Mysuru: The Diocese of Mysore hosted a special gathering of superiors and formators of Catholic religious congregations on Thursday at Kripalaya, the diocesan institute for religious studies in Mysuru. The one-day meeting, held under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope, Journeying Together”, formed part of the diocese’s Jubilee Year 2025 celebrations and sought to renew the spirit of consecrated life while addressing leadership and formation challenges faced by religious communities.
The event began with a solemn prayer service and a formal inauguration by Msgr. Alfred John Mendonca, Vicar General of the Diocese of Mysore. In his welcome address, Msgr. Alfred underlined that the Jubilee Year is a time for renewal, reconciliation, and rediscovery of joy in consecrated life. He invited the participants to strengthen their personal witness as leaders and formators who guide the Church in unity and hope.
The first session of the day was led by Fr. Rathan Almeida, OCD, president of the CRI Mysuru unit, who spoke on “Challenges of Being a Superior.” He reminded congregation leaders of their duty to guide communities with discernment, pastoral sensitivity, and a spirit of service. He stressed that superiors must lead not with authority alone, but with humility, openness to dialogue, and an unshakable witness of faith, especially in the Jubilee context of hope and communion.
In the second session, “Challenges of Being a Formator”, Fr. Santha Lopes, OFM Cap, Rector of Kripalaya, offered an in-depth reflection on the vocation of formators. He explored the canonical, vocational, and human dimensions of religious formation, highlighting the importance of shaping disciples who embody the joy of the Gospel. Fr. Santha insisted that in today’s changing context, formators must not only teach but also accompany candidates in faith, helping them radiate missionary zeal and deep-rooted Christian values.
The highlight of the day was the address by Archbishop Bernard Moras, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Mysore. Delivering an inspiring Jubilee message, the Archbishop reminded the gathering that consecrated life is a treasure to be nurtured and renewed in the light of faith. He emphasized the responsibility of religious leaders to strengthen families, foster discernment, and sustain liturgical life in communities. “People still carry strong faith, obedient families continue to stand firm, and they look to their shepherds for guidance,” he said. “The Jubilee is a time of grace, an opportunity to renew consecrated life and to journey together in faith and hope.”
The programme was smoothly coordinated by Sr. Soumya SMMI, Secretary of CRI Mysore, who also served as master of ceremonies. The vote of thanks was delivered by the Treasurer of CRI Mysore, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the participants and extended special appreciation to Fr. Santha Lopes and the Kripalaya team for their support in hosting the meeting.
The gathering concluded with participants sharing a renewed sense of mission, carrying forward the spirit of the Jubilee Year into their communities. As they dispersed, the superiors and formators left with a strengthened commitment to guide, form, and journey with the People of God as true “Pilgrims of Hope.”