Secretary and Lakshmi D’Souza, were among others present.

George Edayadiyil, CMI, rector, Dharmaram College, held the concluding talk.

Fr George, chancellor, Christ University said, “Today’s world is in need of Mystics of interiority and Prophets of authenticity. Spiritual masters of our time underline the need of it to be relevant and meaningful in our time and space, in India.”

Cultural programmes such as dances, songs, skits also formed part of the Sanyasa Sangama. Some of the groups included St Charles of Borromeo, girls of Holy Spirit Convent and Dharmaram College students. Fr Philip, director, Indian Spirituality and Sisters took up the choir.

Those who spoke among others included Fr William, Sr Jayasree, Sr Ancila, Sr Nijo and Jacob Chacko, NGO at Kidwai Cancer Centre. Fr Jijo and Sr Rufina compered the full day programme. Sr Regina, secretary, CRI, rendered the vote of thanks.