Mysore Diocese Hosts Meeting of Superiors and Formators of Religious Congregations

MYSURU, September 11, 2025 — The Diocese of Mysore organised a Superiors’ and Formators’ Meeting on Thursday, 11 September 2025, at Kripalaya, a religious studies institute based in Mysuru. The event brought together superiors and formators of various Catholic religious congregations from across the diocese to reflect on their role and mission as “Pilgrims of Hope, Journeying Together”. The one-day meeting, held as part of the diocese’s Jubilee Year initiatives, aimed to renew the participants' commitment to consecrated life and to address leadership and formation challenges through presentations and discussions.

The meeting opened with a prayer and a formal inauguration led by Msgr. Alfred John Mendonca, Vicar General of the Diocese of Mysore. Msgr. Alfred welcomed all the participants and invoked God’s blessings on the day’s proceedings. In his opening address, he underlined the Jubilee year 2025 as a season for renewal, reconciliation and rediscovery of the joy of consecrated life.

Fr. Rathan Almeida, OCD, president of the CRI Mysuru unit, led the first session of the meeting, speaking on “Challenges of Being a Superior”. In his talk, Fr. Rathan highlighted the responsibilities of congregation superiors in guiding communities with discernment, obedience and pastoral sensitivity. He reminded the participants that leadership in the context of the Jubilee year must be marked by hope, service, and the witness of unity in diversity.

The second session of the day, titled “Challenges of Being a Formator”, was delivered by Fr. Santha Lopes, OFM Cap, Rector of Kripalaya. In his talk, Fr. Santha highlighted the canonical, vocational, and human dimensions of formation. He also emphasised Christian witness and values, and the importance of ongoing formation. He stated that in the Jubilee Year, formators are called to shape disciples of Christ who radiate joy, faith, and missionary zeal.

In the afternoon, Archbishop Bernard Moras, Apostolic Administrator of Mysore Diocese, addressed the gathering, delivering an inspiring Jubilee message. He spoke about the significance of Christian values, vocational formation, discernment, and the liturgical importance of nourishing faith in communities. Archbishop Moras encouraged participants to remain steadfast witnesses of faith and hope, observing that “people still have good faith, obedient families, and seek guidance from their shepherds.” He reminded them that the Jubilee is a time of grace, an opportunity to renew consecrated life, strengthen families, and journey together as a Church rooted in faith and hope.

Sr. Soumya SMMI, Secretary of CRI Mysore, coordinated the programme and served as the master of ceremonies. The Treasurer of CRI Mysore proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all the participants. He also extended special thanks to Fr. Santha Lopes, the rector of Kripalaya, for his contribution and support in organising the event.

Participants departed from the meeting venue, enriched with renewed zeal and filled with the spirit of the Jubilee Year, to continue their mission of guiding, forming, and journeying with the People of God as true “Pilgrims of Hope”.

Mysore Diocese Hosts Meeting of Superiors and Formators of Religious Congregations

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