Jabalpur: A spirit of youthful enthusiasm and spiritual renewal marked the Formees Meet organized by the Conference of Religious India (CRI), Jabalpur Diocese Unit, held on October 2 at Don Bosco Yuva Sadan. The event brought together 85 young religious from various congregations under the inspiring theme, “Rooted in Christ, Growing Together in Love.” The gathering sought to nurture deeper spiritual formation, foster community life, and strengthen vocational commitment among those in the early stages of consecrated life.
The day began with a solemn Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr. Bhushan Xalxo SDB, Rector of Don Bosco Yuva Sadan and President of CRI Jabalpur. In his homily, Fr. Xalxo reflected on the significance of the day’s feast of the Guardian Angels, urging participants to remain open to divine guidance and faithful to their calling. He reminded the young religious that formation is not merely academic or disciplinary, but a lifelong process of growing in Christ’s love and service.
In his address, Fr. Xalxo, together with CRI Secretary for the Diocese, Fr. Thomas Antony O. Praem, encouraged the formees to cultivate community life, humility, and mutual support. They emphasized that consecrated life flourishes when rooted in prayer, lived in fraternity, and directed toward service of the poor and marginalized.
The sessions that followed were vibrant and participatory, featuring group discussions, reflections, and creative presentations based on thought-provoking questionnaires. Young men and women from different congregations including the Norbertines, Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM), Sisters of St. Joseph, SRA, and Salesians shared their faith experiences, challenges, and hopes, deepening their understanding of shared mission and unity in diversity.
Interactive inputs by Fr. Livens Aind SDB and Sr. Dr. Alphy enriched the participants’ formation journey, blending practical guidance with spiritual reflection. The discussions highlighted the need for authenticity, personal prayer, and pastoral sensitivity in contemporary religious life.
As the day concluded, the young religious expressed gratitude for the enriching fellowship and formation experience. They departed with renewed zeal to grow together in faith and love, firmly anchored in Christ the foundation of their vocation and the heart of their mission.