- 09 June, 2026
OLD GOA, June 9, 2026: Calling on future women religious leaders to help shape a Church marked by transparency, responsibility and hope, Sr. Maria Nirmalini challenged students at the inauguration of the new academic year at Institute Mater Dei, Old Goa, to become agents of transformation in a rapidly changing world.
missionaries of the Gospel.
Delivering the keynote address, the President of the Conference of Religious Women India (CRWI) and Superior General of the Apostolic Carmel Congregation reflected on the challenges facing both the Church and society amid technological advances, cultural shifts and growing concerns about human dignity and accountability.
Quoting a thought-provoking reflection, she told the gathering that humanity today faces a decisive choice: “either to construct a new Tower of Babel or to build the city in which God and humanity dwell together.”
Her message invited students, formators, religious and educators to recognise their responsibility in shaping a future rooted in justice, fraternity and respect for the dignity of every person.
Drawing on insights from safeguarding sessions recently conducted in Bengaluru by Hans Zollner for CRWI members, Sr. Maria Nirmalini outlined four fundamental questions that Church institutions and religious communities must continually ask themselves.
The first, she said, concerns identity and spirituality: who Church leaders and members are called to be. Authentic discipleship, rooted in Christ, must precede discussions about structures, programmes or pastoral initiatives.
The second question focuses on the future and the manner in which communities choose to act. In an increasingly diverse society, she stressed the importance of intercultural dialogue, mutual respect and collaboration while remaining faithful to Gospel values.
Addressing the third question, she spoke about the need to confront failures, limitations and wrongdoing with honesty and humility. Transparency, she noted, is essential for growth and renewal, requiring the courage to acknowledge mistakes and commit to ongoing conversion.
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The fourth question, which she described as deeply theological, asks what God is calling the Church to become in the present moment. Reflecting on this challenge, she highlighted the importance of accountability, integrity and responsible leadership in every aspect of ecclesial life. Listening to God's voice, she said, demands openness to reform and faithful stewardship of the Church’s mission.
Sr. Maria Nirmalini also linked her reflections to the pastoral vision proposed by Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão in his pastoral letter to the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. She noted that his emphasis on rootedness in faith, formation in faith and celebration in faith offers a strong framework for building vibrant Christian communities.
According to her, being rooted in faith enables believers to remain anchored in Christ amid changing social realities, while formation equips them to respond wisely and responsibly to contemporary challenges. Celebration of faith, she added, sustains the Christian journey through worship, community life and joyful witness.
Throughout her address, she emphasised that safeguarding cannot be reduced to policies and procedures alone. Rather, it must become a way of being Church—one that is spiritually grounded, culturally sensitive, transparent in its conduct and accountable before both God and society.
As Institute Mater Dei begins a new academic year, Sr. Maria Nirmalini’s message offered both encouragement and challenge to those preparing for religious life and ministry. Her call, participants noted, was ultimately an invitation to build communities where justice, truth, compassion and hope prevail, reflecting a Church that walks faithfully with God and humanity.
Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, presided over the Eucharistic Celebration and formally inaugurated the academic year.
In his homily, centred on the theme “Rooted in Christ’s Humanity, Forming Hearts for Mission,” Cardinal Ferrão emphasized that a genuine encounter with Jesus not only forms but also transforms hearts, enabling believers to become the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” through the witness of their lives.
Reflecting on the widow of Zarephath, he highlighted that unwavering trust in God and a spirit of generous self-giving open the way for God's abundant providence and grace. He urged the faithful, especially those beginning the new academic year at the Institute Mater Dei, to deepen their personal intimacy with Christ so that they may live lives of compassionate, self-sacrificing love and become effective missionaries of the gospel.
Earlier, Sr. Supreetha AC, Superior of the Institute Mater Dei, welcomed the gathering, while Sr. Molly Mathew, Executive Director of CRWI, conveyed a message from Sr. Aruna Jose CHF, President of the Institute Mater Dei. The occasion also marked the formal welcome of the newly appointed Superior, Sr. Supreetha AC.
The inaugural programme included a prayer dance, the lighting of the traditional lamp and the unveiling of the theme board, and concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Sr. Marina Mundaden SABS, Director of the Formators’ Course.
By Br. Malvino Alfonso OCD
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