Consecrated Life Seminar in Bengaluru Highlights Love, Mission, and Renewal

Bengaluru, Feb. 10, 2026: Around 250 consecrated men and women gathered in Bengaluru on February 7 to mark the Day of Consecrated Life with theological reflection and dialogue at the 22nd Annual Seminar organised by the Institute of Consecrated Life – SANYASA (ICLS).

Held under the theme “From Dilexit Nos to Dilexi Te: I Love, Because I Am Loved,” the seminar invited participants to reflect on the meaning and mission of consecrated life through a joint reading of two significant magisterial documents.

In the inaugural address, Fr. Jose Cristo Rey Garcia Paredes, CMF, a well-known theologian of consecrated life, called on participants to “return to the heart,” urging a renewed interior grounding of religious vocation. Reflecting on Dilexit Nos, Fr. Shyam Prasad, FdCC, major superior of the Canossian Sons of Charity in India, spoke on delighting in the Lord who first delights in humanity.

Drawing from Dilexi Te, Fr. Selvaraj Arulnathan, SJ, director of the Indian Social Institute, focused on the realities of the poor and marginalised in India, emphasising that consecrated life is called to embody God’s love within concrete social contexts. The three speakers later engaged participants through a panel interaction, encouraging questions and shared reflection.

To foster greater involvement from formation houses, the organisers included a poster presentation contest, with eight communities participating. The first prize was awarded to the students of Arul Nivas of the Missionaries of the Immaculate (MMI).

The seminar concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Anthony Swamy, SAC, president of the Bengaluru chapter of the Conference of Religious India, bringing the day of reflection and dialogue to a prayerful close.

By Fr. Paulson Veliyanoor CMF

Director, ICLS