Indian prelate reminds young nuns to remain committed to God, the poor

An Indian prelate has reminded young religious nuns to sustain their commitment to God while serving the poor with prophetic vigor.

Speaking at a seminar at the Petit Seminar School Campus on September 3, Archbishop Francis Kalist of Pondicherry and Cuddalore, south India, spoke about the role of the religious with the values of the Reign of God through a life of social justice, equity, harmony, and concern for the deprived.

In his homily, he highlighted the importance of religious vocation through personal commitment to God and a prophetic stand in times of temptation and struggle.

The focus of the day was the holistic well-being of the young religious, with the presence of around 300 young religious along with their formators from 14 congregations at various stages of formation.

Sister Loraine Pinto, SJC, the provincial of Cluny, highlighted in her talk the growth of religious life, family upbringing, delaying gratification, and facing challenges.

She motivated the participants to take on the responsibilities of their future, trusting in God’s compassion and power.

Prof. Kalyani spoke about the commitment to those on the periphery. He shared his convictions and involvement in the struggles of the marginalized Irular, one of the primitive tribes of our Tamil Nadu state, through his personal and socio-political struggles.

"In the areas where we work in various parts of the archdiocese, we come across people in extreme poverty. They look to each of us to be involved in their lives for total liberation," said Capuchin Father Nithiya Sagayam, president of the Conference of Religious India (CRI) chapter in Pondicherry-Cuddalore Archdiocese, South India.

CRI is the national body of major superiors of India's Catholic religious nuns, priests, and brothers. 

Besides these inputs, there was street theater on legalism vs. charism, atrocities, and human rights violations in Manipur, as well as social awareness songs, dances, and skits by participants from various religious congregations.

"We are sincerely grateful to the Petit Seminar School Principal and our Major Superiors for sponsoring the whole program with their valuable support and encouragement. We are grateful to God, who brought us together to open our hearts and minds," said Father Nithiya.