Visakhapatnam: On Sunday, 23 July 2023, Velankanni Matha Parish, Kailasapuram, Visakhapatnam celebrated the day of “Grandparents and the Elderly”. The celebration was solemnized with the festive Eucharist, during which special prayers were offered for the grandparents, elderly and the sick.

Based on the theme of the year for the celebration, “His mercy is from age to age”, parish priest, Fr. Santhosh, highlighted the importance of the day that the Spirit of the Lord accompanies every fruitful encounter between different generations, especially between the young and the elderly. During the celebration the parish community was blessed with the moments of such fruitful encounters.

The participants not only expressed their joy and thanked the parish priest for arranging such joyous encounter but also shared their past memories of how they actively participated in the growth of the parish church. The parish youth happily made the necessary arrangements and helped the elders and the sick to come to the church and get back to their homes safely. The celebration was concluded with sharing of gifts with the elders.

Bengaluru: Taking forward the congregational initiative of training the members in Discerning Leadership, ASCLA West Conference hosted its second workshop of Claretian Discerning Leadership at Claret Nivas Carmelaram from 17 to 23 July 2023.

This is the continuation of the joint workshop held by ASCLA East and ASCLA West in February 2023 at Karukutty, Kerala, the Curia of St. Thomas Province.

32 members, the council members and a few local superiors, from the five major organisms of India participated in this workshop held at Carmelaram, Bengaluru. Three of the members from the conference who had earlier undergone the training turned facilitators for this workshop, Fr. Anthony Bhyju (Major Superior of Kolkata Delegation), Fr. Siby Njavallikunnel (Major Superior of St. Thomas Province) and Fr. Regi Pymattathil (from Province of Bangalore); Fr. Paulson Veliyannoor also assisted in animating one of the modules. In spite of his busy schedule, Fr. General too made himself available to address the participants virtually and inspire them during one of the sessions.

The workshop consisted of various modules of different aspects of leadership and discernment; such as contextual understanding, Jesus’ way, Claretian key, personality dynamics, synodality, conflict transformation, polarity management, etc. The participants were assisted through input sessions, personal and group reflections as well as activities, some assessment tests and exercises. On the whole the workshop helped in understanding and building up effective leadership in the context of the Congregation and the Church.

ASCLA West will continue further with such workshops at different places to animate all the members of the conference. Frs. Gonzalo Fernandez, CMF and Paulson Veliyannoor, CMF were the first guides who facilitated the workshop at Karukuty and provided the necessary impetus for training in Discerning Leadership at the conference level.

Bengaluru: On the eve of the Inauguration of 175th year of Foundation of Claretian Missionaries, 15 July 2023, the Province of Bangalore had the joy of celebrating the Diaconate Ordination.

Five Students, three from Province of Bangalore, one from Delegation of Kolkata and one from the congregation of Sons of the Divine Providence (FDP), were conferred the Order of Diaconate by Most Rev. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore at Claretian Seminary, Malleswaram.  

A large number of Claretian Fraternity along with other neighbouring priests and religious, friend and relatives of the ordinandi participated in the solemn celebration. During the homily, Archbishop emphasized the ecclesiastical service and the synodality that the deacons are called to practice along with the missionary zeal of Father Claret.

Bengaluru: Province of Bangalore organized spiritual renewal for its members through annual retreat. The five day retreat was held from 11 to 15 July 2023 at Claret Nivas, Carmelaram. This also served as the timely preparation for the starting of 175th year of Foundation of our Congregation.

Fr. Jijo Jose Manjackal, MSFS guided the retreat attended by 47 members of the province. Fr. Jijo inspired the participants through call narratives to understand and strengthen the missionary vocation.

Barikhajuri, Jharkhand: St. Peter’s Parish Barikhajuri organised a day of fellowship for the Widows of the parish on 9 July 2023. Sisters of the Destitute collaborating in the parish took the initiative in organising the programme in which 78 women participated.

This fellowship gathering was aimed at showing concern and support towards these women who otherwise face difficulties in their daily lives due to social stigma and economic concerns.

The fellowship seminar helped the women through motivation, encouragement and the parish bonding to face the challenges of life with courage and determination.

Bengaluru: On 20 June 2023, during the 44th Convocation Day of St. Peter's Pontifical Institute Bengaluru, Student Seru Sagar, CMF was awarded the First Rank for his Final B.Th. Studies.

Seru Sagar stood first among his companions with an overall agregate of 87.852%.  

Bengaluru: On 3 June 2023, organised by the prefect of apostolate and missions, Principals and Administrators of the educational institutions of the province of Bangalore came together for a seminar on Cyber Security and Digital Documentation at Provincial Curia Malleswaram.

Fr. Joson, IMS guided the participants in understanding the need of being prepared to deal with the demands of institutions concerning digital technology. He focussed on various types of cyber threats and the needed security against such dangers. The seminar also dealt with the load of digital documentation required in the institutions and how it can be guarded against possible loss and threats.

Education Ministry Facilitator of the province, Fr. Benny Cheruthottupuram, engaged the participants in understanding the immediate needs of our institutions in providing quality and affordable education to our students. Along with 12 Principals and Administrators of the institutions, provincial government also participated in the seminar.

Bengaluru: Institute of Consecrated Life – Sanyasa (ICLS) has been offering one month summer course for the consecrated persons in the month of May every year. This particular programme has been a signature programme of ICLS and a real blessing for the consecrated persons as they can have overall knowledge of the theology of consecrated life in a short span of one month.   

As usual, in the month of May, ICLS had its typical one month of intensive course on the theology of Consecrated Life with different resource persons — most of them being Claretians. Altogether, there were sixty participants from twenty-one different religious institutes. Subjects like Biblical Spirituality of Consecrated Life, Re-visioning Consecrated Life from the History, Theology of Vocation, Theology of Community Life, Joyful Living of Evangelical Counsels, Growing in Affective Maturity, Psycho-spiritual Integration, Mission of the Consecrated and Theology of Charism were the topics dealt during the course.

There were also moments of recollection and silence, relaxation and leisure for the participants. The participants were greatly satisfied with the effort of Claretians in providing quality ongoing formation for the consecrated persons of India during the summer holidays.

Bengaluru: On 31 May we the Claretians celebrate the Vocation Day. This year, in the province of Bangalore, we had the special joy of celebrating our gift of Vocation.

On the day, we had one Student making his First Profession, three Students making their Perpetual Commitment and eleven of our Students Renewing their Vows. Rev. Fr. Sabu Koottarappallil, Provincial Superior, presided the Holy Eucharist.

Many of our Claretian confreres, well-wishers and family members of the professing students participated in the solemn celebration.

On the previous day, 30 May 2023, the Novitiate House was vibrant as 25 Postulants from different Claretian organisms of India began their year of novitiate at Claret Bhavan Carmelaram. We thank God for inspiring these young men to dedicate their lives in His service.

Bengaluru: At the ASCLA WEST conference level, Missionaries celebrating their jubilee came together for a refresher seminar at Provincial House Bengaluru from 25 to 27 May 2023. There were 16 members celebrating their 50 years of religious life, 25 years of religious life and 25 years of priesthood.

For the jubilarians, it was a joy-filled gathering to renew and refresh the Call and the Response. The deep sharing among the members of the personal call narratives, vocational journey, Claretian communion and ministerial fulfillment made the rejoining truly Claretian – men rooted in Christ and audacious in mission.

Fr. Benny Koottanal, MSFS animated the group on the theme Priesthood-Call to Holistic Maturity. He highlighted the need for awareness of love and sacrifice as the essential qualities of priest; he also enumerated the right use of the social media platform.

Fr. Joseph Lobo, SJ help the participants to reflect on Priestly Mission-Spirituality. He focused on understanding how Eucharist with its inherent features of victim-altar-offerer makes a priest.

Bengaluru: Province of Bangalore is hosting two groups of Claretian Students for the intensive preparations to confirm their vocational journeys at the respective stages.

At ASCLA West level, 19 candidates for Perpetual Professions have come together at Novitiate House Carmelaram for 25 days, 01-25 May 2023, of intensive preparation under the guidance of Fr. Lawrence V.

Claretian Seminary Malleswaram is hosting 25 Postulants of the major organisms of India to prepare themselves to enter Novitiate on 30 May 2023. Our different missionaries are guiding them through the prefecture of formation of Province of Bangalore.

Bengaluru: Institute of Consecrated Life – Sanyasa (ICLS), reaches out to different parts of India through seminars, engaging communities in theological reflection on fidelity and perseverance in consecrated life.

Institute of Consecrated Life – Sanyasa (ICLS), since its very beginnings, has organized annual seminars on consecrated life at the institute premises. This year, ICLS began a new venture of organizing additional regional seminars at various locations in India to help consecrated men and women in the peripheries to engage in deeper theological reflection on consecrated life. Accordingly, three regional seminars were conducted this year. The first such seminar was held at Karukutty in Kerala on February 18, 2023. Recently, two more such seminars were held at Ranchi and Kolkata on April 22 and 23 respectively. The seminars were organized in collaboration with the Claretians of the delegation of Kolkata and the local units of the Conference of Religious of India (CRI).

The theme of both the seminars was “Fidelity and Perseverance in Consecrated Life: A Gift and a Challenge,” based on the 2020 document from DICLSAL, The Gift of Fidelity, the Joy of Perseverance, applying its insights to the regional contexts of India.

The seminars consisted of three input sessions, each of which focused on each part of the document. In the first session, Fr. Arul Jesu Robin, director of ICLS, analyzed the struggles and challenges in fidelity and perseverance. In the second, Fr. Paulson Veliyannoor, asst. director of ICLS, focused on how to nurture fidelity and perseverance. The third session, on the canonical matters related to departures from consecrated life was dealt with by Fr. Irudayaraj, a canonist of the archdiocese of Kolkata. The sessions were followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session. The seminars were hosted at Claret Vidyaniketan minor seminary at Ranchi and Claret Nivas major seminary at Barrackpore. 

The Institute,Sanyasa, offers an academic program for deepening the understanding of the consecrated form of life in the Church especially in the light of the Scripture, Magisterium, tradition and various theological interpretations with the scope of reviving and empowering the consecrated persons.

Bengaluru:  On 29 March 2023, the Institute of Consecrated Life – Sanyasa (ICLS), Bengaluru, held its 21st Convocation Ceremony, presided over by its president, Rev. Fr. Sabu Koottarappallil, the Provincial Superior of the Claretian province of Bangalore. The celebration was attended by the graduating students, professors, Claretians from neighbouring communities, a host of other religious and guests.

The Convocation marked an academic year packed with various long- and short- term courses at the service of consecrated men and women. Two students graduated with the licentiate course whereas 11 students received diplomas in theology of consecrated life. 29 young religious who had attended a three-month long intensive preparation for perpetual profession received their certification too.

Besides these, ICLS also hosted a variety of other short courses such as Formative Accompaniment: Theory and Practicum (FATP) and specialized and targeted retreats. A total of 111 students passed through the campus during this academic year; of which 91 were religious sisters, 09 religious brothers, 10 religious priests and 01 diocesan deacon. In all, 46 religious congregations were represented in the academic programs of ICL-Sanyasa this year. The two 100-hr online weekend courses on Theology of Consecrated Life and on Bible Study were highly sought after courses of ICLS. In all, 270 religious from 42 congregations benefitted from these courses.

During his message, Fr. Sabu George, the president, appreciated the Institute for its creative and relevant initiatives at the service of the consecrated life and exhorted the students to live God’s dream for humanity with passion and expertise.

Barwadih, Jharkhand, India: The community of Catholic Ashram Barwadih inaugurated and blessed its new residence on 05 March 2023. Rev. Fr. Sabu Koottarappallil, the Provincial Superior declared open and Most Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas, the Apostolic Administrator of the diocese of Daltonganj, blessed the new house in the presence of a large gathering of the faithful.  

Claretians of the province of Bangalore have been working in Barwadih mission for over 26 years. All these years the missionaries remained and worked through very humble dwelling, feeling one with the people. Though many a times need was felt for better facilities for the missionaries, priority was given for the infrastructure needed for the apostolic activities like parish church, school, hostel, dispensary, etc.

On 05 March 2023 their long cherished dream of a proper house came true. After the blessing of the new house, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas presided the solemn Sunday Eucharist. In his felicitation, Bishop Theodore applauded and explained how the Claretians through their services in the diocese, especially at Barwadih and Barikhajuri missions, make difference in the lives of the people. Through this community the Claretians carry out a varieties of ministries in care of the local people. Today the community has a well-developed parish with its substations; there is a steadily growing English Medium School, besides the local language schools in the villages. The English medium school also has good hostel facilities. Over the years, the community has developed one of the best healthcare centres of the area, which provides affordable and quick services. The community engages in a host of other social activities aimed at welfare of the people.

Bengaluru, India: Committed to the Ongoing Formation of its members, Province of Bangalore organized a Renewal Programme for the priests who are in their 10th to 15th year of priesthood; 19 priests made use of the renewal held at Provincial Curia from 28 February to 02 March 2023.

The focus of the renewal was on Pastoral Spirituality, animated by Fr. Vincent Arokiadas, a priest of the archdiocese of Hyderabad. Fr. Vincent elaborated the priestly spirituality through the expectations of ideal and the reality of actual priesthood and spirituality.

Fr. Xavier Pereira, the prefect of formation, guided the participants in understanding the Claretian ongoing formation and its need in the daily lives of missionaries challenged by the modern times and expectations of the apostolate. Provincial Superior, Fr. Sabu George, help the participants to review the image of Claretian Missionary. The participants also had the opportunity to interact virtually with Superior General, Rev. Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, who helped them to be connected and rooted in the Lord and the missionary vocation. Two of the participants also shared in detail their experience of specific ongoing formation; Fr. Chinnanna about his studies in family apostolate and Fr. Ravikumar about the Forge programme.

Participants spent quality time during the encounter recalling and sharing their personal and communitarian vocational and apostolic journey.

It was time of being deeply rooted and connected to Claretian vocation and to be energized in order to be audacious in mission.

Doddaballapura, Bengaluru: Claretians of Province of Bangalore organised a regional youth get-together at St. Peter’s Church Doddaballapura on Sunday 19 February 2023. There were 64 youth from seven different parishes of the deanery who benefited from the opportunity.

The day began with the celebration of the holy Eucharist together with the parish community. After the Mass, Rev. Fr. Sabu George, the Provincial Superior, inaugurated the event in the presence Fr. Jaipaul Thumma, the Prefect of Youth and Vocation Ministry.

In his inaugural address, Fr. Provincial underlined the importance of Communion, Participation and Mission by the youth in their parishes.

The day’s activities were guided by different resource persons. Rev. Fr. Dominic Sequeira inspired the youth on orientations of life; Fr. Jaipaul, address the youth on the importance of right selection and decision to succeed in life; he also shared the examples from Claretian mission and ministries. Frs. Joseph Thoompanal, Claretian regional youth coordinator, Anthony D’Souza, the Parish Priest, Sebastian T., Mario Zalki, Valentine Anthony Raj, and Lourduswamy also joined the event to inspire the youth and to motivate them. 

The event received appreciation from the youth as well as their parishes for the opportunity and the efforts taken to give proper direction and orientation to the youngsters.

Nallajerla, Eluru: To help the parishioners to grow in Marian devotion and Marian spirituality, Infant Jesus Church Nallajerla organized a seminar for the Legion of Mary members of the parish on 03 February 2023. The seminar was attended by 85 members from different units of the parish.

Fr. Ch. Rajkumar from Visakhapatnam diocese animated the seminar and guided the participants on various aspects of Marian Devotion. Some of the themes focused during the seminar were, importance of Marian Devotion, purpose of Legion of Mary, daily living of Marian spirituality by the members, the responsibilities of the members, their role in the parish development, how to conduct the Mariadalm meeting etc. There were also some practical sessions on the organization of the Mariadalam meetings. During the session it was also decided to make the Maiadalam more active in the villages and to elect the office bearers for better organization and participation.

St. Claret School at Nallajerla was fortunate to get a new Mineral Water Plant through the project of Guntur Diocese. On 04 February 2023 His Excellency Most Rev. Chinnabathini Bhagaiah, Bishop of Guntur, inaugurated the plant.  The progamme coordinator Fr. U Kiran and Regional coordinator of Caritas Fr. K. Kiran were also present on the occasion.

Bengaluru: To mark the celebration of the Consecrated Life, a National Seminar on “Forever Yours: Fidelity and Perseverance in Consecrated Life” based on the document The Gift of Fidelity and the Joy of Perseverance was organised by SNYASA Institute for Consecrated Life at Carmelaram, Bengaluru on 28-29 January 2023.

Fr. Gonzalo Fernandez Sanz CMF, the Former Vicar General of Claretian Missionaries, was the Chief Guest for the celebration. The first plenary session on “Liquid Fidelity in a Fragmented World: A Reality Check” was delivered by Sr. Prabina Rudum IBVM, professor at Vidhyajothi College of Theology, Delhi. The speaker highlighted on liquid fidelity in this modern era and its impacts for fidelity and perseverance in consecrated life.

The second plenary session on “Honouring the Forever: Cultivating Fidelity and Perseverance” was delivered by Fr. Gonzalo Fernandez Sanz who emphasised on being faithful forever and underscored the ways to be faithful and to persevere in the light of the document Lumen Fidei. This was followed by Poster-presentation on various themes.

To conclude the day there was sharing of the Best Practices in Consecrated Life. Sr. Marina of Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of Good Shepherd shared the best practices of working in the field as daily coolies during the pre-novitiate period; Fr. Paulson Veliyannoor CMF, the best practice of conducting the General Chapter based on SAND (Synodal, Appreciative, Narrative and Discerning) Method and Novice Anjana of John the Baptist Congregation, the best practice of recalling the vocation story once a month.

The second day of the National Seminar started with a prayer dance. The third plenary session on “to Stay or Not to Stay: Discernment and Accompaniment” was presented by Sr. Anna Mary Thumma, SCCG, the Professor at National Vocation Service Centre, Pune. The fourth plenary session was delivered by Fr. Varghese Koluthura CMI, Professor at Dharmaram Vidhya Kshetra, Bengaluru on “Letting Go and Letting Be: Canonical Regulations in Departures. During the Case Clinic Session, three cases were presented and analysed by Fr. Varghese Koluthara, CMI together with the participants.  

The afternoon session began with a prayer dance and was followed by the panel discussion, moderated by Fr. Michael Plamparambil CMF, the Secretary and Dean of Studies of ICLS. The National Seminar came to an end with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Gonzalo Fernandez Sanz, CMF.

Nagpur: On the Republic Day of India, 26 January 2023, St. Claret School Butibori organised Bharat Dharshan (Social Science Exhibition) depicting the culture, tradition, culinary and artefacts of the country.

The aim of the exhibition was to celebrate the diversity of India and to spread the message of unity and integration. It was the fruit of the hard work and creativity of the students and the staff.

The programme received an overwhelming response from the parents and local people. They appreciated the management, staff and children for putting up an incredible show of cultures of India.

The Bharat Dharshan paved a platform for the students to exhibit their talents and became a means to educate all.

Thousands of parents, students and guests witnessed the extravagant exhibition. It was an incredible and first of its kind exhibition being presented in the area.

Bangalore, India: On January 26th, 2023, the province of Bangalore organized a one-day Vocation Orientation Programme at Claretian Seminary Bengaluru. The program was attended by 90 aspiring youth from Claretian parishes Jalahalli and Dasarahalli, with the goal of helping them discover their vocation to religious life.

Fr. Sabu George, Provincial Superior, inaugurated the sessions by encouraging the youth to focus on their life and discern properly in carrying out the mission of Christ in the style of St. Anthony Mary Claret, the founder of the congrigation.

Throughout the day, special motivational talks on vocation, choices, discernment, and the Claretian Congregation were given by Frs. Joseph Thoompanal, Tomy Urumbumkuzhiyil, Jessin Kocheril, Justin Kuzhivelil, and Jaipaul Thumma. Sisters from the Congregation of Daughters of Sacred Heart of Jesus were also present to motivate the youth.

Claretian Seminary students also organized captivating action songs and group dynamics to help the youth during the camp. The program was a success, and it helped the youth to have a better understanding of their vocation and to make a good discernment.

The event was a great opportunity for the youth to explore the religious life and to be guided in their discernment to respond to the call of God. The Province of Bangalore continues to support and encourage young people to discover their vocation and to live it with joy and generosity.

Kurnool: Deacon Male Jojappa, CMF was ordained priest on 09 January 2023 by Most Rev. M. D. Prakasam, Bishop of Nellore, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Sunkeswari in the diocese of Kurnool, the native parish of Jojappa. It was a unique and joyful celebration not only for the family of Jojappa but for the whole village, as most of the people joined in preparing and celebrating the solemn event.

Hyderabad: Deacon Veligandla Bala John, CMF was ordained priest on 30 December 2022 by Cardinal Poola Anthony, Archbishop of Hyderabad, at Infant Jesus Shrine Emjala in the archdiocese of Hyderabad. Along with the family and relations of Bala John many Claretians, other clergy and religious joined the celebration.

The 95-year-old Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI passed away on Saturday, 31 December 2022, at 9:34 AM in his residence at the Vatican's Mater Ecclesiae Monastery.

We thank God for the person of Pope Benedict XVI and pray that he enjoy eternal peace in the Kingdom of God.

Barikhajuri, Jharkhand: A Claretian Regional Youth Meet in North India was organized at Barikhajuri mission under the banner of Prefecture of Youth and Vocation Ministry by the Province of Bangalore. It was jointly organised by Barwadih and Barikhajuri missions on 10 December 2022. Over 500 young people from Claretian Parishes and Schools of Barikhajuri and Barwadih along with students from Bargarh participated in the event.

Fr. Jaipaul Thumma, the Prefect of Youth and Vocation Ministry in the province was the chief guest for the programme.

Reconstructing the story of the Titanic ship, he spoke on the need for the young people to be prompt in picking up signals from God. He exhorted the youth to be grateful to the parents and take care of them. Fr. George Mattathil spoke on the reasons behind organizing such a meeting in the season of Advent, which encourages and deepens our faith in God and hope for better future. Fr. Deonis Kujur, the regional youth coordinator, along with other Claretians and parish youth leaders, helped in planning and organising the event. The activities of the day also included a Bible Quiz, Carol Singing and Dance Competition.

Bengaluru: The Local Superiors and Delegate Superiors of all the houses and residences of the Province of Bangalore came together for an annual meeting under the guidance of the provincial government. The meeting was held from 19 to 22 November 2022 at Claret Nivas Carmelaram.

The meeting discussed and evaluated the life and mission of the province; various aspects of the administration of the province was also discussed. Important themes in the life of province, like Living our Vocation in the Communities, Initial and Ongoing Formation, Education Ministry, Administration of the Parishes, Social Ministries in the Province, Projects through Mission Procurer, Ministry through the Institute of Consecrated Life (Sanyasa), Implementation of XXVI General Chapter Recommendations, Protocol in the Care of Minors, etc.

There were also special moments during the meeting. Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, Superior General, addressed the members through online conference and updated on the journey of the congregation after the XXVI General Chapter and helped the Superiors to understand the process of Discernment in the role animation. Fr. Pedro Belderrain, the General Prefect of Apostolate, was on visit to the Province of Bangalore. On the final day of the meeting Fr. Pedro presided the Eucharist and had a session on Synodality and Shared Mission in the congregation.

The meeting was a time of revitalizing the members and the ministries of the province through the animating role of the superiors.