Religious Leaders in Bengaluru Renew Focus on Family, Youth and Ecology

BENGALURU, August 2, 2026: Around 70 religious leaders representing 19 zones of the Bangalore Regional Conference of Religious gathered at the DVK Research Centre, Bengaluru, on August 2 to strengthen collaboration and plan the implementation of priorities identified at the recent Karnataka Regional Conference of Religious Annual Assembly.

The Zonal Leaders’ Meeting focused on translating the assembly’s three pastoral priorities — Family, Youth and Ecology — into concrete initiatives across the 19 zones.

The gathering opened with the celebration of the Eucharist presided over by Fr Saju Chackalakal CMI, National President of the Conference of Religious India. Fr Anto Vattakuzhy CMI, Vice-President of the Bangalore Regional Conference of Religious, introduced the celebrant.

In his homily, Fr Saju commended the executive members and zonal leaders for their service and encouraged them to continue their ministry with humility, compassion and hope, trusting in God’s providence.

The inaugural session began with prayer and a welcome from Sr Margarita Dias SCB, Executive Member of the Bangalore Regional Conference of Religious, on behalf of President Fr Anthony Swamy SAC. She emphasised fraternity, collaboration and synodality among religious congregations.

An ice-breaker session led by Fr Arogya Raj SDB encouraged fellowship and interaction among the participants.

Bro Xavier Alexander, Executive Member of the Karnataka Regional Conference of Religious and In-charge of the Bangalore unit, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the key discussions and priorities emerging from the 28th Annual Assembly held from July 17 to 19 at St John’s Annex, Bengaluru.

Sr Angela, Executive Member of the Karnataka Regional Conference of Religious, conveyed a message from its President, Fr Agnal Amalan, calling on religious to strengthen communion, collaboration and missionary witness.

The leaders then reviewed activities undertaken across the 19 zones. Fr Arogya Raj invited zonal leaders to share their achievements, pastoral initiatives and annual programmes. Fr Joshua MFSC, Executive Member of the Bangalore Regional Conference of Religious, synthesised the presentations, identifying common concerns, successful initiatives and areas where greater cooperation could be developed.

Participants discussed practical approaches to promoting programmes centred on families, young people and ecological responsibility. An open forum provided an opportunity to address pastoral challenges and exchange ideas for strengthening cooperation among the zones.

Financial and organisational matters were also reviewed. Sr Anjali SSAM, Treasurer, presented the annual financial report, including subscriptions, the organisation’s financial position and administrative matters.

Sr Margarita Dias, together with Secretary Sr Rani Thumma FSI, presented recommendations and guidelines from the Karnataka assembly and outlined a common action plan for implementation across the zones.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Sr Jain Mary OP. Participants returned to their respective zones with renewed commitment to communion, participation and mission, seeking to strengthen the witness of consecrated life through initiatives focused on Family, Youth and Ecology.

Courtesy Sr Margarita Dias SCB