Bangalore: Archdiocese Celebrates Day of Consecrated Life

News and Pics by Jessie Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (CN)

Bangalore, Feb 3: A gathering of around 2,000 religious priests, nuns, seminarians, and novices belonging to 486 communities of consecrated life (men and women), along with the priests of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, under Archbishop Bernard Moras, was held on Sunday February 1.

The venue was the grounds of St Germain’s High School in Frazer Town. The theme for this year was ‘Called to Proclaim Christ’ (Vachanotsava).

The programme was inaugurated at 3.00 pm by the Archbishop and other dignitaries. Fr Paul Puthanangady, Episcopal vicar for religious, welcomed the gathering. The keynote address was delivered by Fr Archibald Gonsalves, who said “Proclaiming the Gospel is God’s way of building His Kingdom, here on earth. Christ is the Supreme Evangelizer. His proclamation was through His words, deeds and above all through his very life. Hence, we should also proclaim Christ as men and women, who know Christ from personal experience.”

The Capuchin brothers presented the skit ‘Religious Life Today’, followed by a panel discussion, on the various types of ministries undertaken by Religious today such as health ministry (Sr Shanti), education ministry (Fr C Mathew), social ministry (Sr Cilia), contemplation (Fr Stephen Johnson), and secular institutes (Sr Gracy).

In his address the Archbishop reminded the gathering of the task of evangelization in the Archdiocese. He urged everyone to get involved in the pastoral and mission activities of the Archdiocese.

Archbishop Moras also led the prayer for ‘Vachanotsava’ and reminded everyone to cooperate and work for Vachanotsava and to meaningfully celebrate the Mission Congress at various levels (i.e. parish, deanery and archdiocesan). He then released a book containing inspiring stories in Kannada, written by the Fr Paul C, Redemptorist Provincial.

Fr Gilbert Choondal, president, CRI, Bangalore, proposed the vote of thanks. Refreshments were  served and later the Holy Mass was celebrated by Msgr T S Amruthraj (vicar general), concelebrated by many priests. After the communion service, candles were blessed and Fr Choondal led the prayer of pledge with the lighted candles held in the hands by everyone.