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SEMINAR ON RELIGIOUS LEADERSHIP
Empowering inherent leadership for Religious Community and Church 11-18 July 2024, NBCLC, Bengaluru
A group of 40 religious leaders from across India gathered at NBCLC, Bengaluru, from 11 to 18 July 2024 for a seminar on empowering inherent leadership. The participants, including 4 priests and 36 sisters, represented various religious institutes.
On 11 July 2024, a brief yet significant inaugural ceremony took place at 8:45 a.m. in the Amalor Hall. The event began with a prayer song, followed by the lighting of the Kuthuvillakku by Rev. Fr. John Baptist, NBCLC's Director, and Rev. Fr. Sunil Kumar D'Souza, the resource person for the day, along with four representatives from the participant group. This act symbolised seeking God's guidance and grace throughout the seminar.
Fr. Sunil Kumar, a Canon Law professor at St. Peter's Seminary in Bengaluru, led the day's sessions, focusing on "Canonical Aspects of Religious Life" (Canons 573-700). He began with an introduction to the seven books of the Code of Canon Law and provided detailed explanations on canons related to various aspects of the Institute of Consecrated Life (ICL) and Societies of Apostolic Life (SAL). His engaging teaching style kept participants active and helped them understand the theological, canonical, and charismatic identity of their consecrated life.
On 12 July, Rev. Bro. Paul Raj SG led a thought-provoking session on "Balancing the Dichotomy of Youth and Elder in Community Today." Leveraging his extensive knowledge, experience, and wisdom, he guided the participants in
exploring the reality of generation gaps in religious communities, their underlying causes, and effective strategies for addressing these challenges. Bro. Paul Raj also shed light on the essential characteristics of a religious family and encouraged the participants to embody community communion in their lives, emphasising that this is their primary mission. Through his insightful animation, he inspired the group to reflect on the importance of bridging the generation gap and fostering a sense of unity and harmony within their communities.
On 13 July, Rev. Fr. Tony Thampi C.S.C., a seasoned expert, skilfully guided the group in exploring the significant phenomenon of "Mid-life Transition" in both human and religious life. Through his creative animation, Fr. Tony elucidated the concept of mid-life transition and crisis, astutely observing that "having spent our early years growing up, we must now learn to grow down" by adopting a new perspective and approach as religious leaders. He emphasised the essential need for continuous learning, growth, and humility, encouraging the participants to embrace an open-minded and humble attitude, fostering personal and spiritual development in their lives and ministries.
On 14 July, the group engaged in a comprehensive exploration of the crucial theme "Protection of Children, Minors, and Vulnerable People in Our Institutions." Three expert resource persons enriched the session with their insights and expertise. Mrs. Arlene Manoharan, Joint Secretary of the Family Commission in the Archdiocese of Bengaluru and a seasoned social worker, provided an in-depth orientation on safeguarding children, encompassing prevention, response, reporting, monitoring, evaluation, and learning. She also introduced the "Tutela Minorum," a universal guidelines framework published by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
Mrs. Kushi Kushalappa, a member of Enfold Proactive Health Trust, Bengaluru, effectively engaged the participants with practical examples and case studies on sexual abuse and the POCSO Act. Fr. Merlin R. Ambrose, a professor from St. Peter's Seminary, Bengaluru, led a detailed session on "Delict against VI Commandment," covering offences against human life, dignity, and liberty, as well as corresponding penal sanctions.
These informative sessions broadened the participants' understanding and instilled in them a deep commitment to safeguarding children and treating all individuals with respect and dignity, integrating these values into their daily lives and mission.
On 15 July 2024, Rev. Fr. Kurian Kachappilly CMI, a professor at Dharmaram College in Bengaluru, animated the group on the theme "Leadership: Vatican II and Post Vatican II and Pope Francis," offering valuable insights. Fr. Kurian presented nine essential tips for effective leadership and highlighted three models of leadership in the Church. He emphasised the importance of adopting a synodal style of leadership and encouraged servant leadership, inspired by Jesus' example. He also discussed the challenges of leadership and strategies for overcoming them. The session concluded with an emphasis on the importance of adaptability, growth, and mutual respect, encouraging leaders to embrace an attitude of "learning - unlearning - relearning" and fostering a culture of "I am ok, you are ok, and therefore we are ok."
On 16 July 2024, Rev. Fr. Olvin Veigas SJ, from St. Joseph Institute of Management, Bengaluru, delivered a thought-provoking session on "Mission Leadership in the Present Indian Context." He provided a comprehensive overview of the contemporary world, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of living out our mission in today's India. Fr. Veigas encouraged the participants to embrace their religious life with purpose and passion, becoming "mystics and prophets" attuned to the socio-political and economic realities of the time. He emphasised the importance of staying updated with cutting-edge technology, such as AI, and leading with the heart of Jesus, embodying kingdom values. Fr. Veigas inspired the group to navigate the complexities of the Indian context with courage, compassion, and vision.
On 17-18 July 2024, the final two days of the seminar featured Sr. Metti Amirtham, a Holy Cross Sister, who led a thought-provoking discussion on the critical theme of women empowerment and gender justice in the Church and society. She presented a comprehensive overview of the status of women in various aspects of life, including the atrocities they face, infanticide, child marriage, domestic violence, and their representation in politics, culture, and religion. She also highlighted the specific challenges faced by women religious in the Church. With passion and conviction, she emphasised the biblical mandate of empowering women, citing Jesus as a feminist and Mary as an empowered woman. Through her engaging presentation, Sr. Metti encouraged the participants to take concrete steps towards self-empowerment and empowering other women.
The seminar concluded on 18 July, with participants returning to their respective institutions empowered to lead with renewed passion, wisdom, and commitment. They expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Director and staff of NBCLC, the resource persons, and one another for the enriching experience. The spirit of unity, mutual respect, and shared purpose lingered, a testament to the seminar's success in fostering a sense of community and collective mission among the participants.
L to R: LYONS, ANNECY, CHAMBERY (LAC)