Varanasi CRI Report 23rd October 2021

The members of the Varanasi CRI Local unit gathered at Nav Sadhana on 23rd October 2021. 68 members were present for the annual assembly. The session began by lighting the lamp and Sr Suzy UFS led us into the invocation prayer.

Fr Benedict MSFS, President of Varanasi CRI, MC of the day welcomed the gathering and offered prayers for the deceased member, Sr Beatrice SRA. He introduced the resource person for the day Fr. Neeti Bhai IMS to the audience.

Rev Fr. Neeti began his reflections on the topic “Prophetically Following Jesus in His Mission” where he highlighted the characteristics of prophets, like the ability to speak out, read the signs of times, and become messengers of God. Further, he enlightened us about following Jesus Prophetically and also suggested a few examples from the life of Jesus. He retorted, “Following Jesus is to put on the mind of Jesus.”

To follow Jesus is really harder than worshipping Him. Following Jesus calls readiness to face dire consequences like Him who lived and struggled to realize his mission. Jesus struggled against religious oppression. Jesus’ mission was to realize the reign of God – His Father and our Father. Later Fr.Neeti stressed how to follow Jesus specifically quoting his own life experiences.  He added we need to think globally and act locally.

 Later the group was divided into 3, for discussions and then the group broke for lunch at 1:00 p.m.

The session resumed at 2.00 p.m. The group discussions were presented by the group secretaries respectively.

After the group presentations, Fr. Neeti shared his remarks on the discussions. Following that the secretary of the Local CRI Unit Varanasi presented the annual report for the year 2020-21 to the gathering. The secretaries of various zones read out the report of their respective zones. The vote of thanks was proposed by Sr Sylvia SAP. She thanked the group for their participation in large numbers and their active contribution to the growth of the Church. The meeting came to an end with the thanksgiving prayer at 4:00 p.m.

Following are the action plans drawn.

u The CRI will request the bishop to admit students of all faith to the hostel.

u To make our communities, institutions & campuses plastic-free zones.

u To teach constitutional values in schools emphasizing secular ideas.

u To keep a good rapport with local Pradhans and his Councilors.

u The need to keep the Voter’s ID.

u To build up a relationship with God and people.

u To have the meetings at the zonal level and to discuss the points given by Fr. Neeti Bhai.

Sr. Sylvia SAP

Interim CRI Secretary

Annual General Body Meeting- CRI region of URU

The URU Region Annual General Body Meeting was held on 16 November 2021 at Nav Sadhana, Varanasi.  The resource person for the day was Fr Joshan Tharakan IMS. The theme for the day was “House in Order”. The resource person highlighted about the importance of digital documentation, cloud computing, and centralization of the administration system for the smooth functioning of the institution.

CRI Varanasi Synod

The CRI Varanasi Synod gathered at Nav Sadhana on22ndNovember 2021. There was 88 Religious present for the orientation program. They were from Ballia, Mau, Ghazipur, and Varanasi zones.

The orientation program commenced with an opening prayer led by Sr Philomena and Sr Sylvia from St Ann’s Convent. Fr Benedict MSFS the CRI President of the Varanasi Unit, explained the synod's meaning, our responsibility, and how we can journey together to achieve our common goal. This is to make our Church more vibrant and people-oriented. Sr Sumy FMM gave us a PowerPoint presentation clearly explaining the meaning and the purpose of this Synod. Later on, we were sent in groups to discuss and plan out. The group sharing was very helpful. Everyone felt free to express their appreciation for all that we do and suggestions to make our Church vibrant.  The secretaries from all the groups shared their views and the meeting came to an end with a vote of thanks proposed by Sr Philomena D’Cunha SAP. 

Peace rally

The world witnessed the prolonged war between Russia and Ukraine causing a death toll and surmounting destruction. The civilian and military death tolls increase day by day. In solidarity with the suffering of the people, CRI Varanasi organized a program for peace in Ukraine and Russia at Ambedkar Park, Varanasi on 2 march 2022. Tributes were paid to Naveen Shekar Appa and Chandan Jindal who lost their lives in the war. The members also appealed for dialogue as a response to conflicts and to war.

Women’s day celebration

 The CRI Varanasi organized a webinar on March 4, 2022, marking the significance of women’s day on the theme of gender equality for a sustainable future in the Church and the wider society.

More than 50 participants attended the webinar. The first speech was given by Jagriti Rahi Dr. Muniza Rafiq insisted on gender equality and the importance of women’s role in society. Then finally Rev Sr. Dorothy Fernandes national convenor for the forum for justice and peace highlighted the role and the responsibility of women in the Church.

Christian Unity Octave

The CRI and Varanasi Pastor Fellowship organized prayer sessions from 18-25 January 2022 where all denominations had the opportunity to conduct prayers and share their views.

Varanasi CRI Report  25th  September 2022

The CRI Annual General Body meeting was held on 25 September 2022 from 10.00 am.-4.30 pm at Nav Sadhana regional pastoral center.  105 members were present for the annual assembly. The session began with a prayer conducted by Sr. Lynette C.J

Fr Benedict MSFS, President of Varanasi CRI, MC of the day welcomed the gathering and welcomed the CRI Uru Region president Fr. Ishwaranand IMS, Secretary Sr. Benedicta SRA, and all the Provincial Superiors of the various Congregations who are in around Varanasi. He introduced the resource person for the day Fr. Richard OFM cap to the audience.

Rev Fr. Richard  began his reflections on the topic “Discipleship Post Pandemic Challenges” where he highlighted the characteristics of prophets, like the ability to speak out, read the signs of times, and become messengers of God. Further, he enlightened us about following Jesus Prophetically and also suggested a few examples from the life of Jesus. He retorted, “Following Jesus is to put on the mind of Jesus.”

To follow Jesus is really harder than worshipping Him.

Thereafter Fr. Ishwaranand IMS spoke about the upcoming events of CRI.  He declared that the office bearers continues  and in place of Fr. Prem Antony IMS Sr. Shyja OLP was elected as Vice President

 Later the group was divided into 5, for discussions and then the group broke for lunch at 1:00 p.m.

The session resumed at 2.00 p.m. The group discussions were presented by the group secretaries respectively.

After the group presentations, Fr. Neeti shared his remarks on the discussions. Following that the secretary of the Local CRI Unit Varanasi presented the annual report for the year 2020-21 to the gathering. The secretaries of various zones read out the report of their respective zones. The vote of thanks was proposed by Sr Sylvia SAP. She thanked the group for their participation in large numbers and their active contribution to the growth of the Church. The meeting came to an end with the thanksgiving prayer at 4:00 p.m.

Following are the action plans drawn.

u The CRI will request the bishop to admit students of all faith to the hostel.

u To make our communities, institutions & campuses plastic-free zones.

u To teach constitutional values in schools emphasizing secular ideas.

u To keep a good rapport with local Pradhans and his Councilors.

u The need to keep the Voter’s ID.

u To build up a relationship with God and people.

u To have the meetings at the zonal level and to discuss the points given by Fr. Neeti Bhai.