Indian religious Sister Nirmalini: 'Synod prioritizes support for refugees and the poor'

Sister Nirmala Alex Maria Nazareth, AC, President of Catholic Women Religious in India, has called for the Church to prioritize the needs of the poor, migrants, and refugees, underscoring that these vulnerable groups "must always be very close to the Church."

Her appeal came during the first session of the Synod on Synodality, which she described as "a deeply spiritual and communal experience."

Sister Nirmalini, Superior General of the Apostolic Carmel congregation, shared insights into the Synod’s process, noting that the "Conversations in the Spirit" sessions allowed participants to "listen respectfully, engage in dialogue, and discern together."

She highlighted that synodality represents a "circular form of leadership" where collaboration and mutual listening take precedence.

"As the head of the Apostolic Carmel, I suggested ways to practice synodality within my community and shared these practices with religious groups across various states," Sister Nirmalini explained.

The Apostolic Carmel congregation has 1,500 members in several countries, and Sister Nirmalini has continued to influence religious communities worldwide. Until May 2024, she also served as President of the Conference of Religious India and now leads its women’s wing, which includes over 100,300 members, making it the largest in the world.

Reflecting on the Synod’s focus, she noted that this year’s sessions emphasize “moments of prayer and listening around the table,” with the Instrumentum Laboris, the Synod’s official working document, centering on "listening, dialogue, and discernment."

"The journey thus far has concentrated on topics such as foundations, relationships, pathways, and places," Sister Nirmalini said. "We are reflecting on the Domestic Local Church and parish communities, exploring how we can collaborate to foster a journey of togetherness that includes all people of God."

She also commended Pope Francis for his consistent focus on the vulnerable, noting that he "always demonstrated leadership with an emphasis on the poor and marginalized."

Sister Nirmalini stressed that the Church must continuously support the poor, migrants, and refugees, calling for empathy and sustained outreach. "This is not something that can be resolved with a single act of charity; it is an ongoing journey. We must look beyond ourselves, be grateful for what we have, and share with those in need. Caring for them involves listening, accompanying, and respecting the dignity of every human person."

Sister Nirmalini also praised the inclusion of non-bishops in the Synod, marking a significant shift from the traditional "Synod of Bishops."

She highlighted the importance of lay participation, youth engagement, and the involvement of women in building a synodal Church, noting that the inclusion of diverse voices demonstrates that "everyone is part of the journey to build the Church."