ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGIOUS IN INDIA
In its meeting held in Bangalore in September 2016, the National CRI Executive took this important decision: To bring out an Encyclopedia of Religious in India. Some attempts were made earlier to get church historians to write a history of religious life in India, but these efforts have not born tangible results. It seemed to the National CRI that an encyclopedia can rope in many more experts and thus provide a far more comprehensive presentation of the life and contributions of religious orders working in India. A much wider range of topics can be covered, and the viewpoints of many more scholars can find a place in an encyclopedia, while a history book would present largely the vision and expertise of one or a few authors.
To head this venture, the National CRI has appointed Fr. George Panthanmackel MSFS, Provincial of Northeast India Province and National Vice President of CRI (Priests Section), as Editor-in-Chief, entrusting him with the task of organizing the project and constituting an Editorial Board. The National Executive selected Fr George, since he (together with other scholars), has already brought out a scholarly encyclopedia—the two-volume ACPI (Association of Christian Philosophers of India) Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
The editorial board includes: Fr George Panthanmackel MSFS (Editor-in-Chief), Fr. V. M. Thomas SDB (Managing Editor), Sr. Tessy Joseph MSMHC (Treasurer), Fr. Jose Karipadathu MSFS (Secretary), Fr. Joy Kachappilly SDB, Fr. Maria Arul Anthuvan SDB and Fr. Melvil Pereira SJ. The project is expected to be completed by October 2018.
MINI-SEMINARS FOR RELIGIOUS
The Visagapatnam CRI Unit organized two one-day seminars for religious, both of which were very well attended.
The first seminar, attended by 130 junior sisters, novices and candidates, covered the topic: “Five Areas of Growth: Body, Mind, Emotions, Relationships and Spirituality.” An integral development is a must, both for our own happiness and for effectiveness in our ministry. Each aspect was explained with examples, and the relative importance of each area shown in a chart.
The second day’s programme was attended by 170 religious and priests. It covered these themes: Building a Happy Religious and Priestly Life (something Pope Francis insists on), Facing Disillusionment and Developing Our Huge Mental Potential.
The anonymous written feedback from participants showed a very high level of satisfaction with the seminar.
The careful organization of the seminars was done by the Vizag CRI Unit, especially its President, Fr Bhasker MSFS and the secretary, Fr Ratna Neelam SDB. Participants and organizers were in high praise of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Annecy, in whose school and college campus the seminars were held. Their hospitality made a real difference. The resource person for both the seminars was Fr Joe Mannath SDB, National CRI Secretary.
Several such mini-seminars on “Five Areas of Growth” (called the Magic Seven—Five Areas plus Responsibility and Integration) are planned this year, to be offered in various parts of India.
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