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CRI kicks off meeting with innovation call

This could be a 'defining moment' says president
CRI kicks off meeting with innovation call
President Montfort Bro. K. M. Joseph (extreme right) at the start of the meeting
Published: October 29, 2012 08:23 AM GMT
Updated: October 29, 2012 08:23 AM GMT

The Conference of Religious India (CRI) opened on Sunday with an appeal from the group's president to identify ways for Catholicism to have more meaning in people's lives. “We are faced with the realization that in today’s context our existing belief systems, practices and structures are becoming less effective in living out the goals and ideals of religious life,” said Montfort Brother K.M. Joseph. He was speaking to about 550 Superiors General and provincials of various congregations, during the start of a four-day triennial meeting of the CRI in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. During the meeting, the delegates are deliberating on innovations to give the consecrated life greater effectiveness. Bro. Joseph told them their innovations “need to focus on principals of good governance, solidarity and networking, eco-spirituality and a spirituality of justice.” He said the changes could become a “defining moment” in the history of religious life in India. He said the theme of innovation has created a great deal of excitement and expectation, and he reminded delegates that “innovation for innovation's sake is meaningless." “The goal is the radical living of our life, the way Jesus Christ lived his life. The content of religious life is the mission of Jesus – to bring the good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty, to set free the oppressed and announce the good news of salvation to all,” Brother Joseph said. He also reminded those present that this plenary was being held at a “critical juncture” in the history of the Church. The CRI has a total of 334 congregations and 822 major superiors. It represents more than 125,000 Catholic brothers, priests and nuns in India. Most of the schools, hospitals, social service centers and other institutions of the Catholic Church in India are managed by the group, which held its last national assembly in Delhi three years ago. Related reports Manpower crunch unites congregationsNew head of Indian Religious wants collaboration with Asia, Africa

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