Bengaluru, India: In order to help the Students to prepare well for their Solemn Commitment of Perpetual Profession, the ASCLA West Conference adopted the FORGE method in a month long intensive preparation. Held at Novitiate House Bengaluru from 29 April to 25 May 2026, 15 Students (3 from Bangalore, 3 from Kolkata, 2 from Joseph Vaz and 7 from St. Thomas) participated in the transformative experience of Forge.

The themes and modules of the Forge Renewal Programme were adapted to suit the specific preparation and the spiritual journey aimed at configuration with Christ. The stages, Quid Prodest, Patris Mei, Caritas Christi and Spiritus Domini were the guiding principles to strengthen the vocation, leading towards the final commitment. The gradual movement from one stage to another enabled the participants to grasp the deeper meaning of each stage and experience the personal renewal.

The whole spiritual journey was meaningfully accompanied by specific symbolism and rituals of Forge Workshop inspiring in the Students the meaningful process of self-surrender and self-transformation. Each stage also provided sufficient time to pause and interiorize the growth accompanied by a pilgrimage, a community experience and valuable time spent in a palliative care Centre. The intensive preparations were colminated with a Christ awareness retreat animated by Fr. Mariadoss.

The community liturgical celebrations of daily Eucharist, Adoration, Marian Devotion and prayers, not only sustained the personal transformative spiritual journey but united the group with the whole congregation and the Church. Indeed, it was a grace-filled time for the Candidates before their final commitment, evoking in them a sense of vocational fulfillment.

The resourceful team of senior Claretians, Frs. Michael Mariadoss, L. Anthony, James Kannanthanam, Arokia Basanio, Paulson Veliyannoor, and Michael Plamparambil, accompanied the Students animating them and guiding them with interactive and thought-provoking inputs and life experiences. From the part of the organizing organism of Bangalore, Fr. Xavier Pereira supported the team.